Dapper Music and Entertainment has officially welcomed Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, to its roster, marking a defining moment in both the artist’s career and the label’s ongoing expansion of Nigeria’s street-pop and Afrobeats scene.
Hailing from Benin City, Shallipopi has quickly emerged as one of the country’s most talked-about breakout artists, combining infectious street energy with playful lyricism and a keen sense of melody. He became a household name among young Nigerians, establishing himself as a cultural voice whose music reflects both the vibrancy and realities of urban life.
Before joining Dapper Music, Shallipopi built significant momentum through early independent releases that captured the attention of street and digital audiences. Tracks like “Gra Gra,” “Power,” and “Shaka” positioned him as an artist to watch, blending clever wordplay with high-energy delivery that resonated across TikTok, Instagram, and youth-focused streaming playlists. These songs laid the foundation for his breakout, connecting him with fans across Nigeria who were eager for fresh street-infused sounds.
His breakthrough came with “Elon Musk,” a single that rapidly went viral on social media, generating millions of streams and positioning Shallipopi as a rising voice capable of crossing from street credibility to mainstream attention. Following the track’s success, he released “Sharpiru”, the “Elon Musk” remix featuring Zlatan, and another remix with Fireboy DML, quickly establishing a string of high-impact releases that cemented his visibility and relevance.
The signing by Dapper Music and Entertainment represents a strategic partnership designed to transform Shallipopi’s organic street momentum into a fully structured career. The label’s comprehensive support encompasses branding, distribution, marketing, PR, media campaigns, and performance management, ensuring that his music reaches national and regional audiences while preserving the authenticity that first attracted fans.
Through Dapper Music and Entertainment’s strategic branding and media amplification, Shallipopi has already been featured in key interviews, podcasts, and digital campaigns, increasing his exposure across traditional and social media channels. The label’s distribution infrastructure guarantees that his releases are available on every major streaming platform, while its structured release planning ensures singles drop at optimal times to maximise reach and engagement. Additionally, performance coordination and event support have given Shallipopi opportunities to perform live for fans, solidifying his connection with audiences and showcasing his stage presence.
Following his signing, Shallipopi released his debut EP Planet Pluto, a six-track project featuring standout songs like “Oba Pluto” and “Ahead Ahead (Speedometer)”, which demonstrate his versatility and ability to blend playful hooks with street-rooted narratives. These releases illustrate how Dapper Music’s structured approach, from production quality to playlist placement, has helped him translate viral energy into measurable growth.
The collaboration between Shallipopi and Dapper Music also highlights the label’s broader philosophy: discovering raw talent, providing the tools and guidance to refine it, and delivering it to audiences on a national scale. In doing so, the label not only amplifies the careers of individual artists but also shapes the soundscape of Nigerian music, bridging the gap between underground authenticity and mainstream consumption.
Speaking on the signing, Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi, Founder and CEO of Dapper Music and Entertainment, said:
"Shallipopi is a perfect example of the kind of artist we aim to nurture, someone with raw talent, street credibility, and an instinct for melody and storytelling that resonates widely. We are thrilled to support him with the structures, resources, and platforms that will allow him to scale his artistry nationally and beyond. This is just the beginning of what we expect will be a remarkable journey together."
With this signing, Shallipopi joins a roster of artists who are redefining contemporary Nigerian music, blending Afrobeats, street-pop, and hip-hop influences into a sound that is both commercially viable and culturally authentic. As he continues to release music under Dapper Music, the label’s focus on branding, PR, distribution, and performance infrastructure ensures that each release reaches maximum impact and contributes to the trajectory of a sustainable career.
For fans and the industry alike, Shallipopi’s signing signals a new chapter in Nigerian music, where street-born talent receives the professional guidance necessary to thrive on national and international stages. The collaboration underscores Dapper Music and Entertainment’s commitment to identifying and supporting the next generation of Nigerian stars while shaping the broader music ecosystem.
With a strong foundation, viral-ready music, and the backing of one of Nigeria’s most forward-thinking labels, Shallipopi is poised to continue his rise, proving that with the right combination of talent, strategy, and infrastructure, street-born artists can become defining voices in the country’s music landscape.
About Dapper Music & Entertainment
Dapper Music & Entertainment is a leading Nigerian record and talent management company committed to discovering, nurturing, and promoting the next generation of African artists. Through its growing roster and innovative approach to music, storytelling, and artist development, Dapper Music continues to define the evolving sound and identity of Afrobeats on the global stage.
