Music
Nigerian music star, Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has cut ties with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital, citing alleged financial exploitation and mishandling.
In a statement shared on Wednesday via his social media accounts, the artist accused the label of prioritising profits over his career growth.
Shallipopi claimed he was coerced into an unfavourable contract and left in the dark regarding his finances.
He wrote, “I come to you today with a heavy heart but an unshakable determination. I’m Crown Uzama, your Shallipopi, and I’ve made one of the toughest decisions of my career.
“Today, I’m officially ending my agreements with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital. This wasn’t a choice I made lightly, but it’s a step I had to take after my trust was broken, my finances mishandled, and my rights as an artist were disregarded.”
Shallipopi, who rose to fame in 2023 with his hit single Elon Musk, was signed to Dapper Music the same year. The label is owned by Damilola Akinwunmi, also known as Dapper, who is reportedly the boyfriend of chef and media personality, Hilda Baci.
Speculations about the artist’s fallout with the label surfaced in November when Shallipopi removed Dapper Music from his social media bio and unfollowed its CEO.
Shortly after, he launched his own record label, Plutomania Records, and introduced Zerry DL and Tega Boi as flagship artists.
In his statement, Shallipopi accused Dapper Music and its affiliated company, Dvpper Digital, of mismanaging funds under his name.
He alleged that advances given to Dapper Music by Dvpper Digital were squandered without his knowledge, which left him in debt.
The artist who expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, stated that his repeated requests for financial records were ignored.
“I’ve worked hard, and like anyone, I deserve to know where my money is going,” Shallipopi wrote adding that “They tried to lock me into a contract where they’d take 30% of my earnings forever—even after we parted ways. That’s not just unfair; it’s exploitation, and it is cruel,” he said.
Shallipopi stated that his departure is not just about his personal grievances but also about advocating for fair treatment for all artists.
“This is bigger than just me. It’s about every artist and creator who pours their soul into their work, only to face betrayal and exploitation from people who should be looking out for them,” he wrote.
The musician reassured fans that his decision would not hinder his creativity, and vowed to continue making music and expanding his reach under Plutomania Records.
