Shallipopi parts ways with Dapper Music, cites financial mismanagement

Common musician, Crown Uzama, or Shallipopi, has formally introduced his departure from Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital for allegedly mishandling and exploiting his funds.

Shallipopi, who was signed to Dapper Group in 2023, a file label owned by Hilda Baci’s boyfriend, Damilola Akinwunmi, aka Dapper, had earlier sparked speculations in November when he eliminated Dapper Music from his social media bio and unfollowed its CEO.

Shortly after, he launched his file label, Plutomania Information, with Zerry DL and Tega Boi because the Flagship artistes.

Nevertheless, on Wednesday, Shallipopi issued a heartfelt assertion on social media asserting his official cut up from Dapper Music.

“In the present day, I’m formally ending my agreements with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital. This wasn’t a selection I made calmly, but it surely’s a step I needed to take after my belief was damaged, my funds mishandled, and my rights as an artist have been disregarded.”

Shallipopi accused Dapper Music of coercing him right into a cope with Dvpper Digital Restricted, one other firm owned by the identical people, prioritising their revenue over his progress and profession stability.

He alleged that funds earned below his title and catalogue have been mishandled, leading to vital debt.

“My administration pushed me right into a cope with Dvpper Digital Restricted, one other firm owned by the identical individuals. As a substitute of prioritising my progress, they prioritised their income, risking my profession and desires.

“Dvpper Digital Restricted, as a distributor, will give advance to Dapper Music and Leisure Restricted below my title and catalogue, whereas Dapper Music and Leisure Restricted continues to squander the identical, all with out my data and approval. This debt has now accrued as much as an enormous sum of cash we’re but to establish,” he wrote.

Lack of economic transparency

Regardless of a number of requests, Shallipopi expressed frustration about being denied entry to monetary information.

He stated, “I’ve labored exhausting, and like anybody, I should know the place my cash goes. Regardless of repeated requests, I used to be denied entry to clear monetary information of cash.”

The artist stated it was “devastating and unacceptable” for any creator to be left in the dead of night about their monetary standing.

“They tried to lock me right into a contract the place they’d take 30% of my earnings eternally. Even after we parted methods. That’s not simply unfair; it’s exploitation, and it’s merciless,” he wrote.

A Stand for Equity

In his assertion, Shallipopi emphasised that his resolution was a part of a broader combat for equity and respect for artists.

“That is larger than simply me. It’s about each artist and creator who pours their soul into their work, solely to face betrayal and exploitation from individuals who must be searching for them,” he acknowledged. “It’s about standing up for equity, integrity, and the respect all of us deserve.”

He additionally reassured his followers his exit from Dapper Music wouldn’t hinder his capability to create music.

As a substitute, he vowed it will gasoline his creativity and willpower to provide much more music for his supporters.

Profession

Shallipopi burst into the limelight in 2023 along with his viral hit single Elon Musk. Recognized for his distinctive sound, which blends Afrobeat, street-hop, and melodic storytelling, Shallipopi has shortly grow to be one of the crucial talked-about artists in Nigeria’s music business.

His breakout single, Elon Musk, showcased his creativity and established him as a contemporary voice within the business. The track’s catchy lyrics and distinct rhythm earned him a devoted fanbase, usually known as “Plutomania Gang.”

In 2023, Shallipopi signed with Dapper Music, a file label owned by Damilola Akinwunmi. Throughout this era, he launched a number of profitable tracks and solidified his place as a outstanding determine in Nigeria’s music scene.