Shallipopi’s ‘Laho’ is hustler’s anthem drenched in street reality

Shallipopi kicks off 2025 with a bang as he releases ‘Laho,’ his first single of the 12 months.

The observe, which dropped on 21 February, marks his first official launch beneath Plutomania Information, his unbiased label. The singer launched the visuals on Friday, which amplifies Laho’s luxurious and street-wise themes.

Since its launch, Laho has made a considerable influence on the charts. It debuted at #17 on the World Shazam Chart. On Apple Music, it topped the charts in 10 African nations and secured a high 3 spot.

Within the US, it peaked at #8 on the Billboard Afrobeats Chart on 4 March, marking Shallipopi’s most vital breakthrough but. It entered the UK Afrobeats Chart at #3 on 2 March. On Spotify, it recorded 600,000 streams in a single day on 1 March, his highest for a solo observe.

Nevertheless, Laho confronted a quick hiccup in February when it was reportedly pulled from Spotify, sparking hypothesis about licensing or distribution points. The matter stays unclear, however the tune’s resurgence suggests any setbacks have been short-term.

Lyrics overview

Laho comes from the Edo language and means “please don’t let me fall” or “don’t let me down.” Nigerian road slang is usually used to ask for monetary assist, making it relatable to on a regular basis struggles. Shallipopi weaves this which means into the tune, mixing his Benin roots with trendy Afrobeats vibes.

By means of slang-heavy lyrics, he paints an image of survival within the fast-paced, money-driven world he navigates. He blends boastful strains about wealth and standing with moments of vulnerability, acknowledging the stress to keep up his life-style. It merely displays themes of economic battle, ambition, and road credibility.

He requires cash transfers, admitting his account is dry, a battle many can relate to. But, he balances this with flexes about luxurious and success, contrasting ambition and actuality. He paints himself as a high-status determine, surrounded by wealth, consideration, and admiration. References to “Desperado,” “Balotelli,” and “Don Julio” reinforce his daring, carefree life-style.

With its easy rhythm and mixture of Edo and Pidgin, Laho is turning into a road favorite. Produced by Progrex (aka Fayaman), the observe encompasses a deep bassline and a hypnotic mid-tempo Afro-fusion beat.

As an alternative of driving the Amapiano wave, Shallipopi goes for a lo-fi however club-ready sound, giving room for his slang-heavy circulation and witty lyrics to shine. His signature fashion—playful but boastful strains like “Desperado, many many, my amigo, Balotelli”—provides to the tune’s luring vitality.

Visuals overview

The music video for Laho, directed by Perliks Definition, matches the tune’s high-energy vibe. It opens with Shallipopi standing on a rooftop, smoking as he seems over the town. The scene then shifts to him stepping out of a Cadillac Escalade, exuding confidence as he delivers the tune’s standout “Desperado” line.

The video is crammed with putting visuals. Shallipopi is surrounded by stacks of greenback payments that includes his face, reinforcing the tune’s themes of wealth and ambition. The viral Laho dance takes centre stage, with energetic strikes driving engagement. His brothers, Zerry DL and Well-known Pluto make appearances, including a way of camaraderie and loyalty. A dramatic shot of a helicopter tilting in the direction of Zerry DL provides a cinematic contact, whereas clips of Shallipopi vibing within the studio improve the immersive expertise.

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The music video is as daring because the tune itself. With sharp edits, putting visuals, and dynamic pacing, it brings Shallipopi’s world to life. The rigorously curated aesthetics—contrasting luxurious with uncooked road vitality—create a visually partaking expertise that mirrors the tune’s themes.

With Laho, Shallipopi strengthens his grip on Nigerian road pop. The tune’s Edo roots, cash struggles, and hypnotic beat make it stand out.