Shallipopi Ends Ties with Dapper Music, Cites Financial Mismanagement
Nigerian music sensation Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has officially severed ties with his record label, Dapper Music, amid allegations of financial mismanagement and exploitation.
The “Elon Musk” hitmaker announced his departure via an emotional statement shared on Instagram on December 11, 2024. Shallipopi accused the label of mishandling his finances and breaching his trust, describing the decision to leave as difficult but necessary.
“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,” he wrote.
Shallipopi further emphasized that his move was about more than his personal experience, stating:
“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. It’s about standing up for fairness, integrity, and the respect that we all deserve.”
Allegations of Exploitation
The artist revealed that Dapper Music pushed him into agreements with Dvpper Digital, a company owned by the same stakeholders, prioritizing profits over his career development. He alleged that advances meant for him were diverted by the label without his knowledge or approval, resulting in mounting debts under his name.
“Instead of prioritizing my growth, they prioritized their own profits, putting my career and dreams at risk,” he explained. “Dvpper Digital Limited would give advances to Dapper Music under my name and catalogue, while Dapper Music squandered the funds, leaving me in the dark. The debt has now accrued to a significant amount that we are still trying to ascertain.”
Shallipopi has since removed all references to Dapper Music from his social media profiles and unfollowed the label’s leadership.
A New Chapter: Plutomania Records
In the wake of his exit, Shallipopi has launched his own record label, Plutomania Records. The new venture already boasts rising stars Zerry DL and Tega Boi as its first signees, signaling the artist’s commitment to fostering talent and building a legacy on his own terms.
The move reflects Shallipopi’s determination to take control of his career and chart his own path in the Nigerian music industry.
Industry Shake-up
Shallipopi’s departure from Dapper Music follows a similar exit by another prominent artist, Seyi Vibez, earlier this year. Both cases highlight growing concerns over artist-label relationships and calls for greater transparency and fairness within the music industry.
As Shallipopi embarks on this new chapter, fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how Plutomania Records reshapes the artist’s trajectory and influences the broader music landscape.
