Shallipopi Announces Split from Dapper Music Amid Allegations of Mistrust and Exploitation
After nearly three years of collaboration, chart-topping Nigerian rapper Shallipopi has officially ended his partnership with Dapper Music. The label that helped launch his career into the mainstream in 2022.
The artist, born Crown Uzama, made the announcement on December 11, 2024, via his Instagram page. He citied a breach of trust, financial mishandling, and lack of transparency as the primary reasons for his decision.
The Benin-born rapper’s declaration confirmed speculations of a fallout, which had been sparked earlier when he unfollowed Dapper Music founder and CEO Damilola Akinwunmi on Instagram—a development first reported by Pulse Nigeria.
A Difficult Yet Necessary Decision
In an emotionally charged post, Shallipopi described the separation as one of the most difficult choices of his career. However, he emphasized that the move was not just for his own integrity but for the broader fight against artist exploitation in the music industry.
“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.”
He continued by framing the issue as one that transcends his personal experience:
“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.”
“Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited, my management company, pushed me into a deal with Dvpper Digital Limited, another company owned by the same person(s). Instead of prioritizing my growth, they prioritized their own profits, putting my career and dreams at risk.”
“I’ve worked hard, and like anyone, I deserve to know where my money is going. Despite repeated requests, I was denied access to clear financial records of my money. Imagine not knowing how much you’ve earned or where it’s gone. This is devastating and unacceptable.”
“They tried to lock me into a contract where they’d take 30% of my earnings forever, even after we parted ways. Even after they no longer work for me, they want to continue to take a whole 30% of my earnings in perpetuity. That’s not just unfair, it’s exploitation, and it is cruel.”
A Tumultuous Partnership with Mutual Gains
Although Shallipopi’s departure from Dapper Music is marred by controversy, it is undeniable that their collaboration was mutually beneficial during its tenure.
Under the label’s guidance, Shallipopi rose to prominence. He delivered hits that solidified his position as one of Nigeria’s most promising artists. Simultaneously, Dapper Music strengthened its reputation as a powerhouse in the Nigerian music industry.
The breakup, however, underscores growing concerns about artist-label relationships. Especially in an era where creators are increasingly advocating for greater autonomy and accountability in the music business.
As Shallipopi navigates this new chapter in his career, the spotlight remains on his call for transparency, fairness, and respect within the industry. A stance that has already resonated with many fans and fellow creatives.
