Shallipopi Severs Ties with Dapper Music Over Alleged Financial Exploitation

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent ripples through the Nigerian music industry, Crown Uzama, better known as Shallipopi, has made a bold and public declaration of independence from Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital. The artist, who rose to prominence in 2023 with his hit single “Elon Musk”, has leveled serious allegations of financial exploitation and mismanagement against his former label.

In a deeply personal and passionate social media statement, Shallipopi exposed what he describes as systematic financial misconduct and contractual manipulation. 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.”

The artist’s primary accusations is based on what he claims were predatory contract terms, including a provision that would have required him to pay 30% of his earnings to the label even after their professional relationship ended. Shallipopi described this clause as not just unfair, but outright “exploitation and cruel.”

His frustrations extended beyond the financial terms. The musician alleged that his repeated requests for financial transparency were consistently ignored, leaving him in the dark about how funds under his name were being managed. He claimed that advances provided to Dapper Music by Dvpper Digital were spent without his knowledge, leaving him in debt.

“Dvpper Digital Limited, as a distributor, will give advance to Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited under my name and catalogue…

“This debt has now accrued up to a huge sum of money we are even yet to ascertain,” he wrote.

He said, “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 money.”

Speculations about tensions between Shallipopi and Dapper Music began surfacing in November when he removed the label from his social media bio and unfollowed its CEO, Damilola Akinwunmi. Shortly after, he launched his own record label, Plutomania Records, introducing artists Zerry DL and Tega Boi.

The artist reassured his fans that this departure from Dapper would not interrupt his creative journey. He remains committed to making music and expanding his artistic reach under his newly established Plutomania Records.

Dapper Music, owned by Damilola Akinwunmi, has not yet publicly responded to Shallipopi’s allegations.