Why Shallipopi Left Dapper Music Record Label Owned By Hilda Baci’s Boyfriend

Nigerian artist Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has parted ways with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital, accusing them of mishandling his finances and exploiting him.

Shallipopi joined Dapper Group in 2023, a label owned by Damilola Akinwunmi also known as Dapper, the boyfriend of popular chef Hilda Baci.

The musician first raised suspicions in November when he removed Dapper Music from his social media bio and unfollowed the CEO.

Soon after, he launched his own record label, Plutomania Records, with artists Zerry DL and Tega Boi as the main signees.

On Wednesday, Shallipopi shared a statement on social media confirming his departure from Dapper Music.

He wrote, “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.”

Shallipopi accused Dapper Music of pressuring him into a deal with Dvpper Digital Limited, another company owned by the same people, putting their profits ahead of his career growth and stability.

The musician claimed that funds earned under his name were mismanaged, leading to significant debt.

“My management pushed me into a deal with Dvpper Digital Limited, another company owned by the same persons. Instead of prioritising my growth, they prioritised their profits, risking my career and dreams.

“Dvpper Digital Limited, as a distributor, will give advance to Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited under my name and catalogue, while Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited continues to squander the same, all without my knowledge and approval. This debt has now accrued up to a huge sum of money we are yet to ascertain,” he wrote.

Shallipopi also expressed frustration over being kept in the dark about his finances, despite repeated requests for transparency.

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.”

The artist said it was “devastating and unacceptable for any creator to be left in the dark about their financial standing.

“They tried to lock me into a contract where they’d take 30% of my earnings forever. Even after we parted ways. That’s not just unfair; it’s exploitation, and it is cruel”

He also revealed that the contract he was pressured into would have given Dapper Music 30% of his earnings indefinitely, even after they parted ways.

Shallipopi made it clear that his decision was part of a larger effort to stand up for fairness and respect for artists.

“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 we all deserve,” he stated.

Despite the split, Shallipopi reassured his fans that this would not affect his music, stressing that it would motivate him to create even more music for his supporters.

Shallipopi first gained attention in 2023 with his viral hit single “Elon Musk,” which helped establish him as a fresh voice in Nigeria’s music scene.

His unique style blends Afrobeat, street-hop, and melodic storytelling, earning him a dedicated fanbase known as the “Plutomania Gang.”

After signing with Dapper Music in 2023, Shallipopi released several successful tracks and cemented his place as one of the top rising artists in Nigeria.

KanyiDaily recalls that Shallipopi previously claimed that the earnings from music is like the money made from rituals commonly known as blood money.