Rapper Shallipopi, known for his breakout hits and energetic street style, has reportedly parted ways with his long-time label, Dapper Music. Although neither Shallipopi nor Dapper Music have officially confirmed the split, recent actions by the artist have fueled speculation. The rapper removed the label’s name from his social media bio and unfollowed its founder, Damilola Akinwunmi, further raising eyebrows among fans and industry insiders alike.
This move follows a highly successful collaboration between Shallipopi and Dapper Music in 2023, during which the rapper’s career soared. Shallipopi gained widespread recognition with his debut EP Planet Pluto and his first full-length album Presido La Pluto, both of which were released under the label. His second album Shakespopi also enjoyed major success, with tracks like “ASAP” becoming street anthems and further solidifying his place in the Nigerian music scene.
The timing of the split is particularly notable. Shallipopi recently dropped his new single “Order” featuring Olamide, a collaboration that was a joint release between his own label, Plutomania Records, and Dapper Music. The song’s release, along with the changes in Shallipopi’s social media activity, suggests that the rapper is transitioning to a new phase in his career.
Earlier this year, Shallipopi launched his own label, Plutomania Records, with fellow artists Zerry DL and Tega Boi. The move to start his own label aligns with the growing trend among Nigerian artists seeking more independence and control over their music careers. While this has been seen as a positive step for Shallipopi’s artistic and business growth, it has also led to questions about his professional relationship with Dapper Music.
The split mirrors a similar situation involving artist Seyi Vibez, who also recently parted ways with Dapper Music after a successful partnership. Vibez’s departure was marked by subtle changes on his social media, similar to Shallipopi’s recent actions, sparking industry-wide speculation about the internal dynamics at the label. These breakups have left many wondering about the future of Dapper Music, one of Nigeria’s leading record labels.
Shallipopi’s departure will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Dapper Music, which has played a pivotal role in promoting Nigerian street music. The label, founded by Damilola Akinwunmi, has been instrumental in shaping the careers of some of the genre’s biggest stars. Akinwunmi’s efforts were recently recognized when he was named Executive of the Year at the 2023 TurnTable Charts Music Awards.
Dapper Music’s success in 2023 was also reflected in a recent report by TurnTable Charts, which highlighted the companies with the largest market share in the Nigerian music industry. According to the report, Dapper Music ranked second with an impressive 7.97% market share for Q1 to Q3 of 2024, a feat largely attributed to the success of artists like Shallipopi and Seyi Vibez.
Peace OdekunleNovember 7, 20242 Mins read
