12th December, 2024
Popular Nigerian singer, Shallipopi, has officially announced his departure from Dapper Music, his record label since 2022, citing a breach of trust and financial mismanagement as the main reasons for his decision.
In a statement shared on his Instagram page, Shallipopi, whose real name is Crown Uzama, described his choice as one of the hardest he’s ever made but emphasized that it was necessary for the sake of fairness and integrity in the music industry.
“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 wrote. He further revealed that Dapper Music, along with his management company, pushed him into a deal with Dupper Digital, a separate entity owned by the same person(s), prioritizing their own profits over his career growth.
Shallipopi expressed his frustration over not having access to clear financial records, stating, “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.”
His announcement came shortly after he unfollowed Dapper Music founder and CEO, Damilola Akinwunmi, on Instagram, fueling speculations about the split.
In his message, Shallipopi emphasized that his decision was not just for him but for every artist who feels exploited. “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,” he wrote. “It’s about standing up for fairness, integrity, and the respect that we all deserve.”
