In a dramatic turn of events, rapper Shallipopi has officially announced his departure from Dapper Music, a record label that played a significant role in his rise to fame.
The split, which came to light on December 11, through a passionate Instagram post, marks the end of a nearly three-year partnership during which Shallipopi transformed from a relatively unknown artist to one of Nigeria’s most talked about music sensations.
Diving deep into the reasons behind this unexpected separation, Shallipopi didn’t hold back. He alleges there was a “breach of trust” and “lack of transparency”, which were motivations for his decision. The rumors of a potential split first surfaced when fans noticed that Shallipopi had unfollowed Dapper Music’s founder and CEO, Damilola Akinwunmi, on Instagram, which hinted at underlying tensions.
In his announcement, Shallipopi described this as the most challenging decision of his career. More than a personal exit, Shallipopi framed his departure as a broader statement, a fight for creative rights and transparency in the music industry.
At the core of the conflict appears to be a complex publishing deal. Shallipopi accused Dapper Music of a conflict of interest after the label encouraged him to sign with Dvpper Digital, one of its subsidiary companies. This move, he suggested, raised serious questions about the label’s commitment to his best interests.
Despite the split, it’s important to acknowledge the mutual benefits of their partnership. Dapper Music provided the platform that catapulted Shallipopi to stardom, while the artist’s unique sound and marketability significantly boosted the label’s reputation.
The music industry is no stranger to label disputes, but Shallipopi’s public and detailed explanation sets this apart. What remains to be seen is how this split will impact Shallipopi’s career trajectory. Will this be a setback or a liberation? Only time will tell.
For now, the Nigerian music scene watches with bated breath, understanding that this is a potential catalyst for broader conversations about artist rights, contractual transparency, and the power dynamics within music management. Shallipopi’s journey from a rising star to an artist willing to challenge the status quo continues to unfold, promising more drama, more music, and potentially, more change in the Nigerian music landscape.
