The Nigerian music industry is abuzz once again, as Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has officially severed ties with Dapper Music and its sister company, Dvpper Digital.
This revelation, made on December 11, 2024, marks yet another high-profile departure from the embattled label, following the recent exit of Seyi Vibez protégé, Muyeez.
A Painful Goodbye
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Shallipopi, who skyrocketed to fame in 2023 under Dapper Music’s management, laid bare the reasons behind his departure. He wrote:
“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 Elon Musk hitmaker went on to reveal that his relationship with the label was riddled with exploitation. According to him, Dapper Music pushed him into a deal with Dvpper Digital, a company under the same ownership, creating a conflict of interest that jeopardized his career.
Accusations of Financial Mismanagement
In his statement, Shallipopi accused Dapper Music of mishandling advances meant for him:
“As a distributor, Dvpper Digital would advance funds to Dapper Music under my name and catalogue. Instead of investing in my career, they squandered these funds without my knowledge or approval, leaving me saddled with debts I didn’t even know existed.”
He claims the debt has now ballooned to an undetermined amount, casting a shadow over his financial stability and artistic freedom.
Signs of a Clean Break
Shallipopi has taken definitive steps to distance himself from Dapper Music. He has removed all traces of the label from his social media profiles and unfollowed its boss. In a bold move towards independence, he recently launched his own label, Plutomania Records, with emerging artists Zerry DL and Tega Boi as the first signees.
A Trend of Exodus at Dapper Music
This high-profile exit follows closely on the heels of Muyeez’s dramatic departure, where he accused the label of exploitation and neglect. The recurring allegations have sparked questions about Dapper Music’s practices and the challenges faced by young Nigerian artists under their management.
A New Beginning for Shallipopi
The launch of Plutomania Records signals Shallipopi’s intent to chart his own path in the music industry. His statement hints at a larger mission:
“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. It’s about standing up for fairness, integrity, and the respect we all deserve.”
The Industry Responds
As Dapper Music faces increasing scrutiny, Shallipopi’s bold move is being hailed as a call to action for other artists to demand transparency and fairness. With two major departures in a matter of months, the label’s future hangs in the balance.
For Shallipopi, however, the future looks promising. With Plutomania Records underway, he’s poised to take control of his narrative and career, setting an example for others seeking freedom from exploitative contracts.
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