Crown Uzama (born 12 April 2000), known professionally as Shallipopi, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. He gained recognition in 2023 with the release of his single, "Elon Musk".[2] He followed up with the extended play Planet Pluto (2023). His debut studio album, Presido La Pluto, released in 2023, was met with commercial success, debuting at number 1 on the TurnTable Top 50.[3] It also debuted atop Apple Music top 100 albums.[4][5] His second studio album, Shakespopi (2024), was met with continued success as it became Shallipopi's second chart-topping album. Its lead single "ASAP" reached number one on the TurnTable Top 100.[6][7]
Career
2021–2023: Career beginnings, Planet Pluto and Presido La Pluto
Shallipopi began his career by creating and sharing freestyles on TikTok and other social media platforms. In late 2021, he released his debut single, "Gra Gra". In 2022, he released the singles "Power", and "Shaka".[8] He achieved a breakthrough with the release of his single "Elon Musk" in March 2023.[9] The song became a sleeper hit and led to the release of his subsequent single "Sharpiru" on April 20, 2023.[10] Following the success of "Elon Musk", Shallipopi released a remix featuring Zlatan on May 18, 2023. The remix achieved further success, with the song gaining popularity in both the United States and Europe.[11] On June 20, 2023, Apple Music announced Shallipopi as the latest featured artist in its Up Next program in Nigeria.[12][13]
On June 23, 2023, another remix of "Elon Musk" was released, featuring Fireboy DML.[14] He then followed it with the single "Ex Convict" on July 7, with an accompanying music video.[15] "Ex Convict" debuted at number 6 on the TurnTable Top 100.[16] The song served as the lead single for his debut extended play, announced on July 10. On July 14, 2023, Shallipopi released his debut EP, Planet Pluto, featuring guest appearances by Pa Monday-Edo, Zlatan, and Fireboy DML.[17]
On August 20, 2023, he was featured on "So What", a song by fellow singer Tekno. He released two singles, "Things on Things" and "Oscroh (Pepperline)", on October 13.[18][19] On October 20, 2023, he was featured on the remix of "Puff & Pass" a song by Zerrydl.[20] In 2023, he launched his own record label named Plutomania Records and simultaneously signed music acts Zerry DL and Tega Boi.[21][22] He released "Evil Receive" on November 8.[23] The following day, November 9, he released three singles: "Over the Seas" featuring Focalistic, "Wet on Me" featuring Zerry DL, and "Cast" featuring Odumodublvck.[24]
His debut studio album, Presido La Pluto, was released later in November 2023, featuring many of the previously released singles.[25]
On February 9, 2024, Shallipopi was featured on The Real Prechly's song "A Collision of Two Worlds 2.0" alongside others. On April 11, 2024, he released his second album Shakespopi with guest appearances by Reehaa, Tegaboi dc, and Jeneral.[26] It debuted at number one on the TurnTable Top 100 Albums.[27]
On June 12, 2024, Shallipopi was featured on King Promise's single "Continental". On June 20, 2024, he was featured on Rema's song "Benin Boys"[28][29] from the album Heis.[30] The track became a huge success, gaining one million streams on its first day and debuting atop the TurnTable Top 100.[31]
On June 21, 2024, singer Victony released his debut studio album, Stubborn, which featured guest appearances from Shallipopi and Asake. Shallipopi was featured on the track "Ludo" from the album.[32] The song achieved chart success, reaching number 21 on the TurnTable Top 100 and number 7 on the Official Radio Songs chart.[33]
In July 2024, Shallipopi performed "Benin Boys" alongside Rema and Zerry DL at the 2024 UK Wireless Festival.[34]
On 30 May 2023 the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested Shallipopi, his manager and others for alleged Internet-related fraud.[36][37] Shallipopi, his manager and others were convicted on 23 June 2023 and sentenced to two years imprisonment with the "option of fines".[38]
