Nigerian music star Crown Uzama, better known as Shallipopi, has once again caused controversy, announcing the termination of his contracts with Dapper Music and Dypper Digital. The artist took to his X handle on Wednesday to air his grievances, alleging financial mismanagement, exploitation, and outright disregard for his rights as a creator. It’s another episode in the never-ending saga of Nigerian artists versus their labels.
In a statement titled “A Message from Shallipopi: Standing Up for Artists and Creators Everywhere,” the Elon Musk crooner accused his management of betrayal and painted a very sad but familiar picture of an exploitative industry. According to him, Dapper Music, the company he trusted to guide his career, instead funneled him into a deal with Dvpper Digital, another entity owned by the same people, where profit was allegedly prioritized over his artistic growth.
Shallipopi described the deal as a arrangement that left him clueless about his finances. Even worse, he claimed Dapper Music tried to tie him into a “forever deal” where they’d take 30% of his earnings indefinitely even after their professional relationship ended. Not five years, not ten, forever. Exploitation is one thing, but this? This is wickedness.
In his words, “They tried to lock me into a contract where they’d take 30% of my earnings forever, even after we parted ways. That’s not just unfair; it’s exploitation, and it is cruel.” He further accused Dvpper Digital of mishandling funds advanced under his name and catalog, resulting in a debt he says has now ballooned to an “uncertain” amount.
This isn’t the first time we’re hearing such tales of woe. Over and over, Nigerian artists lament being trapped in exploitative contracts. Yet, the first question that comes to mind is: Did Shallipopi get a lawyer before signing these deals? The importance of legal counsel when entering agreements cannot be overstated, yet many artists appear to neglect this crucial step, later crying foul when things go south.
Shallipopi, however, isn’t letting this setback define him. He reassured fans that his creativity remains unshaken, vowing to continue producing music under his newly launched label, Plutomania Records. He framed his decision to cut ties with Dapper and Dvpper as part of a broader fight for fairness and integrity in the music industry, stating, “It’s about standing up for fairness, integrity, and the respect that we all deserve.”
The artist’s decision to part ways with his management didn’t come as a complete surprise. In November, eagle-eyed fans noticed he had removed Dapper Music from his bio and unfollowed the label’s boss on social media.
Artists, please, for the love of your craft, get a lawyer before signing anything. Contracts are binding, and ignorance is no excuse when things inevitably fall apart. Shallipopi’s ordeal serves as yet another reminder that in the ruthless world of entertainment, you must protect yourself first.
