Crown Uzama, widely known as Shallipopi, is an emerging force in Nigerian music. The Benin city native has gained a lot of traction for his music, fashion and lifestyle as transmuted in his online content.
Breaking big this year with the March-released “Elon Musk,” he signed to Dvpper Music shortly after, and released a barrage of locally resonating hits that firmly placed the spotlight on him amid his peers. Songs like “Obapluto from his July-released EP Planet Pluto, show a deep connection to his cultural roots, and a desire to showcase his heritage on the biggest of stages.
In tracks like “Oscroh,” on his recently released debut album Presido La Pluto he showed himself as an innovator in street-pop fusing his usual grittiness with a popular nursery rhyme, fearlessly exploring new sonic territories
Despite his newcomer status, Shallipopi maintains a consistent practice of releasing music, and communicating a profound understanding of the harsh streets he was raised in and its essence. Shallipopi’s lyrics incorporate esoteric street lingua that you only know if you know. This is one of the reasons why he has been able to grow a steadfast fan base “Plutomanians,” who can describe it like no other what it means when “Pluto is active.”
In October, he founded Plutomania Records to chart his own course in the industry. The label serves as a launchpad for talents like his brother Zerrydl and Tega Boi DC, reflecting Shallipopi’s commitment to family and loyalty to those who paved the way with him, including his longtime producer, Busy Pluto.
Shallipopi spent some time with us to talk about the journey to his debut album “Pluto La Presido,” what he thinks is important, and visions for his new label.
Did you ever picture yourself being an artist?
I have always wanted to be an artist since I was a child. It has always been a fantasy of mine and now I have a platform, I am using it to express myself.
What is a major inspiration for your music because your choice of words are different from what we usually hear
My major inspiration would be my personal life, where I come from and people around me. My background was a rough one so my sound is different, and it shows in the music, only those who grew up in Benin City under harsh conditions will understand my sound.
Out of curiosity, what is plutomania and what happens in Pluto?
Plutomania are my fans and Pluto is a planet I chose because I was seeking to do something different. Like I said earlier my songs are influenced by my background so in a bid to have my own identity and story, I chose “Pluto” and what it simply means is that, it’s a place for unique mindset and personal experiences.
Your recent body of work, tell us about the process of crafting the EP together
It was an easy process actually, it was more about connecting with different artists to know if they would like to jump on a beat. It was a creative process which I learnt from especially because this is my debut album. It was easy also because my songs are easy to write and I flow the beats to create lyrics.
You took a bold step launching your record label, what inspired that movement?
It all boils down to my pursuit for a unique identity. It was a bold step and the major reason I took that step was to create a platform for my brother and other talented artists with unique artistry and story to confidently put out their music to the world.
How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?
Social media has heavily influenced the music industry and for someone like me who made an entry into the industry with a platform like TikTok and Instagram, it is important to focus your marketing strategy on social media. Social media is constantly evolving so its impact is ever changing.
What major challenge have you been faced with since you started music
Some listeners still doubt my craft but I’m more focused on making music that my fans love and support.
How do you handle criticisms that come with your craft?
I have heard accusations of stream farming but I am not bothered because I know I have never used it, all my songs have topped charts organically so my response to criticisms is to be calm because they are not accurate.
Who would you most likely want to collaborate with?
I am currently having conversations with artists in the US, Europe and Spanish music market. Conversations and plans are being made. We just need to settle down and get to work.
What are your visions for your label moving forward?
I want my label to be a label that creates a solid platform for emerging artists and most importantly, I want the world to know my brother.
