Nigerian music sensation Shallipopi has just been named Billboard’s African Rookie of the Month for May and it’s clear the rising star is just getting started.
Born Crown Uzama in Benin City, Edo State, Shallipopi comes from a powerful lineage his family, the Uzamas, are kingmakers in the Benin Kingdom. But these days, he’s building a new kind of legacy through music. With a sound he calls “Afro Pluto” a mix of Afropop, street-hop, hip-hop, and amapiano Shallipopi is gaining serious global attention.
His self-given nickname “Pluto Presido” speaks to his out-of-this-world confidence and the growing number of fans who call themselves “Plutomanians.” His breakout song “Laho,” which means please in Bini, has become a viral hit and a favorite among athletes. NBA star Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers adopted the “Laho” dance to celebrate three-pointers, and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott used a phrase from the song, “Minister of Enjoyment,” in his Instagram caption after winning the Premier League. Even Manchester City’s Rúben Dias posted the song after qualifying for the FA Cup final.
“Laho” has climbed to No. 5 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and has over 11.5 million streams in the U.S. alone. Burna Boy even jumped on a second version of the track though Shallipopi says that’s not the official remix. That one’s still on the way.
His journey hasn’t been smooth. Just months before releasing “Laho,” Shallipopi ended his deal with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital over financial issues. But instead of slowing down, he came back stronger, proving that no one controls his career but him. “Your fans are waiting,” he says. “That’s what really matters.”
Shallipopi started making music in his teens, recording voice notes on his phone and freestyling over free beats. In 2023, he earned a Computer Science degree from Auchi Polytechnic, keeping music as a side hustle at least at first. “You can’t be studying music, we’re in Africa,” he laughs. “You have to chase the bag.”
Today, music is clearly more than a hobby. He’s collaborated with major stars like Rema, ODUMODUBLVCK, and Olamide. His hit “Cast” even caught the attention of Travis Scott, who was spotted singing it backstage at a show in London. The song went on to win Best Rap Single at The Headies, where Shallipopi’s younger brother Zerry DL also took home Rookie of the Year a proud moment for the family.
From viral dance moves to chart-topping records, Shallipopi is taking African music to new heights. His story is a reminder that with talent, confidence, and a bit of slang, you can go from your bedroom studio to global stages.
And for Shallipopi, this is just the beginning.
Source: billboard
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