The Rise Of Shallipopi – “I arrived in Lagos with aspirations, armed solely with humility and consistency…”
In 1963, the global phenomenon of Beatlemania swept the world as a four-man band from Liverpool captured hearts with their distinctive style and psychedelic rock-pop sound.
Fast forward sixty years to 2023, and a Nigerian artist originating from Benin City introduced a track paying homage to a space-traveling billionaire businessman, igniting what is now known as Plutomania.
While traditionally defined as an ‘abnormal or excessive desire for wealth’, Plutomania has evolved into a new context. It now symbolizes the fervent admiration surrounding 23-year-old Crown Uzoma, better known as Shallipopi or Presido De La Pluto.
Hailing from Benin City, Shallipopi has not only broken into the music scene but ascended to the summit of Nigeria’s fiercely competitive and saturated market with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. His unique fusion of Nigerian Street Pop, afrobeats, amapiano, and rap – self-styled as ‘Afro-Pluto’ – coupled with pidgin and slang, has taken social media by storm, inspiring viral dances and captivating audiences worldwide.
While his journey to stardom has been marked by fortuitous encounters and moments of virality, Shallipopi’s current stature as an artist is deliberate and calculated. He has already established his own label, Plutomania Records, in addition to continually advancing his music career.
From making a surprise appearance as a special guest at Asake’s sold-out O2 Arena headline show in August 2023 to headlining his own sold-out show at Electric Brixton with Lit Lagos in February 2024, followed by another successful performance at Outernet a few days later, Shallipopi’s popularity in London is undeniable.
Crowds chant fervently as he invites fans onstage to join in the viral ‘Shallipopi dance’, a testament to his magnetic stage presence. Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Shallipopi remarks, “After experiencing the energy of the O2 Arena, I anticipated the reception I’m receiving. I have profound love for my London Plutomanians!”
Like many of his peers in Generation Z, Shallipopi’s journey to stardom commenced with spontaneous freestyle performances on social media platforms, propelling him into the realm of virality. Hailing from Benin City, the largest city in Africa’s most populous nation, Crown understood from the outset that success wouldn’t be handed to him on a silver platter.
He succinctly captures the arduous path to achievement as “the disparity between one’s current state and their desired destination,” a metaphorical struggle emblematic of navigating Nigeria’s music industry, particularly centered around Lagos. “I came to Lagos (from Benin City) to pursue my dreams, armed only with humility and unwavering consistency,” he recalls, encapsulating the essence of his journey.
One anecdote epitomizing Shallipopi’s resilience in his early endeavors revolves around the release of his track ‘Elon Musk’. Before its meteoric rise to fame, he impulsively decided to relocate to Lagos, unsure of where he would stay beyond crashing with friends for a few days.
Mindful of not overstaying his welcome, he chanced upon a booking in Port Harcourt that offered sufficient compensation, setting the stage for his subsequent success. As the saying goes, the rest is history.
Shallipopi
Despite acknowledging the hardships of life in Benin City, which instilled in him a strong work ethic, Shallipopi’s upbringing instilled a profound sense of pride in his roots. He reveres the rich cultural tapestry of Benin City, a region boasting a storied history dating back to the eleventh century when it was known as Edo, recognizing its significance in shaping his identity and musical journey.
In the realm of modern Nigerian pop music, where artists like Asake, Wizkid, and Burna Boy have brought the Yoruba language to international audiences, figures such as Shallipopi and his fellow Edo tribesman, Rema, bear the weighty responsibility of representing their culture with earnestness and dedication.
Notably, Rema’s sold-out performance at the O2 Arena last year stands as a testament to this commitment, a production imbued with nods to their shared heritage in Benin City. Shallipopi’s debut EP, ‘Planet Pluto’, sets the stage with its opening track, ‘Obapluto’, paying homage to the ancient pre-nominal ‘Oba’, signifying ruler.
The song cleverly samples and features elements from the iconic Benin anthem, ‘Ogbaisi’ by Pa Monday Edo, itself a tribute to Oba Ovonramwen, the last independent ruler of Benin before its integration into present-day Nigeria.
Shallipopi’s musical journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing, characterized by a household immersed in diverse sounds. Raised alongside two siblings, he recalls a childhood inundated with music of various genres, from traditional tunes introduced by his father to the reggae melodies of Lucky Dube and Bob Marley curated by his mother. “Music was an integral part of my upbringing,” he reminisces. “My brother and I found solace in expressing ourselves through music, quickly mastering lyrics and finding our voices in the process.”
Indeed, Shallipopi’s artistic versatility shines through, as he seamlessly weaves thoughtful cultural references and introspective narratives into his compositions while also delivering energetic club anthems.
The release of his debut album in November, strategically timed for the bustling Detty December season in Ghana and Nigeria, saw tracks like ‘Cast’, featuring Odumodublack, garnering widespread acclaim for their infectious beats and bold lyricism. Reflecting on his seemingly meteoric rise to fame in 2023, Shallipopi emphasizes that his journey has been years in the making, culminating in the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents and launch his label. “It may seem sudden, but this has been a long time coming,” he affirms.
Beneath his playful demeanor lies a resilient and astute individual who recognizes the power of his uniqueness. Whether through his distinct vernacular or heartfelt lyrics, Shallipopi takes deliberate steps to distinguish himself from his peers, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. In the end, Shallipopi’s magnetic presence has undoubtedly turned us all into fervent Plutomanians, captivated by his artistry and charisma.
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