Shallipopi Accuses Former Record Label of Exploitation
Popular Nigerian musician Shallipopi has accused his former record label, Dapper Music, of financial exploitation and breach of trust. This revelation comes weeks after the artist announced his departure from the label in November 2024.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Shallipopi detailed the reasons behind his decision to end his relationship with Dapper Music and its affiliate, Dvpper Digital.
“This was not a choice I made lightly,” he wrote. “But a step I had to take after my trust was broken, my finances mishandled, and my rights were disregarded as an artist.”
The artist described the ordeal as a systemic issue within the music industry, highlighting how creators often face betrayal from entities meant to support them.
“This is bigger than just me. It is about every artiste and creator who pours their soul into their work, only to face betrayal and exploitation from people that should be looking out for them. It is about standing up for fairness, integrity, and respect that we all deserve,” Shallipopi said.
He further accused the label of prioritizing profits over his artistic growth and career aspirations. “Instead of prioritizing my growth, they prioritised their own profits, putting my career and dreams at risk,” he added.
The allegations have sparked widespread discussions within the Nigerian music industry, with fans and industry watchers calling for greater transparency and fairness in artist-label relationships. Dapper Music has yet to respond to the allegations.
