Nigerian music star Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has declared his decision to end his contracts with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital.
Shallipopi, in a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, cited financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and exploitative contracts as the reasons for his decision.
In the statement titled, “A Message from Shallipopi: Standing Up for Artists and Creators Everywhere,” he wrote, “I come to you today with a heavy heart but an unshakable determination. I’m Crown Uzama, your Shallipopi, and I’ve made one of the toughest decisions of my career.
“Today, I’m officially ending my agreements with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital. This wasn’t a choice I made lightly, but it’s a step I had to take after my trust was broken, my finances mishandled, and my rights as an artist were disregarded.”
The artist revealed that Dapper Music, his management company, “pushed me into a deal with Dvpper Digital Limited, another company owned by the same person(s).” He alleged that their focus on personal profit over his development jeopardized his career and dreams.
This arrangement allegedly resulted in money being advanced under Shallipopi’s name and catalogue, only to be mishandled.
“Dvpper Digital Limited, as a distributor, will give advance to Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited under my name and catalogue…
“This debt has now accrued up to a huge sum of money we are even yet to ascertain,” he wrote.
Shallipopi also expressed his displeasure with the lack of openness surrounding his profits.
He said, “I’ve worked hard, and like anyone, I deserve to know where my money is going. Despite repeated requests, I was denied access to clear financial records of money.”
The artist described it as “devastating and unacceptable” for any creator to be kept unaware of their own financial status. He also criticized what he called an “unfair forever deal” that Dapper Music allegedly tried to impose on him.
“They tried to lock me into a contract where they’d take 30% of my earnings forever, even after we parted ways,” he wrote.
“Even after they no longer work for me, they want to continue to take a whole 30% of my earnings in perpetuity. That’s not just unfair; it’s exploitation, and it is cruel.”
Shallipopi expressed that his actions were not solely for himself but part of a broader effort to promote fairness and respect for artists and creators.
“It’s about every artist and creator who pours their soul into their work, only to face betrayal and exploitation from people who should be looking out for them. It’s about standing up for fairness, integrity, and the respect that we all deserve,” he stated.
He also assured his fans that this setback would not stop him from making music. On the contrary, he promised it would inspire his creativity and strengthen his resolve to produce even more music for his supporters.
