Shallipopi, born Crown Uzama on April 12, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, is a dynamic Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter who has rapidly ascended the ranks of the Afrobeats and street-pop scenes. Known for his distinctive sound that fuses Afrobeats, amapiano, and trap influences, he has captivated audiences with his energetic performances and catchy lyrics.
Crown Uzama grew up in Benin City, where he developed a passion for music from a young age. He pursued higher education at Auchi Polytechnic, graduating in 2023 with a Higher National Diploma in Computer Science. His academic background in technology has complemented his music career, particularly in navigating the digital aspects of music production and promotion.
Shallipopi began his musical journey by sharing freestyle videos on TikTok and other social media platforms, gradually building a dedicated fan base. His breakthrough came in March 2023 with the release of the single “Elon Musk,” which became a sleeper hit and propelled him into the national spotlight. The song’s success led to remixes featuring artists like Zlatan and Fireboy DML, further increasing its popularity.
Following this success, Shallipopi released his debut EP, Planet Pluto, in July 2023, featuring collaborations with artists such as Pa Monday-Edo, Zlatan, and Fireboy DML. The EP showcased his versatility and solidified his position in the Nigerian music industry.
In November 2023, he released his debut studio album, Presido La Pluto, which debuted at number one on the TurnTable Top 50 and Apple Music’s Top 100 albums in Nigeria. The album included hits like “Things on Things” and “Cast” featuring Odumodublvck.
Continuing his momentum, Shallipopi released his second studio album, Shakespopi, in April 2024. The album debuted at number one on the TurnTable Top 100 Albums and featured the chart-topping single “ASAP.”
In 2023, Shallipopi founded his own record label, Plutomania Records, aiming to nurture emerging talents and have greater creative control over his music. Under this label, he signed artists like Zerry DL and Tega Boi. In March 2025, Shallipopi released the single “Laho” under Plutomania Records and the British label Since ’93. The song achieved significant success, reaching the top ten on the U.S. Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart.
In May 2023, Shallipopi and his manager were arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged internet-related fraud. They were convicted in June 2023 and sentenced to two years imprisonment with the option of a fine.
