Nigerian music sensation Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has publicly announced that he has terminated agreements with his former management company, Dapper Music, and distributor, Dvpper Digital.
Shallipopi took to his X handle to share a detailed statement, titled “A Message from Shallipopi: Standing Up for Artists and Creators Everywhere,” explaining the reasons behind his decision to terminate his agreements with the two companies.
In his statement, Shallipopi revealed that he had been subjected to financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and exploitative contracts.
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.”
Shallipopi alleged that Dapper Music, his management company, had pushed him into a deal with Dvpper Digital Limited, another company owned by the same person(s), where they prioritized their own profit over his growth as an artist.
This deal resulted in advancing money under Shallipopi’s name and catalogue, only for those funds to be mishandled.
Shallipopi explained, “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.”
The artist also expressed his frustration over the lack of transparency regarding his earnings.
He stated, “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.” Shallipopi described this situation as “devastating and unacceptable” for any creator.
Furthermore, Shallipopi claimed that Dapper Music had attempted to impose an “unfair forever deal” on him, which would have allowed them to take 30% of his earnings forever, even after they parted ways.
He wrote, “They tried to lock me into a contract where they’d take 30% of my earnings forever, even after we parted ways… That’s not just unfair; it’s exploitation, and it is cruel.”
“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.”
Regardless, Shallipopi reassured his fans that this setback would not hinder his ability to create music. Instead, he vowed that it would fuel his creativity and determination to produce even more music for his supporters.
