Shallipopi releases new statement on court case with Dapper music

Shallipopi Steps Back From Public Comments as EFCC Investigates Dapper Music Dispute

Nigerian street-hop sensation Shallipopi has announced he’s going silent on his high-profile legal battle with former manager Dapper Music—but not because he’s backing down. The “Elon Musk” hitmaker revealed via social media that both his legal team and Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have advised him to let the investigation play out without public commentary.

The dispute between Crown Uzama—Shallipopi’s government name—and music executive Damilola Akinwumi, professionally known as Dapper, has been one of the music industry’s most talked-about conflicts in recent months. Shallipopi initially went public with explosive allegations that Dapper had withheld royalties from 46 of his songs, a claim that set off a firestorm of accusations and counter-accusations across social media. The rising star even addressed the situation through his music and online platforms, keeping fans and industry watchers glued to every development. But now, with the EFCC officially investigating, Shallipopi is taking a measured approach, stepping away from the microphone—at least when it comes to this particular topic.

In his statement, Shallipopi made it clear that his silence shouldn’t be mistaken for surrender. He emphasized that while he remains confident in his allegations, continuing to air the dispute publicly could actually interfere with the pursuit of justice. The decision marks a strategic shift for an artist who had previously been vocal about what he perceives as financial misconduct in his professional relationship with Dapper. Both parties have played significant roles in shaping Shallipopi’s meteoric rise in the Afrobeats scene, making this split particularly contentious. The singer acknowledged the deeply personal nature of the conflict, given how intertwined his career and livelihood are with the disputed royalties and management decisions.

For now, the public back-and-forth has hit pause as legal processes take center stage. Shallipopi says he’s placing his trust in the authorities and his legal representatives to uncover the truth, signaling that fans will have to wait for courtroom revelations rather than social media callouts. Whether this calculated silence will lead to resolution or simply build more tension remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: the Nigerian music industry is watching closely.

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