Weeks after declaring his departure from Dapper Music, well-known Nigerian singer Crown Uzama, better known by his stage name Shallipopi, has accused the label of financial exploitation.
According to Naija News Thrill, Shallipopi left the label in November 2024.
Shallipopi accused the label of financial mismanagement and violation of trust in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The singer claimed that the label had tried to force him to sign a contract that would have taken 30% of his revenues even though he had left, and that he had been refused access to information about his earnings.
The singer also asserted that Dapper Music put their financial gain before of his development, jeopardizing his aspirations and future.
In the declaration with the title, “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.
“I am officially ending my agreement with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital. This was not a choice I made lightly, but a step I had to take after my trust was broken, my finances mishandled, and my rights were disregarded as an artist.
“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.
“They tried to lock me into a contract where they’d take 30% of my earnings forever, even after we parted ways.
“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.
“This is bigger than just me. It is about every artiste and creator who pours their soul into their work, but 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.
“Instead of prioritizing my growth, they prioritised their own profits, putting my career and dreams at risk.”
