Shallipopi Signs with RCA/Sony Music UK and Drops Anticipated Single ‘Laho’

Shallipopi has kicked off 2025 with a bold double announcement: a new record deal and the release of his highly awaited single, “Laho.” Unveiled on February 21, 2025, the track arrived after weeks of buzz sparked by a viral TikTok teaser that had fans eagerly counting down the days.

The song has quickly resonated with his growing fanbase, cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most exciting emerging talents. Notably, “Laho” is currently exclusive to Apple Music, with its absence from Spotify stirring curiosity about potential distribution strategies or delays.

This release marks a significant milestone in Shallipopi’s career, coinciding with his transition to a new label. After parting ways with Dapper Music in late 2024 reportedly due to disagreements over financial transparency and restrictive contract terms the artist has now inked a deal with RCA/Sony Music UK. 

The partnership, executed through his own imprint, Plutomania Records Ltd, positions him alongside global heavyweights like Tems and Tyla, amplifying his reach beyond Nigeria’s borders. The move reflects a strategic step forward for Shallipopi, whose real name is Crown Uzama, as he aims to leverage international platforms while maintaining creative control through his label.

“Laho” builds on the momentum of his recent successes, including the November 2024 collaboration “Order” with Afrobeats titan Olamide, which further solidified his standing in the industry. That track’s warm reception hinted at the direction of his evolving sound, blending local influences with universally appealing production. 

With “Laho,” Shallipopi doubles down on this formula, delivering a high-energy anthem that’s already generating significant online chatter. The single’s rollout also serves as a teaser for his forthcoming album, slated for release later in 2025, which promises to be a defining project in his trajectory.

The shift from Dapper Music to RCA/Sony Music UK hasn’t come without its share of speculation. Shallipopi’s exit from his former label was widely covered.

With reports pointing to creative and financial frustrations that culminated in a mutual parting of ways.  Now, under the Plutomania banner and backed by Sony’s muscle, he appears poised to take greater ownership of his career. The exclusive Apple Music debut of “Laho” suggests a tailored approach to distribution.