Music  

Shallipopi, Muyeez Ditch Dapper Music, Accuse Label Of Breach Of Trust, Inhumane Treatment

By Daniel Anazia

14 December 2024   |   3:39 am

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Singer, songwriter, and rapper, Crown Uzama Evian, known professionally as Shallipopi, has parted ways with popular record label, Dapper Music over what he claims to be a breach of trust and lack of transparency.

Singer, songwriter, and rapper, Crown Uzama Evian, known professionally as Shallipopi, has parted ways with popular record label, Dapper Music over what he claims to be a breach of trust and lack of transparency.

In a post on his Instagram page on Wednesday, December 11, the hitmaking rapper announced the split to the public in a release where he cited a breach of trust and lack of transparency as the reasons for his decision.

The announcement confirmed the news of a split which filtered into social space after the Benin-born music star unfollowed Dapper Music founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Damilola Akinwunmi on Instagram. He described the decision as the hardest he has ever made while also capturing it as a fight for all creatives who put their all into their craft.

“My dear fans, 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 Dupper Digital. This wasn’t a choice I made lightly, but it’s a step I had to take after my trust was broken, my finances mishandled, and my rights as an artiste were disregarded.

“This is bigger than just me. 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,” he shared.

Shallipopi accused Dapper Music of a conflict of interest after the label got him to sign a publishing deal with one of its subsidiary companies Dapper Digital.

“Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited, my management company, pushed me into a deal with Dupper Digital Limited, another company owned by the same person(s). Instead of prioritizing my growth, they prioritized their own profits, putting my career and dreams at risk,” he also shared.

The chart-topping artiste further accused the label of a lack of transparency over the use and remittance of his earnings. According to him, all efforts to get the accurate state of his finances proved abortive.

“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 my money. Imagine not knowing how much you’ve earned or where it’s gone. This is devastating and unacceptable,” he stated.

In what will be considered a damning allegation, Shallipopi claimed that Dapper Music attempted to lock him into a “forever contract” that will entitle the label to 30 per cent of his revenues in perpetuity.

“They tried to lock me into a contract where they’d take 30 per cent 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 per cent of my earnings in perpetuity. That’s not just unfair, it is exploitation and it is cruel,” he enthused.

Notwithstanding the severed relationship, Shallipopi’s partnership with Dapper Music yielded positives for both partners as Shallipopi rose to stardom while the label consolidated its position as one of the biggest artiste in Nigerian music.

In related development, emerging Afrobeats singer and songwriter, Moshood Abdulmuiz, known professionally as Muyeez has terminated his contract with Dapper Music citing breach of trust, lack of transparency, exploitation, and inhumane treatment.

The singer who garnered attention this year with his debut hit Instagram featuring Seyi Vibez, disclosed this in a statement released on his Instagram page. He revealed that he signed to a record label as a minor, necessitating him to put his trust in the company.

Muyeez claimed that despite the releases of two Extended Plays (EPs), he’s yet to receive any royalty. “I was just a minor when I signed this contract, placing my trust in a company that promised to guide and support me. Instead, I was burdened with impossible demands.

“In just one month, I released three Extended Plays (EPs), all of which reached number one on the charts. Yet, despite this success, I have not received a single royalty payment for my efforts. My passion and hard work were met with indifference, leaving me to wonder if my voice truly mattered,” the singer said.

Muyeez claimed that he was exploited by Dapper Music and forced to overwork himself with no regard for his health and well-being. “The workload was unrealistic, and the rewards were nonexistent. I was abandoned and left to starve while the company profited from my creativity. No artist should ever have to endure such conditions.”

He accused the label of breach of trust as the company’s interest was prioritised over his own, stressing that the label allowed him to starve and fend for himself while it profited off his creativity.

Reacting to the claims, Dapper Music in a release called it completely false. The company clarified that Muyeez’s father and legal guardian, Mr. Moshood Basheer, signed the contract on his behalf as witnesses. The label also stated that it treats all its artistes with the utmost respect while prioritising their well-being.