Shallipopi, a name that pulses with the raw energy of Nigeria’s Gen Z music revolution, has surged from the vibrant streets of Benin City to become a chart-topping sensation, his Afro-talk sound blending Afropop, Amapiano, and Edo swagger, captivating audiences with anthems like “Elon Musk” and “ASAP.”
Born Crown Uzama on April 12, 2000, in Edo State, this self-styled “Pluto Presido” transformed TikTok freestyles into a meteoric career, igniting Nigeria’s airwaves in 2023 with Planet Pluto and cementing his reign with back-to-back number-one albums, Presido La Pluto and Shakespopi.
At 25, Shallipopi’s journey from a computer science student at Auchi Polytechnic to the founder of Plutomania Records reflects a bold fusion of hustle and heritage, positioning him as a cultural catalyst in Nigeria’s sonic landscape as of April 14, 2025.
This Shallipopi biography delves into the dynamic ascent of an artist whose unscripted freestyles and Benin-rooted lyricism have redefined street anthems, offering a window into the interplay of ambition, resilience, and cultural pride that fuels his rise.
From his early experiments in 2021 with tracks like “Gra Gra” to collaborations with Rema, Burna Boy, and Odumodublvck, Shallipopi’s career is a testament to spontaneous creativity and strategic vision, amplified by his launch of Plutomania Records to nurture talents like his brother Zerry DL.
His path, marked by a 2023 EFCC conviction overcome with fines and the viral success of “Ex-Convict,” carries both triumphs and trials.
What follows is an in-depth exploration of his early years, pre-stardom grind, musical breakthroughs, key achievements, personal life, and the evolving legacy of a “Plutomanian” whose sound continues to orbit from Edo’s heart to global playlists, reshaping Nigeria’s music narrative with every beat.
Shallipopi Bio-Data
| Name | Crown Uzama (professionally known as Shallipopi) |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 2000 |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Place of Birth | Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Record Label Owner |
| Latest Song | “Laho” (released January 2025) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $500,000–$700,000 USD (based on music streams, performances, and other ventures.) |
| Source | Bsgistnews.com |
Early Life and Education
Crown Uzama, professionally known as Shallipopi, was born on April 12, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, to parents of Edo descent.
Raised in a culturally rich environment, he grew up alongside his younger brother, Wisdom Uzama (known as Zerry DL), in a household where music and community were central.
His early years were marked by a passion for science, evident during his time at primary and secondary schools in Benin City, though specific institutions remain undisclosed in public records.
Demonstrating academic diligence, Shallipopi pursued higher education at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, enrolling in 2019 and graduating in 2023 with a Higher National Diploma in Computer Science.
During his teenage years, between ages 14 and 15, he discovered a love for music, initially experimenting with freestyles inspired by Afrobeats, hip-hop, and the vibrant sounds of Benin’s streets, setting the stage for his eventual career.
Crown Uzama’s Career Before Music Stardom
Before his musical breakthrough, Crown Uzama, professionally known as Shallipopi balanced academics with creative exploration.
His interest in music crystallized in 2015 when he began sharing freestyle videos on TikTok, then a burgeoning platform for young creatives.
These early posts, blending dance moves and raw vocal talent, earned him a modest local following. In 2021, he released his debut single, “Gra Gra,” followed by “Power” and “Shaka” in 2022, but these tracks gained limited traction, reflecting the challenges of an independent artist without major backing.
Influenced by Nigerian stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, as well as the street anthems of his hometown, Shallipopi honed a unique style—freestyling without pen or paper, a method that lent his work spontaneity and authenticity.
His computer science background also informed his approach, experimenting with digital production tools to craft beats, though he remained a self-taught outsider in Nigeria’s competitive music scene until 2023.
Shallipopi’s Music Career
Shallipopi’s career ignited in March 2023 with the release of “Elon Musk,” a catchy single that soared to number 1 on Nigeria’s Apple Music Top 100, fueled by its infectious chorus and TikTok-driven dance challenges.
The track’s success led to remixes with Zlatan (May 2023) and Fireboy DML (June 2023), amplifying its reach to Europe and the US.
Signed to Dvpper Music Distribution in early 2023, he followed with “Sharpiru” in April and “Ex-Convict” in July, the latter debuting at number 6 on the TurnTable Top 100.
His debut EP, Planet Pluto (July 2023), featured Pa Monday-Edo, Zlatan, and Fireboy DML, cementing his rise.
In October 2023, he launched Plutomania Records, signing his brother Zerry DL and Tega Boi, and left Dvpper to assert creative control.
That November, his debut album, Presido La Pluto, topped the TurnTable Top 50 and Apple Music’s Top 100 Albums, driven by singles like “Cast” (featuring Odumodublvck) and “Oscroh (Pepperline).”
In 2024, Shallipopi sustained his momentum with his second album, Shakespopi (April), which also hit number 1 on the TurnTable Top 100 Albums, led by the chart-topping single “ASAP.”
Collaborations with Rema on “Benin Boys” (June 2024, number 1 on TurnTable) and Victony on “Ludo” from Stubborn showcased his versatility.
By January 2025, he released “Laho” under Plutomania Records and Since ’93, further blending his “Afro-talk” style—Afropop, Afrofusion, and Amapiano with Benin dialect to connect with local and global audiences.
Watch Laho Video Below
His freestyling approach, complex wordplay, and references to “Pluto” (a nod to the dwarf planet, symbolizing his outsider status) have defined his artistry, earning him Apple Music’s Up Next feature in June 2023.
Major Achievements
Shallipopi’s rapid ascent is studded with milestones.
Presido La Pluto (2023) and Shakespopi (2024) both debuted at number 1 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50, a rare feat for a newcomer.
“Elon Musk” and “ASAP” claimed number 1 on the TurnTable Top 100, while “Benin Boys” with Rema garnered 1 million first-day streams.
His 2023 Apple Music Up Next recognition highlighted his potential, and he received nominations for Best New Artist and Street-Hop Artiste at various awards, though a Headies win remains elusive as of 2025.
Founding Plutomania Records and signing talents like Zerry DL reflect his entrepreneurial vision.
Collaborations with Burna Boy, Davido, Tekno, and Focalistic have elevated his profile, while his music’s integration of Benin language has popularized Edo culture, akin to Rema’s impact.
Crown Uzama’s Personal Life
Shallipopi keeps his personal life guarded, focusing public attention on his music and “Plutomanian” fanbase.
Raised Christian, he’s incorporated spiritual undertones in tracks like “Obapluto,” though he rarely discusses faith.
In May 2024, he confirmed a relationship with influencer Lilani on Instagram, dispelling earlier speculation, but remains unmarried with no children.
His brother Zerry DL, a rising artist, shares a close bond, collaborating on tracks like “Wet on Me.”
A significant setback occurred in May 2023, when Shallipopi, his manager, and others were arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged internet fraud.
Convicted on June 23, 2023, they received two-year sentences with fine options, which they paid, allowing his career to continue unabated.
He’s addressed this in interviews, framing it as a hurdle overcome, and ironically, “Ex-Convict” became a hit during this period.
Shallipopi’s stage name, inspired by the 1994 Chinese comedy Shaolin Popey (a childhood favorite after a mistaken CD purchase), reflects his playful yet bold persona.
He owns a Mercedes-Benz 4Matic A220 and reportedly a red Mercedes-Benz GLE, spotted in Lagos, signaling his growing wealth.
His slang “Pluto” symbolizes his mission to reclaim outsider status, resonating with fans who call themselves “Plutomanian citizens.”
Shallipopi’s Legacy and Impact
As of April 14, 2025, Shallipopi, at 25, is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Gen Z music wave, with a net worth estimated at $500,000–$700,000 from music, streams, and performances. Residing in Lagos, he’s transformed from a TikTok freestyler to a chart-topping force, his Afro-talk style rooted in Afropop and Benin’s linguistic flair bridging local pride with global appeal.
Presido La Pluto and Shakespopi’s success, alongside hits like “Elon Musk” and “Benin Boys,” underscore his commercial dominance.
His legal troubles, while controversial, haven’t dimmed his shine, with fans and fellow artistes like Olamide and Wizkid endorsing his resilience.
Plutomania Records’ growth signals his intent to nurture Edo talent, while his cultural impact popularizing Benin slang like “Evian” echoes across social media.
Shallipopi’s legacy, still unfolding, is one of audacity and authenticity, a Pluto-born star redefining Nigerian music’s orbit.
Conclusion
Shallipopi’s electrifying journey through Nigeria’s musical firmament stands as a vivid testament to raw talent, unfiltered authenticity, and the power of cultural roots, a narrative that arcs from the lively streets of Benin City to the zenith of chart-topping stardom with an Afro-talk sound that pulses with Edo pride.
Born Crown Uzama on April 12, 2000, Shallipopi transformed from a TikTok freestyler and Auchi Polytechnic computer science graduate into a Gen Z icon, his 2023 breakout with “Elon Musk” igniting a meteoric rise that delivered two number-one albums—Presido La Pluto and Shakespopi—and a burgeoning Plutomania Records empire.
At 25, with a net worth estimated at $500,000–$700,000 as of April 14, 2025, his ascent reflects a fearless hustle, positioning him as a sonic trailblazer who bridges Nigeria’s youth with global audiences through his signature “Pluto” vibe.
His legacy sparkles with achievements that fuse street resonance with commercial triumph.
Presido La Pluto and Shakespopi topped Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50, while singles like “ASAP” and “Benin Boys” with Rema dominated airwaves, amassing millions of streams and cementing his chart prowess.
His Apple Music Up Next feature in 2023 and nominations for Best New Artist spotlight his potential, complemented by collaborations with Burna Boy, Davido, and Odumodublvck that showcase his versatility.
Yet, his path bears the weight of trials—a 2023 EFCC conviction for alleged fraud, swiftly resolved with fines, birthed the ironic hit “Ex-Convict,” proving his resilience.
Founding Plutomania Records and signing his brother Zerry DL signal a commitment to Edo’s next generation, amplifying his influence beyond music.
On a personal level, Shallipopi remains a guarded yet vibrant figure, Christian-raised, dating influencer Lilani since 2024, and deeply tied to his family, particularly Zerry DL—his Benin slang and “Plutomanian” ethos resonating with fans who embrace his outsider narrative.
Living in Lagos, he navigates fame with the spontaneity of his freestyles, his Mercedes-Benz rides a nod to his grind.
As of April 14, 2025, Shallipopi stands at a crossroads of youth and ambition, his Afro-talk sound a cultural bridge, his label a beacon for new talent.
Whether history will crown him a fleeting comet or a lasting star in Nigeria’s orbit, his impact from popularizing “Evian” to repping Edo globally is indelible, a legacy still pulsing with the rhythm of a “Pluto Presido” whose story continues to shake the world, one freestyle at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions on Shallipopi
1. Who is Shallipopi?
Shallipopi, born Crown Uzama, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter known for his Afro-talk sound, blending Afropop, Amapiano, and Benin dialect, with hits like “Elon Musk” and “ASAP.”
2. When and where was Shallipopi born?
He was born on April 12, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
3. What is Shallipopi’s age in 2025?
As of April 14, 2025, he is 25 years old.
4. What is Shallipopi’s real name?
His real name is Crown Uzama.
5. How did Shallipopi start his music career?
He began sharing freestyles on TikTok around 2015, releasing early singles like “Gra Gra” in 2021, but broke through with “Elon Musk” in March 2023.
6. What was Shallipopi’s breakout song?
“Elon Musk” (2023) hit number 1 on Nigeria’s Apple Music Top 100, fueled by TikTok dance challenges.
7. What is Shallipopi’s music genre?
He performs Afro-talk, a mix of Afropop, Afrofusion, and Amapiano, often using Benin slang and complex wordplay.
8. What record label is Shallipopi signed to?
He runs Plutomania Records, founded in October 2023, after leaving Dvpper Music Distribution; his latest work is co-released with Since ’93.
9. What are Shallipopi’s most popular songs?
Hits include “Elon Musk,” “Ex-Convict,” “Oscroh (Pepperline),” “ASAP,” “Benin Boys” with Rema, and “Laho.”
10. What albums has Shallipopi released?
He’s released Presido La Pluto (2023) and Shakespopi (2024), both debuting at number 1 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50, plus the EP Planet Pluto (2023).
11. What awards has Shallipopi won?
He’s been nominated for Best New Artist and Street-Hop Artiste at various awards but hasn’t secured a major win as of 2025; Apple Music’s Up Next feature (2023) is a key recognition.
12. What is Shallipopi’s latest song?
His latest single is “Laho,” released in January 2025 under Plutomania Records and Since ’93.
13. Is Shallipopi in a relationship?
Yes, he confirmed dating influencer Lilani in May 2024 via Instagram; he’s unmarried with no children.
14. What happened with Shallipopi’s EFCC arrest?
In May 2023, he and his manager were arrested for alleged internet fraud, convicted in June with two-year sentences but freed after paying fines; he released “Ex-Convict” during this time.
15. What is Shallipopi’s net worth?
Estimated at $500,000–$700,000 USD as of April 14, 2025, from streams, performances, and Plutomania Records ventures, though unofficial.
