Nigerian musician Shallipopi has accused Dapper Music of financial exploitation weeks after announcing his departure from the record label.
The artist officially severed ties with the label in November 2024.
He issued a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, outlining accusations of breached trust and financial mismanagement.
In his statement, Shallipopi expressed his deep disappointment, stating:
“I am officially ending my agreement with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital.
“This was not a decision I took lightly but a necessary step following the betrayal of my trust, the mishandling of my finances, and the disregard for my rights as an artist”
“This goes beyond just me; it concerns every artist and creator who pours their heart and soul into their craft, only to face betrayal and exploitation from those who should be safeguarding their interests”
“It is about taking a stand for fairness, integrity, and the respect we all deserve”
“Instead of prioritising my growth, they prioritised their own profits, jeopardising my career and aspirations.”
Shallipopi’s allegations have sparked widespread discussions within the Nigerian music industry.
Also, shedding light on the fraught relationships between artists and record labels.
Also, his claims have resonated with many who have criticised exploitative practices within the industry, such as unfair contracts, financial opacity, and a lack of respect for artists’ creative rights.
While Shallipopi has not provided specific details about the alleged financial improprieties.
Also, his statement shows significant frustrations with the label’s focus on profit at the expense of his artistic development.
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Dapper Music has yet to respond to the allegations publicly.
However, industry experts believe this development could spark broader discussions about artist-label relations and the need for reform to safeguard creators from exploitation.
