Africa plus magazine

Shallipopi has emerged as the biggest beneficiary of Burna Boy’s recent performances in France and Manchester, capitalizing on a wave of international attention. With the spotlight on Nigerian music burning even brighter after Burna’s record-setting shows, Shallipopi perfectly timed the release of the remix to his track “Laho” on Friday, 25 April. The buzz from Burna’s global influence created the perfect environment for Shallipopi to step in and capture new audiences, positioning himself as a fresh face ready to carry Afrobeat’s momentum forward.

“Laho” has proven to be a massive success, racking up over thirty million Spotify streams in Nigeria alone, a figure only surpassed by Rema’s releases in recent months. This level of traction is not accidental; it reflects the public’s growing appetite for Shallipopi’s style and sound. Riding on the international attention that Nigerian music is currently enjoying, Shallipopi’s streaming numbers have skyrocketed, allowing him to transition from a local street-hop sensation to a rising global name almost overnight.

Remarkably, Shallipopi has achieved this surge largely on his own, having recently fallen out with his former manager. For the past two months, he has been independently pushing his music, building momentum through relentless promotion and grassroots support. His solo hustle has made the success of “Laho” even sweeter, showcasing a young artist not just riding the wave of Burna’s global success but actively carving out his own path with impressive resilience.

Interestingly, the original version of “Laho” was actually recorded with Burna Boy, but its release was stalled due to clearance issues with Warner Music, the major label Burna is signed to. While the original collaboration could not materialize officially, Shallipopi smartly pivoted by releasing a remix that still benefits from the buzz around Burna’s name without getting entangled in label politics. This strategic move, combined with the international attention Nigerian music is receiving thanks to Burna’s tour, has put Shallipopi in the perfect position to dominate the next wave of Afrobeat’s global breakout.