Nigerian rapper Shallipopi has kicked off 2025 with the release of his highly anticipated single, Laho, which dropped on February 21. The track had already gone viral on TikTok before its official release, building excitement among fans. However, just a day after hitting streaming platforms, the single was unexpectedly removed from Spotify, causing disappointment among listeners.
The removal of Laho sparked reactions from fans, especially as Spotify remains one of the most popular music streaming platforms in Nigeria. In 2023 alone, the platform reportedly paid out a staggering ₦23 billion to Nigerian artists, making it a significant revenue source for musicians in the country. The sudden takedown of Shallipopi’s new single left many questioning the cause.
After several hours of uncertainty, Laho was reinstated on Spotify, though Shallipopi himself did not provide an official reason for the temporary removal. However, speculation is rife that the issue may have stemmed from contractual disputes between the rapper and his former label, Dapper Music. Shallipopi’s exit from Dapper was far from smooth, as he publicly accused the label of financial mismanagement, a conflict of interest, and attempting to tie him down to what he described as a “forever contract.”
Shallipopi’s New Era and Industry Recognition
Laho marks Shallipopi’s first single since severing ties with Dapper Music, signaling a new chapter in his career. The track follows his last release, Order, a collaboration with Olamide that dropped in November 2024 and has continued to gain traction. As anticipation builds for his next album, reports suggest that the project may feature an international collaboration with American rapper Swae Lee.
The year 2025 is already shaping up to be significant for Shallipopi, as he recently secured six nominations at the 17th Headies Awards, including a highly coveted nomination for the Next Rated Prize. With Laho now back on Spotify and an album on the way, fans are eager to see how the rapper’s career unfolds following his label transition.
