Shallipopi, the Nigerian singer, has announced that he will no longer make public statements regarding his allegations against Damilola Akinwumi better known as Dapper his former record label owner and manager.
In August, Shallipopi, along with fellow artists TI Blaze and Seyi Vibez, publicly accused Dapper of contract breaches and financial misconduct. Shallipopi specifically claimed that royalties were withheld and his music catalogue was sold without proper accounting.
However, in a statement posted to his social media accounts on Monday, Shallipopi revealed that his legal team and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have advised him to allow the legal process to unfold. He emphasized that while he stands by the truth of his allegations, he will refrain from discussing the case through music or on social media while the investigation is ongoing.
He also reflected on the emotional toll the situation has taken, noting that much of what he has built since his teenage years is now at stake. Despite being unable to publicly defend himself, Shallipopi said he remains hopeful that justice will prevail.
“We have fought for everything we own as if our lives depended on it, and because of that, my siblings trust my direction and my voice. Right now, however, I am in a position where I cannot fight in the way I am used to. My legal team and the EFCC have advised me that for justice to be served, I need to step back and trust the legal process. I have been told that rushed justice can lead to injustice. Every claim I have brought against my former manager, Damilola Akinwumi (Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited), must be thoroughly investigated. Because of this, I cannot fight for myself using my music or my words.
I cannot sing about it, talk about it, or share it on any media platform for now. While I stand firmly by the truth of my claims, I now understand why I cannot comment publicly on matters under active investigation, nor use my artistic expression to address them as I did a few weeks ago.
I will trust the investigation process and the law. Everything I have worked for since my teenage years is tied to this. I remain hopeful that justice will prevail. I simply cannot be Shallipopi for myself. It’s depressing.”
Meanwhile, Dapper has publicly denied any wrongdoing in his dealings with all his former signees, including Shallipopi.
