Nigerian singer Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has explained his decision to stop publicly discussing his ongoing dispute with former manager and music executive Damilola Akinwumi, better known as Dapper.
The singer said his decision followed advice from his legal team and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is investigating the allegations surrounding his dealings with Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited.
Shallipopi had previously taken the dispute to social media, accusing his former manager of allegedly withholding royalties from 46 songs and raising concerns about the handling of his music catalogue.
However, in a recent statement to his fans, the singer said he had been advised to allow the legal process to take its course rather than continue addressing the matter publicly.
“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,” Shallipopi said.
He explained that he would no longer use his music, social media pages or other media platforms to make statements about the dispute while the investigation remains active.
“Because of this, I cannot fight for myself using my music nor my words. I cannot sing about it, talk about it, or share it on any media platform for now,” he added.
Despite his decision to remain silent, the singer maintained that he stands by the allegations he previously made. He said the issues involved are important to him because they concern everything he has worked for since his teenage years.
“Everything I have worked for since my teenage years is tied to this. I remain hopeful that justice will prevail,” he stated.
The development is significant because it shifts the dispute from social media exchanges to a formal investigative process. It also underscores the potential consequences of publicly commenting on matters under investigation.
Dapper has denied wrongdoing in his dealings with Shallipopi and other former artistes associated with his label.
Shallipopi, who is known for hits including “Elon Musk,” has established himself as one of Nigeria’s prominent young Afrobeats artistes. The EFCC investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against Dapper have not been proven.
