Nigerian music and entertainment company Dapper Music has issued a formal response to allegations made by rapper Shallipopi, who accused the label of breach of trust and financial mismanagement following his split from the company.
In a statement shared on social media, Shallipopi (born Crown Uzama), claimed that Dapper Music had failed to provide transparency regarding his financial records and pressured him into signing a publishing deal with its subsidiary, Dvpper Digital. He further alleged that he was unknowingly bound to forfeit 30% of his earnings in perpetuity.
Dapper Music has categorically denied these accusations, describing them as “extremely disappointing, shocking, and unfounded.” The company emphasized that all contracts offered to its artists are presented with full clarity and transparency, ensuring that each artist has legal representation to protect their interests.
Addressing the claim of financial opacity, the label stated it has fully cooperated with Shallipopi and his auditors, including convening a meeting on Monday, December 9, 2024, to address the “CAST” hit maker’s financial statement request. Dapper Music added that it has consistently fulfilled its obligations with sincerity and openness.
Regarding the 30% earnings allegation, the company clarified that no such clause exists in Shallipopi’s contract. Instead, the rapper had willingly agreed to a 30% management cost, a standard industry rate.
Dapper Music expressed disappointment over what it called a “premeditated attack” against the label, attributing it to “falsehoods sponsored by proxies envious of the company’s success.” The company reaffirmed its commitment to operating with integrity and stated it is prepared to seek legal redress to protect its reputation.
This development follows Shallipopi’s public announcement of his departure from Dapper Music (as we reported here), citing irreconcilable differences. The situation has sparked conversations within the music industry about artist-label relationships and the importance of contractual transparency.
