July 3, 2024 |
Shallipopi knows his worth. A Benin City native, the Nigerian artist effortlessly blends an eclectic mix of pop, amapiano, Afrobeats, highlife and rap, leading to a merry band of followers raring to catch a glimpse of him at a concert or listen to his unique tracks on repeat. Known predominantly for his EP Planet Pluto, which was released in 2023 and earned him the nicknames Plutomaniapopi and Pluto President, the musician grew up on a balanced sonic diet fed to him by his musical parents. Lucky Dube and Bob Marley were early influences and drove Shallipopi’s desire to make music from a young age.
Starting his professional career on social media by posting freestyles online, Shallipopi experienced his first dose of virality with his track ‘Elon Musk’ which dropped in 2023. Since then, his popularity has swelled, leading to sold-out shows in the US and the UK, as well as festival bookings in the Netherlands and Spain. Upcoming on the artist’s busy calendar is Wireless Festival, one of London’s most sought-after festival tickets, and he’s sharing the bill with heavyweights like Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage, J Hus and Doja Cat. Shallipopi is used to keeping good company however; he recently dropped a track with rap star, Rema, about their shared heritage titled ‘Benin Boys’.
Here, we sat down with Shallipopi ahead of his set at Wireless to ask him about what he doesn’t go on tour without, an artist he’s listening to right now and what fans can expect from him over the next year.
1. Who is Shallipopi?
An artist from Benin City, Nigeria, that is Shallipopi.
2. Do you notice a difference between crowds back home in Nigeria and elsewhere?
I don’t think there’s a difference. I think that my fans everywhere are the same. I think they react the same when I’m on stage.
3. What would be your dream gig?
I think I’ve done my dream gig already. It was the stadium in London.
4. Who did you listen to growing up who has influenced the music you create now?
The music I make now is influenced by where I’m from, Benin State. It’s not really by any artist. It’s more of the people influencing me than any artist.
5. Who is one artist you are excited to catch at Wireless Festival?
I think the artists should catch me.
6. Is there anything you don’t go on tour without?
I pray to God and I bring my jewellery. I need to perform with my jewellery.
7. What is one artist you love that everyone should be listening to right now?
Young Thug.
8. If you could listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be
Probably my song. I just listen to myself.
9. Do you have a favourite of your songs?
It’s not yet released. I won’t tell you the name but it’s on release. I always listen to that song.
10. Okay, last question, what should fans expect from you in the next year?
Expect the unexpected and hits on hits.
Photography courtesy of Shallipopi.
