Apple Music has recently announced the talented emerging Afrobeats rapper, Shallipopi, as the latest artist to be featured in its Up Next artist development program in Nigeria.
Hailing from Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria, Shallipopi has captivated audiences with his raw talent and unique slang, which gained him recognition and a loyal fanbase on platforms like TikTok. His viral hit, ‘Elon Musk,’ propelled him into the spotlight, introducing the catchy slang “Pluto Boy” and endearing his fans, known as “Plutomanian citizens.”
Expressing his gratitude, Shallipopi said, “I’m honored to have been chosen as the Up Next local artist for June. I’m thankful to Apple Music for recognizing the vision. The world is about to see that Shallipopi is Up Next!”
Having already released a series of impressive singles that showcased his versatility, including ‘Gra Gra’ (2021) and ‘Power’ (2022), it was the release of ‘Elon Musk’ (2023) and its remix featuring Nigerian superstar rapper Zlatan that propelled Shallipopi to monumental viral success. His captivating presence on TikTok further amplified his popularity.
As the latest Up Next artist from Nigeria, Shallipopi will be prominently featured on Apple Music’s Nigeria’s Up Next playlist. This playlist showcases a diverse range of genre-agnostic artists, handpicked by Apple Music’s global editors, who are eager to introduce them to a wider audience.
Joining a growing roster of talented Nigerian Up Next artists, including Winny, Pawzz, Novemba, Ogranya, Majeeed, Khaid, Ninety, Young Jonn, T.I Blaze, Browny Pondis, Ajebo Hustlers, Jaido P, Wavy The Creator, and SGaWD, Shallipopi’s selection highlights his rising status in the Nigerian music scene.