Nigerian street-hop star Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has firmly announced he will no longer participate in future editions of The Headies Awards.
The artist voiced his disappointment after being wrongly categorized at the 17th Headies, fueling frustration over what he described as a misrepresentation of his musical style.
Despite securing six nominations — including a highly coveted spot in the Next Rated category — Shallipopi took issue with being classified as a rapper. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, he said, “I’m not a rapper. I don’t make rap music. Labeling me as one doesn’t reflect who I am or the sound I represent.”
The controversy adds to a series of industry struggles for Shallipopi. In late 2024, he severed ties with his former record label, Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital, citing allegations of financial exploitation and lack of transparency. He accused the label’s management of forcing him into unfair contracts that prioritized corporate gains over his creative and financial interests.
This latest decision to boycott The Headies points to a deeper frustration among newer-generation artists who feel boxed into outdated or inaccurate industry categories. Shallipopi’s move brings renewed attention to the ongoing conversation about artist identity, fair representation, and respect within Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.
Many fans have expressed support for Shallipopi online, applauding him for standing his ground and advocating for the evolving diversity of Nigerian music.
As the music industry continues to expand beyond traditional genre boundaries, Shallipopi’s stance sends a clear message: artists demand to be recognized on their own terms — not squeezed into labels that don’t fit.
