Shallipopi’s Named As Apple Musicis Up Next Artist In Nigeria 

Shallipopi, an aspiring Afrobeats rapper, has been named the next featured artist in Apple Music’s Up Next artist development program in Nigeria.

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

Shallipopi was born and bred in Nigeria’s Benin City, Edo State, and his ascension has been nothing short of exquisite, with his raw ability and identifiable slang spawning his viral song ‘Elon Musk.’

His popular tune, ‘Elon Musk,’ gave birth to the slang “Pluto Boy,” which is now lovingly referred to by his admirers, also known as “Plutomanian citizens.”

“I’m honoured to have been selected as the Up Next local artist for June,” he tells Apple Music. “Thankful to Apple Music for seeing the vision, the rest of the world is about to see Shallipopi is Up Next!”

Following the release of a string of striking singles that showcased his range – from the groove-rooted ‘Gra Gra’ (2021) to the lyrically sharp ‘Power’ (2022) – it was the release of Shallipopi’s ‘Elon Musk’ (2023) and subsequent ‘Elon Musk Remix’ featuring Nigerian superstar rapper, Zlatan that earned him monumental viral success, which was further amplified by his captivating TikTok persona.

Shallipopi will be featured on Apple Music’s Nigeria’s Up Next playlist as the newest Up Next talent to be highlighted in Nigeria. The playlist is genre-agnostic and features musicians that our worldwide editors are enthusiastic about and keen to introduce to a wider audience.

Shallipopi joins Winny, Pawzz, Novemba, Ogranya, Majeeed, Khaid, Ninety, Young Jonn, T.I Blaze, Browny Pondis, Ajebo Hustlers, Jaido P, Wavy The Creator, and SGaWD as Up Next Artists from Nigeria on Apple Music.