LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigerian music star Crown Uzama, famously known as Shallipopi, has explained why he moved away from rap music despite calling it his “first love” to popular genre, Amapiano.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, the “Ex Convict” hitmaker said he began his career as a rapper before embracing Amapiano.
The Famous Pluto crooner revealed that the genre switch was driven by financial success rather than passion for singing.
According to the singer, rap music did not provide the level of income he wanted, especially within the Nigerian music industry.
Shallipopi explained that Amapiano became the genre that offered better financial opportunities and helped him earn more money to promote his career.
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“I have been rapping for a while. I am a trap star. They made me do Amapiano. It is Amapiano that bring food to the table, so we will do it. I will drag it with them,” he said.
Shallipopi also noted that Nigerian fans do not fully support rap music, making it difficult for many rappers to become financially successful.
Although he still loves rap, he admitted that survival and commercial success influenced his decision to focus more on Amapiano sounds.
The singer also addressed why he rejected the Best Rap Song award at The Headies last year, for his hit track “Cast.”
According to him, he did not want to be seen only as a rapper.
Shallipopi argued that his music career covers both singing and rap, insisting that award organizers should recognize him in multiple categories instead of placing him in one box.
