Shallipopi’s Debut EP ‘Planet Pluto’ Draws Critical Praise With Dapper as Executive Producer

LAGOS, NIGERIA (JULY 2023) — The Nigerian charts have a new, albeit unconventional, ruler. Shallipopi, the artist who turned “Evian” and “Pluto” into household terms, has officially landed with his debut EP, Planet Pluto. While the artist’s nonchalant delivery and heavy street-slang are the face of the project, the engine room is undeniably Dapper Music. Executive produced by Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi, the EP represents a strategic victory in an industry that is increasingly becoming harder to forecast.

Coming off the back of the controversial yet chart-topping success of “Elon Musk,” there were questions about whether Shallipopi could sustain a body of work. Planet Pluto provided a definitive answer. The 6-track project, which includes the massive “Ex-Convict” and the “Elon Musk” remix featuring Fireboy DML and Zlatan, is a lean, high-impact introduction to a sub-culture that Dapper has successfully brought to the mainstream.

Dapper’s involvement as Executive Producer was not merely administrative. He was the architect of the project’s rollout, ensuring that the raw, unfiltered energy of Shallipopi’s Benin roots was paired with a sophisticated distribution network. By the time the EP dropped, Dapper Group had already secured the infrastructure to ensure Shallipopi occupied five of the top ten spots on the Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 a feat rarely seen for a debutant.

Addressing the strategy behind the “Pluto” explosion and his commitment to non-conforming talent, Dapper stated:

“The success of ‘Planet Pluto’ is a result of recognizing a shift in the youth culture before it hits the mainstream.  We didn’t try to change Shallipopi’s sound or make it ‘radio-friendly’ in the traditional sense; we leaned into the grit and the uniqueness of his brand. The goal is always to build a label infrastructure that acts as a bridge taking a localized sound and ensuring it has the professional consistency to dominate global streaming platforms.

The EP has received critical praise for its cohesion and its ability to capture the current “vibe” of the Nigerian Gen-Z and street demographics. Through a joint venture between Plutomania Records and Dapper Music, Akinwunmi has once again proven that his ear for talent is matched only by his ability to turn that talent into a profitable, chart-topping entity.