
Crown goes from noun, a given name, to verb, an award-winning music sensation for Shallipopi. This is a beginner-friendly and solid fan sneak-peek guide to Shallipopi’s discography. He is a fast-rising musician and rapper who has become a household and international name in a short while.Â
The 25-year-old (born April 12, 2000), an Afrobeats and Amapiano genre Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter who was born Crown Uzama, is known professionally as Shallipopi and also called Pluto Presido, Plutomaniapopi, Shakespopi- all names to make him king in his own planet. From unknown TikTok covers to being covered across the globe.Â
Whether you’re a first-time listener or a fan who wants to go down the short memory lane, let’s go to Pluto from this list.Â
Best of Shallipopi Songs
1. Elon Musk
2. Cast
3. Laho
4. Obapluto
5. Exconvict
Top Five Favorite Tracks By Shallipopi
1. Elon Musk
Think of it as the drop of water that made his ocean. Named after Elon Musk, the famous business billionaire. This was the one that made him “blow” after starting his career professionally in 2021 with his debut single, “Gra Gra,” which you probably didn’t know him by.
“Elon Musk” was not just a viral TikTok sound. It also made a space for itself on charts, including being at the top spot of the Nigerian Top 100 on Apple Music. After its successful release in March 2023, he made a remix featuring Zlatan, who is also known as World President, in May 2023. The remix gave it further fame, as it was widely popular in the United States and Europe. In June of the same year, he released another remix featuring Fireboy DML, the Headies Award Winner.Â
The success of this single paved the way for his debut album, “President La Pluto,” in 2023.Â
It’s no wonder that the successful single that launched Shallipopi into the mainstream would top the list. It’s giving honor to whom it’s due.
2. Cast
There’s a reason Shallipopi was the BET Awards nominee for “Best New International Act” category with this song. Featuring Odumodublvck, “Cast” is a track from his debut album, “President La Pluto.”
This has been Shallipopi’s most-streamed song yet, with way over 61 million streams to date. The song is a delightful combination of Afrobeats, Hip Hop, and Street-pop.Â
One of those songs with street credibility. You take any turn in the street, and it’s blaring on speakers. For my non-Nigerian audience, that’s not a crime, don’t worry. You’ll probably find a policeman vibing to it. Just kidding. Its fame, however, didn’t stop on the streets. It is also very widely acclaimed across social media platforms. It wasn’t necessarily an “I want to listen,” but “you have to listen,” as it was on the soundtrack of almost every post in that season.Â
I remember when the song got released, people were saying ladies who listened to him were turnoffs. But guess what? E don cast. The ladies keep vibing to Shallipopi, and this is a favourite for them too. The only audience it isn’t suitable for is children.Â
3. Laho
Let’s begin with a language lesson. “Laho” is a Benin word that means “please,” “I beg,” or “don’t let me fall.” Nobody’s going to question if you use all three in a sentence. In the present Nigerian context, it is a plea for funds, if you know what I mean. Why grovel when you can do coded begging or asking?
It debuted at number 17 on the Global Shazam Chart, topped the charts in 10 African countries, and sat at the top 3 on Apple Music. However, it was not just an African phenomenon. It marked his biggest win yet as it peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Afrobeats Chart in the US in March. Also in March, it gained access to the UK Afrobeats Chart at number 3. It recorded his highest stream in a day with 600,000 streams on the 1st March, making March a month to remember for him.Â
He made his Benin people proud by flaunting his culture and language on this track. This one was “for the culture,” but definitely not limited to the culture.Â
It was his first single of the year 2025. Released in February, widely regarded as the Hustler’s Anthem. It gave Shallipopi the privilege of having a remix featuring the African Giant, Burna Boy.Â
4. Obapluto
Another track where he showcases his heritage. He samples “Ogbaisi” by Monday Edo Igbinidun on it. His use of slang makes him most famous among the young in this generation.
It was the first track in his “Planet Pluto EP,” made in 2023. A rich blend of his rich roots, contemporary style. He likens his reign on Pluto to that of the highest monarch seat in his hometown. His songs don’t just portray his Benin heritage for the Benin people, but to take their name across the world. You’re not left out.
Shallipopi knows exactly who he is, and he pours that knowledge into this track, which is why it makes the list of his songs you must listen to.Â
5. Ex-convict
It is probably a rite of passage for singers/rappers with high street acclaim to have EFCC problems. Those moments, however, don’t just go by, as they come back to release songs that show how they’ll always rise back, and their experiences while in custody. This is the one for Shallipopi.
This was how he staged a comeback after facing a jail term with bail options in 2023 for alleged internet fraud, possibly because of his portrayal of a flashy life. The song was written while he was in prison.Â
One would expect a reflective and solemn song to explore themes of bondage and freedom, but that is not the Benin boy’s way. He would make a danceable, groovy song out of any theme. The video was made by one of the most famous video directors and cinematographers, TG Omori.Â
Worthy Mention:Â
* Benin Boys
One thing will Shallipopi do? Be loud about his Benin heritage. Two things he’ll do? Be loud about his Benin heritage as he features his Benin brother on a track. A collaborative song where he’s featured by the famous musician and rapper, Rema. They celebrate their shared cultural heritage on this track. The visual gives a glimpse into the Benin heritage, showing Benin bronzes and images of bats, which are symbolic in the culture.Â
A people’s favorite that achieved a groundbreaking feat of 1 million streams on Spotify on its first day. It went as far as being included in the official soundtrack of the popular football game, EA Sports FC25.
I understand the place of personal taste, but numbers don’t lie, even if you disagree with my list. What are your top 5 songs of Shallipopi? Drop them in the comments below, let Plutomanians know!