Nigerian music star Shallipopi has explained why he has gone quiet over his highly publicised dispute with music executive Damilola Akinwumi, popularly known as Dapper.
The singer had previously been vocal about his concerns over royalties and other financial issues connected to his music catalogue. However, Shallipopi has now revealed that he has been advised to stop discussing the matter publicly while the case goes through an investigation.
According to the singer, both his legal team and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) advised him to step away from public commentary and allow the appropriate process to take place.
The development gives a new direction to a dispute that has generated significant conversation within Nigeria’s music industry.
Why Shallipopi Has Gone Silent
Shallipopi’s latest message to his fans was essentially an explanation for his sudden silence.
The singer said he had been advised that continuing to discuss the matter publicly could get in the way of the process currently underway. Rather than continue exchanging statements online, he has chosen to allow the relevant authorities and legal representatives to handle the matter.
That means fans should not expect Shallipopi to keep addressing the dispute through social media posts, interviews or even music for the time being.
His decision is particularly notable because music had previously been one of the ways he expressed his frustration about the situation.
The singer now appears determined to separate his artistic work from the ongoing dispute while the investigation continues.
Shallipopi Says He Still Stands by His Claims
Going quiet does not mean Shallipopi has withdrawn the accusations he previously made.
The singer made it clear that he continues to stand by his position. His latest statement was more about how he intends to pursue the matter, rather than changing what he had previously alleged.
He said the claims now need to be properly examined through the legal and investigative process.
For Shallipopi, the issue is also deeply personal because it concerns music that represents years of work and the foundation of his career.
He has therefore expressed hope that the matter will eventually be resolved fairly.
How the Dapper Dispute Started
The latest development follows a public fallout between Shallipopi and Dapper, who previously worked together during an important period in the singer’s rise.
In August 2026, Shallipopi publicly accused Dapper Music of withholding royalties connected to 46 songs.
The singer also raised questions about financial arrangements involving his music catalogue and other agreements.
Those claims triggered a fresh wave of discussion about the relationship between artistes and music companies, particularly around contracts, royalties and ownership of recorded music.
It is important to stress that these are allegations made by Shallipopi and have not been established as facts by a court or final investigative finding.
Dapper’s Side of the Story
Dapper has rejected the accusations made against him.
The music executive and his company have disputed claims of wrongdoing and have maintained their position regarding the financial and contractual disagreements involving former artistes.
That means the controversy currently involves competing claims, with the investigation expected to help establish the facts.
With Shallipopi now stepping away from public commentary, attention is likely to shift from social media exchanges to whatever evidence, documentation and findings emerge from the process.
Why the Story Matters Beyond Shallipopi
The dispute has become bigger than a disagreement between one artiste and one music executive.
Nigeria’s music industry has grown into a huge commercial business, with streaming, publishing, distribution, licensing and catalogue ownership becoming increasingly valuable.
For emerging artistes, understanding what happens to their music after signing an agreement can be just as important as recording a hit song.
Issues surrounding royalty statements, distribution agreements, catalogue ownership and financial reporting can have long-term consequences for an artiste’s career.
That is why the Shallipopi-Dapper dispute has attracted so much attention.
It has also opened another conversation about whether young artistes have enough knowledge and professional support when entering complicated music-business agreements.
What Happens From Here?
For now, Shallipopi appears ready to let the investigation take its course.
His latest statement suggests that he does not intend to keep the dispute alive through constant public exchanges.
That could make the next stage of the story less about social media and more about what the investigation actually uncovers.
The major questions surrounding the dispute remain: how were the royalties handled, what agreements were entered into, and what happened to the music catalogue at the centre of the disagreement?
Those questions will ultimately require evidence rather than online arguments to answer.
For Shallipopi, however, the message to his fans is clear: he has said his part and is now stepping back.
The singer remains confident in the claims he previously made, but he has chosen to allow the legal and investigative process to determine what happens next.
As the situation develops, the Nigerian music industry will be watching closely.
NaijaGrove will continue to follow the story and bring you major updates as they emerge.