Crown Uzama, better known by his stage name Shallipopi, has opened up about the hardships he faced before rising to stardom in Nigeria’s music industry.
The ‘Oscroh’ crooner revealed in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) that financial struggles forced him to take on a variety of odd jobs, including bricklaying, painting, and plastering, to support his family.
He recounted performing at clubs in Benin City for as little as N5,000 to assist his mother with household expenses.
“I have been to the 36 states of Nigeria touring towns to eat,” he wrote. “I don’t know which part of Nigeria you come from, but you’re not supposed to talk to me about shame. Buckle up—this country doesn’t laugh with anybody!”
Shallipopi also shared his journey of sneaking out of the house at night to freestyle at local clubs, driven by a determination to provide for his family.
The artist’s candid reflections followed criticism over his assertion that financial stability is an essential part of masculinity, sparking widespread discussion among his fans and followers.
From performing for small earnings to achieving nationwide recognition, Shallipopi’s story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of success against all odds.
