Amapiano more lucrative than rap – Shallipopi claims

Nigerian Artist Shallipopi Discusses Shift from Rap to Amapiano

Nigerian rapper and singer Shallipopi has shared insights into his transition from rap music to Amapiano, citing financial motivations for his change in genre.

In a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Shallipopi explained that while he initially found success as a rap artist, he opted to embrace Amapiano—a style he believes to be more commercially viable. “I have been rapping for a while. I am a trap star. They made me do Amapiano. It is Amapiano that brings food to the table, so we will do it,” he said, emphasizing his willingness to adapt for economic reasons.

Although he acknowledged that rap was his “first love,” Shallipopi expressed that challenges related to the orientation of Nigerian music fans and insufficient support hindered his earning potential in the genre.

Additionally, Shallipopi addressed his decision to decline the Headies award for Best Rap Song, won by his track “Cast” last year. He stated that the organizers sought to categorize him solely as a rapper, arguing for the necessity of separate awards for both singing and rapping categories.

Shallipopi’s remarks underline the evolving landscape of the Nigerian music industry, where genre adaptability can significantly impact an artist’s success.

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