Rising Nigerian star Shallipopi recently sat down with Juls Baby on Play Kiss Xtra for an insightful conversation about music, culture, and creative evolution. During the chat, Shallipopi talks sound and culture extensively. The “Elon Musk” crooner opened up about his sound selection, cultural roots, and what fans can expect in the near future.
In the interview, Shallipopi revealed that his sound is fluid and heavily influenced by the places he visits. Whether it’s Brazilian beats or rhythms tied to his Benin heritage, he draws inspiration from various cultures and environments. Indeed, Shallipopi talks sound and culture in a way that connects deeply with his audience.
Check it out below!
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Juls, known for his expertise in Afrofusion and global production, encouraged Shallipopi to consider recording on older, nostalgic beats, believing it could catapult his music to global audiences.
Shallipopi’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable. His energetic performance at the 2025 Headies Awards captured attention, even as he made headlines for rejecting the “Best Rapper” award, stating boldly, “I’m not a rapper.”
The moment, though controversial, was seen by many as a declaration of authenticity and genre-fluid artistry. When Shallipopi talks about sound and culture, he showcases his commitment to authenticity.
He also made waves recently performing alongside Burna Boy at the iconic Stade de France, thrilling thousands with their dynamic collaboration on “Laho II.” The performance reaffirmed Shallipopi’s growing international appeal and versatility.
Read also: Shallipopi Rejects Headies 2025 Rap Award: “I Nor Be Rapper”
Since breaking out with street hits and viral slang, Shallipopi has carved a lane for himself in Nigeria’s evolving soundscape. While his style doesn’t fit traditional molds, his creativity and fearless approach to music have positioned him as one of the genre’s most unpredictable and exciting voices. As Shallipopi talks sound and culture, he continues to resonate with a diverse audience.
As fans await new projects, Shallipopi continues to blend street culture, global sounds, and personal identity, solidifying his status as a true innovator in the Afrobeats scene.
