Naija’s street king is officially on the world map. Billboard has named Shallipopi their ‘Rookie of the Month’ for Africa, celebrating his meteoric rise from Benin City to international playlists and Premier League goal celebrations.
Dubbed the “Pluto Presido,” Shallipopi is inventing his own universe with “Afro Pluto,” a fusion of Afropop, amapiano, and raw street energy. His breakout smash “Elon Musk” set social feeds on fire, but it’s “Laho”—with 11.5 million U.S. streams and a heavy-hitting remix (“Laho II”) featuring Burna Boy—that’s launched him into a different stratosphere.
The infectious “Laho” dance has crossed continents, with NBA and Premier League stars like Pascal Siakam and Harvey Elliott bringing the movement to arenas and stadiums worldwide. From TikTok to the tunnel, Shallipopi’s sound is the new pulse of youth culture.
As Billboard puts it, while Pluto may have lost planetary status, Shallipopi has claimed it and turned it into an empire. Turning Naija slang into global anthems, rocking international stages, and collaborating with giants like Burna Boy—Shallipopi is not just the Rookie of the Month; he’s the street-to-the-world icon of the year.
Shallipopi’s reign is proof, there’s no limit when you’re powered by pure originality. Laho to the world.