They Call Him Shallipopi: South-South Take the Stage
Courtesy of @golld.au
15th February 2024
By Digital Bae
A commanding aura. That’s what he has.
It’s impossible to not love Shallipopi.
He swaggered onto the stage with Evil Receive and claimed his spot at the centre of the stage.
Spreading his arms as if approaching a pulpit and grinning from ear to ear, he yelled “PLUTOMANIA” into the South East London air.
Shallipopi had arrived and the audience screamed in attendance.
Artists from the motherland are frequently surprised at the level of support they walk into at their shows. Shalli’s [Shallipopi] amazement as the crowd jeered showed no different.
If you’re a Plutomanian, you can imagine the exhilarating scene at Electric Brixton but for those who missed out, here’s a play-by-play.
Lit Lagos was nothing short of an immersive experience. The hypnotic visuals were the first thing attendees were pulled to, tempting guests into the pit in front of the stage. The boys, Willz and Uncle TEO controlled the crowd effortlessly alongside music masters Munii S, Mixr Moe, P Montana, Skylaa Tyla and Dope Caesar. Lit London fed the crowd a feast for their eyes as Skyla Tyla floated between mixing and captivating the crowd with her energetic choreography.
Phone lights pointed towards the Lit London stage and girl screams filled the air.
Courtesy of @golld.au
Courtesy of @golld.au
Two gorgeous dancers mounted the stage alongside him.
We waited in anticipation for him to say his much-loved tagline. He says into the mic “They call me Shallipopi” to which the crowd replies “Pluto Presido, say say say say”. A mixture of awe and excitement filled the pit. The spaceship had finally docked in Pluto.
He strode along the stage, his BB Simon-esque belt caught eyes as he rocked his hips from side to side at the sound of the crowd-turned choir. GSE stomped seamlessly alongside Shalli, perfectly recreating the menacing beat of Evil Receive.
Following some teasing, he proceeded to warn the crowd “If you no sharp ehn if you no sharp”. GSE come swinging with the entrance to Sharpiru.
He showed the crowd total engagement, inviting fans on stage to do his well-anticipated Pluto dance before doing the last round with King Promise. Shalli has a bond with his supporters that cannot be said for other Nigerian artists. A true entertainer, bonding with the audience over his mischievous Edoid lyrics and addressing us as Manians.
The Importance of Shallipopi’s Plutomania
Courtesy of @golld.au
Plutomania is Shallipopi’s chosen name for his cult following and community with supporters identifying as Plutomanians.
Made up mostly of Nigerians, Plutomania is a community for all who rock with him. As Afrobeats becomes increasingly fashionable, Plutomania stands as a community which refuses to compromise on culture, therefore promoting individuality and respect. The key players in the Afrobeat game are from the majority tribes of Nigeria such as Wizkid and Asake who hail from Yorubaland, granting Yoruba’s living in the diaspora many comfort artists. A comfort artist in this context, is a musician who reminds you of home, your parents and culture and is especially important when living outside of the continent. Artists such as himself allow Africans in the diaspora to claim their space away from the continent as they mark the world stage on behalf of us all. For diasporans from the South–South of Nigeria, we can add Shallipopi to the growing list.
In true Shalli fashion, the tempo slowed down and he guided us to sing with him. Perhaps it was a moment for the flustered ladies to gather themselves. But we soon realised we had been tricked into his hit single, Obapluto. The crowd overtook him, eager to rip up the song. The Edoid melody rose to the top of the venue as the crowd bellowed “Nogbaisi”. Proud Bendel diasporans stood at attention and confidently performed the tune back to him. Shalli’s career is purely a testament to the ever-increasing limits of Afrobeats and the promise of the continent. With ease, Shalli’s career is a loud reminder of the untapped talent of young Nigerians and the importance of tribal representation.
South-South has entered the chat.
Rating:
Pros: An electric experience
Cons: Zerry did not attend
Courtesy of @golld.au
Courtesy of @golld.au