The "Laho" is spreading like wildfire, and now it's officially landed in Hollywood! Nigeria's sensational Shallipopi, the artist who's been setting playlists ablaze with his unique sound, has just earned a monumental achievement: a nomination for "Best New International Act" at the prestigious 2025 BET Awards! This is a HUGE moment for the rising star, marking his very first foray into the BET Awards spotlight.
Set to take place on June 9th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the 2025 BET Awards are shaping up to be a massive celebration of Black excellence in music, and Shallipopi is right in the thick of it. He's not alone in representing the vibrant Nigerian music scene, either, as he joins the ranks of heavy hitters like Rema, Burna Boy, Tems, and Ayra Starr, who have also secured nominations. The competition in the "Best New International Act" category is fierce, pitting Shallipopi against other incredibly talented artists from across the globe, but his undeniable charisma and infectious beats have clearly caught the attention of the international stage.
According to People's Gazette Nigeria, this wave of nominations is a powerful testament to the ever-growing global recognition and influence of African music and its incredibly talented artists. The world is finally catching on to the magic that has been brewing in Nigeria for years, and Shallipopi is undoubtedly one of its most exciting new voices.
But who exactly is this magnetic "Laho" hitmaker? Born Crown Uzama on April 12, 2000, Shallipopi's stage name has a rather quirky origin story. Believe it or not, the moniker "Shallipopi" was inspired by the 1994 Chinese kung fu comedy classic, "Shaolin Popey"! During a chat with British media personality Madame Joyce, the artist revealed his journey to finding the perfect stage name, explaining that he initially toyed with his birth name, Crown, as well as the slightly more enigmatic "Drip Face," before finally landing on the catchy and memorable Shallipopi. Talk about a unique source of inspiration!
Shallipopi first burst onto the scene in 2023 with his breakout single, the aptly titled "Elon Musk." The track resonated with audiences, showcasing his distinctive blend of Nigerian sounds with a fresh, contemporary edge. He quickly followed up this success with his extended play, "Planet Pluto" (2023), further solidifying his place as an artist to watch.
Then came 2025, and with it, the undeniable banger "Laho." Released under his own label, Plutomania Records and Since '93, "Laho" has become an anthem, racking up streams and recognition worldwide. Its infectious energy and catchy hooks have proven irresistible, propelling Shallipopi into the global music conversation and ultimately landing him this well-deserved BET Awards nomination.
This nomination isn't just a personal win for Shallipopi; it's a victory for the entire Afrobeats movement. It signifies the continued breaking down of barriers and the increasing appreciation for the diverse and dynamic sounds coming out of Africa. Shallipopi's journey, from a kung fu movie-inspired nickname to a BET Awards nominee, is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the undeniable global appeal of his music.
As June 9th approaches, all eyes will be on the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Will Shallipopi take home the "Best New International Act" award? Regardless of the outcome, his nomination is a clear indication that this "Pluto President" is on an unstoppable trajectory. Get ready, world, because Shallipopi's "Laho" is about to echo even louder!
