Nigerian artist Shallipopi has opened up about his struggles to connect with established musicians before gaining recognition in the industry. In an interview with Naija FM, he shared how his attempts to reach out through direct messages were often ignored, a challenge he believes is common among upcoming artists.
Shallipopi explained that he never took the rejections personally, understanding that these artists were busy and unaware of him at the time. “It’s not personal,” he said. “They don’t know you, and they’re focused on their own lives and work. When you’re unknown, it’s natural for your messages to go unanswered. But once you start making waves, that’s when people begin to notice you.”
He highlighted his collaboration with Rema on the track Benin Boys as an example. Initially, Shallipopi reached out to Rema when he was still an aspiring artist, but it wasn’t until his music started gaining attention that Rema responded. “When my music began to gain traction, Rema noticed and encouraged me. We eventually linked up in the studio, and that’s how Benin Boys came to life,” he said.
Shallipopi urged other aspiring artists to remain persistent, emphasizing that recognition often comes with hard work and visible success.
