Shallipopi on Auracle, Global Success, Creating a Sub-Genre & Working with Wizkid

In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence (powered by Martell 🥃), host Joey Akan sits down with Shallipopi, the Pluto originator who has rapidly become one of Afrobeats’ most distinctive and commercially dominant voices. From his 2023 breakout with “Elon Musk” and Planet Pluto, to back-to-back #1 albums Presido La Pluto and Shakespopi, Shallipopi’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. His latest project, Auracle, continues the streak, debuting at #1 on Apple Music and further cementing his global reach.  Joey and Shallipopi dive deep into the realities of explosive success, the personal transition from dance video creator in Benin City (alongside his brothers) to chart-topping artist, and the relentless work ethic behind the music, including the story of making an album in just days.  Shallipopi unpacks how he’s carving out a fresh sub-genre within Afrobeats, blending street energy, futuristic sounds, and his signature Plutomania style, while expanding the sound’s international footprint. They also explore high-profile collaborations with Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rauw Alejandro, and others, plus the mindset required to stay grounded amid rapid fame.  Raw, insightful, and full of industry wisdom, this conversation captures Shallipopi’s unique creative universe and his vision for the next chapter of Afrobeats. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow Shallipopi Instagram:  theycallmeshallipopi  Snapchat:  Shallipopi  Website: https://www.theycallmeshallipopi.com/  Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by ⁠⁠OkayAfrica⁠⁠, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by ⁠⁠Martell.⁠⁠    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices