Fresh off the success of his album AURACLE, Shallipopi is already onto the next thing. The Pluto Presido has dropped WAYWARD, a new three-track EP anchored by focus track “.com” and rounded out by “UP (TRANSOVANIA)” and “OGO.” Stream or download the EP.
Let’s start with “.com,” because it’s the one setting the tone. Hypnotic melodies, sharp lyricism, and that rhythm only Shallipopi can pull off are all here, but this time there’s a surprise in the mix...a flute. It’s a fresh layer for his ever-growing sonic palette, and it gives the record its own atmosphere. Listen to “.com.”
From there, “UP (TRANSOVANIA)” and “OGO” carry the Pluto sound further, evolving it without losing the energy and culture that took him from Benin City to the global stage.
The timing makes sense. AURACLE featured Wizkid, Burna Boy, Gunna, Swae Lee, Pa Salieu, and Rauw Alejandro, and helped Shallipopi rack up more than 440 million streams in the past year alone. That’s the kind of run that cements you as one of Africa’s most exciting new wave stars.
It’s also been a landmark stretch on the road and in the press. He’s played sold-out stages around the world and earned praise from Rolling Stone Africa, Dazed, Wonderland, Clash, GUAP, and more. Since breaking out with “Elon Musk,” he’s racked up chart-dominating moments like “Cast” featuring Odumodublack and the global success of the “Laho” series, pushing Afrobeats into bolder territory every time.
Shallipopi’s beats and unpredictable energy come straight from the streets of his hometown, Benin City. Named a VEVO DSCVR Artist To Watch, he broke through with “Elon Musk,” followed by his acclaimed debut album Planet Pluto. He landed in Spotify Africa’s top 10 artists in their 2024 Wrapped and was named their RADAR artist. His biggest record to date, “Cast” featuring Odumodublack, pulled in over 9 million UK streams and held #3 on the UK Afrobeats Chart for 13 straight weeks.
AURACLE marked another major step in his global rise, with collaborations including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Gunna, Swae Lee, Pa Salieu, Young Jonn, and Rauw Alejandro, plus standout records like “Laho,” “Like That” featuring Wizkid, and “Him” featuring Gunna. Along the way he’s shared sold-out O2 Arena stages with Central Cee and Asake, headlined Electric Brixton, and joined Rema and Burna Boy for guest appearances.
WAYWARD is the latest chapter in a rapidly accelerating rise.
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