Nigerian music sensation, Crown ‘Shallipopi’ Uzama, paid a culturally significant visit to the palace of Oba Ewuare II in Benin City on Friday, delivering a live performance of his hit song “Laho” at the monarch’s request, a moment that has since gone viral on social media.
The visit, described as a symbolic homecoming, took place ahead of Shallipopi’s headline performance at the Goldberg Golden Fiesta concert later that evening at Garrick Memorial on Ekenwa Road.
Accompanied by his brothers and collaborators, Zerry DL and Famous Pluto, the 25-year-old singer addressed the palace, emphasising his cultural roots and the importance of respecting tradition. He described the visit as “a deliberate act of homage” ahead of his city performance.
The ‘Elon Musk’ crooner added, “Despite the success beyond Edo State, we have come to pay homage to our roots.”
Highlighting the engagement, Oba Ewuare II, who expressed familiarity with Shallipopi’s music, specifically requested a live rendition of “Laho.”
The 2025 Headies winner for ‘Best Rap Single’ obliged, performing the track acapella within the palace grounds.
Videos circulating online show members of the royal court engaging actively with the performance, singing along and participating in traditional call-and-response expressions.
The scene blended contemporary hip-hop energy with deep-rooted Benin cultural heritage, with Shallipopi maintaining his street-infused style while observing palace decorum.
Following the performance, Shallipopi knelt to pay proper homage. The Oba responded with traditional Benin ancestral prayers and blessings. Beyond the palace visit, the singer also toured orphanages and hospitals across the state.
A native of Benin City, Shallipopi has consistently referenced his Edo heritage in his music and public appearances, popularising the infusion of Edo rhythms into modern hip-hop and Afrorave.
“Laho” is widely regarded as Shallipopi’s most significant global hit, marking a pivotal moment in his career, particularly after his departure from Dapper Music.
Released in 2025 under his Plutomania Records imprint, the song draws on the Bini language and street culture.
The word “Laho” translates to “please,” often used in appeals for success or financial prosperity. Its central hook, “Laho egumedio,” means “please don’t let me fall” or “don’t let me down.”
Mixing Afrobeats with indigenous expressions, the track celebrates wealth, resilience, and Benin identity.
The success of “Laho” prompted remixes, including “Laho II” featuring Burna Boy in April 2025 and “Laho III” with Rauw Alejandro in July 2025, extending the song’s international reach.
The original track, part of his album Auracle, quickly became a fan favourite.
To date, “Laho” has amassed over 70 million streams on Spotify and 90 million on YouTube Music, topping Apple Music charts in more than 15 countries and gaining recognition on Billboard and Shazam charts.
The track also earned Best African Collaboration at AFRIMA 2025 for the Burna Boy remix and helped Shallipopi secure his first BET Awards nomination.
This is not the first time the 2026 MOBO Awards nominee has engaged with the Benin monarch.
He previously visited the palace in 2024 alongside fellow Edo-born star Rema during the singer’s widely publicised “homecoming concert” at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
That visit also featured an acoustic, non-instrumental performance of Rema’s global hit “Calm Down” for the Oba and the royal family.
In recognition of his efforts in promoting Edo culture globally, the Oba presented Rema with a unique royal plaque, a bronze artwork created by the princesses, honouring his contributions to the global visibility of Benin heritage.
