Ahead of the singer’s headline performance at the Goldberg Golden Fiesta concert later that evening at Garrick Memorial on Ekenwa Road, the visit was hailed as a symbolic homecoming.
Nigerian musician Crown “Shallipopi” Uzama made a high-profile cultural visit to Oba Ewuare II’s palace in Benin City on Friday. At the monarch’s request, he performed his hit song “Laho” live, a moment that has since gone viral on social media.
Ahead of the singer’s headline performance at the Goldberg Golden Fiesta concert later that evening at Garrick Memorial on Ekenwa Road, the visit was hailed as a symbolic homecoming.
Along with his brothers and partners, Zerry DL and Famous Pluto, the 25-year-old musician made his way to the castle. He spoke to the palace during the visit, highlighting cultural ties and reverence for customs. He said that the visit was “a conscious act of homage” prior to his performance in the city.
Despite their success outside of Edo State, the “Elon Musk” crooner said, they have come to honour their heritage.
Knowledge
The Oba expressed his familiarity with Shallipopi’s music and specifically asked for a live performance of “Laho,” which was the engagement’s high point.
In response, the 2025 Headies winner for “Best Rap Single” gave a full, instrument-free performance on the palace grounds.
Members of the royal court can be seen enthusiastically participating in the performance in videos that are making the rounds online. Attendees can be seen singing along and using customary call-and-response gestures.
Shallipopi maintained his trademark street-infused flair while adhering to palace formality, and the environment reflected a blend of modern music and deeply ingrained Benin cultural traditions.
Following the brief performance, Shallipopi bowed in respect, and the Benin Oba included customary ancestral blessings and prayers. The singer also went to the state’s hospitals and orphans.
Benin City native Shallipopi has frequently mentioned his Edo ancestry in his songs and public appearances. He has played a major role in popularising the Edo rhythm’s incorporation into modern Afrorave and hip-hop.
Laho
“Laho” is regarded by many as Shallipopi’s greatest international hit and a turning point in his career, particularly after his well-publicized split from his previous label, Dapper Music.
It is a commercially popular song with roots in street culture and the Bini language that was released in 2025 under his Plutomania Records label.
The word “Laho,” which means “please,” is frequently used in an appeal or supplication context, especially when discussing success and financial wealth. “Laho egumedio,” the core hook, translates to “please don’t let me fall” or “don’t let me down.”
The song honours prosperity, resiliency, and Benin nationality by fusing Afrobeats with native sentiments. There were several renditions and remixes of the song.
The song’s popularity led Shallipopi to produce “Laho II,” a remix with Burna Boy, in April 2025, and “Laho III,” an international version with Rauw Alejandro, in July 2025. The original song swiftly gained popularity among fans and was included on his album Auracle.
Over 70 million Spotify plays and 90 million YouTube Music plays were made of “Laho.” It became popular worldwide on the Billboard and Shazam charts and topped Apple Music in over 15 countries, including Nigeria.
It also garnered significant exposure, enabling Shallipopi get his first BET Awards nomination and won Best African Collaboration at AFRIMA 2025 for its remix with Burna Boy.
Priority
The 2026 MOBO Awards nominee has previously interacted with the Benin king.
In 2024, he went to the palace with fellow Edo-born singer and Mavin star Rema at the latter’s highly publicised “homecoming concert” at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. Both performers have received recognition for advancing Benin culture internationally.
In a same vein, Rema performed an acoustic, non-instrumental version of his international hit song “Calm Down” for the Oba and royal family members on his 2024 visit.
Rema received a special royal plaque (bronze artwork) from the princesses as a token of appreciation from the Oba for his efforts to raise awareness of Edo’s heritage around the world.
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