Adozi Empire Limited, an entertainment company in collaboration with the Edo State Government Friday hosted fast-rising Edo-born musician, Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, to a sold-out homecoming concert, in Benin City.
The event, held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, was attended by notable dignitaries including the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Betsy; Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Uyi Malaka Oduwa; Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare and the CEO of Adozillion Homes, Dr Simon Adozi.
The event was organised by Adozi Empire Limited and Banksx Entertainment in conjunction with EdoFEST and the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs. Other partners are Dapper Live and Engraced Events and Entertainment. The concert is arguably one of the biggest music concerts in Benin City in recent times.
The Chief Executive Officer of Adozi Empire Limited, Mr. Adozi Onyeka, said the concert was held to connect Shallipopi with fans in his home city after a successful year in which he emerged as one of Nigeria’s most sought-after artists.
According to him, “It was exciting to work with Shallipopi on this project, and we are indeed impressed by the turnout of fans in Benin. The energy was massive and we are proud to be associated with him and the state government on this successful project. We promise to continue to work on creating more of these immersive experiences for fans going forward.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Banksx Entertainment, Mr. Happy Edosonwan, said the concert was well deserving as Shallipopi has been resilient in promoting Benin culture in his music.
He said: “It was a thrilling experience to have worked on this project because Shallipopi is the new face of Edo pop culture and we are proud of his success. It was only proper to have him in front of the home crowd.”
Thrilling the crowded and frenzied hall with songs off his latest EPs, Planet Pluto and Presido La Pluto, Shallipopi paraded an array of other artists such as Victor AD, Erigga, Berri Tiga, among others.
Addressing the crowd, Shallipopi said: “I am home. This is my city. I thank you for your support. I thank you for your support. The support and love have been overwhelming and I am grateful for coming out to welcome and support me today.”
He expressed appreciation to his mother for taking him to Lagos, paving the way for him to return to Benin as ‘Shallipopi’, a global star who has graced the O2 Arena and is now commanding global following.
A concert goer, Abigail Omorogbe, said she was happy to have witnessed the homecoming of an artist groomed in Benin in her generation, noting that he serves as an inspiration to a lot of young people in the State.
