Shallipopi Addresses Copyright Challenges in ‘ObaPluto’
Nigerian sensation Shallipopi recently shed light on the copyright issues surrounding his hit single ‘Obapluto,’ delving into the circumstances that led to a legal dispute over the use of a sample from the record ‘Ovonramwen n’ Ogbaisi’ by veteran singer Pa Monday Edo Igbinidu.
In a revealing interview on the ‘Zero Condition’ podcast, Shallipopi discussed the intricate dynamics that resulted in the copyright infringement claim. The Benin-born artist expressed concern that many artists from Benin City tend to overlook their cultural heritage, often drawing inspiration from various Nigerian tribes and cultures. Determined not to be associated with such practices, Shallipopi took a different approach, releasing ‘ObaPluto’ as a tribute to the indigenous people of Edo/Benin.
During the interview, the ‘ObaPluto’ crooner explained, “You know artists that come from Benin city dey always run. It’s either dey use other tribes to sing their music or they never come back to Benin again. I know wan be that artist wey be like say I kon forget where I for come.”
Shallipopi clarified that he had no prior knowledge that the beat used in ‘ObaPluto’ had been employed before, and he was not familiar with copyright regulations at the time. His primary intention was to celebrate his cultural roots.
“That’s how I dropped the song and began to see ‘things on things.’ ‘My mother said do you know this song that you used, Don’t you know the person is alive?!’. We had to do everything legally. I said okay he should be in the video.”
The Plutomania founder took a constructive approach to resolve the issue, inviting Pa Monday Edo Igbinidu to appear in the music video of ‘ObaPluto.’ This collaborative effort indicates an amicable resolution to any prior disputes, signifying Shallipopi’s commitment to honoring and celebrating his cultural heritage through his music.
