Nigerian street-pop icon Shallipopi has officially completed his career trilogy with the release of the massive 22-track album Auracle. The project, which follows his breakout Planet Pluto EP and subsequent Presido La Pluto and Shakespopi releases, is being hailed as the sound of an artist cementing his palace on the global Afrobeats stage.
The album title itself is a portmanteau of “Aura” and “Oracle”, a statement of intent suggesting that Shallipopi’s meteoric rise was not just luck but destiny.
The Signature ‘Afro-Pluto’ Sound
Across its sprawling runtime, Auracle doubles down on the “Afro-pluto” sound that has become his signature: a hypnotic blend of amapiano log drums, nursery-rhyme melodies, and street-hardened philosophical musings delivered in his trademark nonchalant drawl.
The new album offers a more polished and expensive sound than his previous lo-fi hits. While maintaining the core elements—heavy basslines and repetitive, trance-inducing hooks—the mixing and mastering are noticeably upgraded. Tracks like the lead single Laho utilize complex synth arrangements that give the music a futuristic edge, fitting for an artist who constantly references interplanetary travel.
Colossal Collaborations
The feature list on Auracle is the strongest indicator of Shallipopi’s graduated status:
- Gunna (on “HIM”): A major crossover moment, blending Atlanta trap flows with Nigerian street-hop rhythms in a way that feels surprisingly organic.
- Burna Boy (on “Laho” Remix): A true coronation moment. Burna’s gravelly, authoritative verse provides a grounding counterweight to Shallipopi’s airy delivery, creating a dynamic call-and-response destined to tear up dancefloors this December.
These collaborations serve to legitimize Shallipopi’s sound on a global scale, proving that his “vibes” can stand toe-to-toe with the industry’s heavyweights.
Lyrical Introspection and Victory Lap
Lyrically, Shallipopi remains a fascinating enigma, trading in “street lingo” and Benin vernacular. However, Auracle also sees him offering more introspection than usual, reflecting on the pressures of fame, the fickleness of friends, and the rapid change in his lifestyle.
Ultimately, Auracle is a victory lap. It cements Shallipopi not as a fleeting viral sensation, but as a cultural fixture who has successfully carved out his own lane. The album proves that the “Pluto” wave has permanently altered the landscape of Afrobeats, securing the “Presido” his second term in office.
Source: Africa Publicity
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