Fast rising Nigerian singer, Crown Uzama, better known by his stage name Shallipopi, has disclosed the intriguing backstory behind his unique moniker.
Speaking in an interview with British media personality, Madame Joyce on Thursday, February 8, 2024, Uzama revealed that his stage name was derived from the 1994 Chinese kung fu comedy film, “Shaolin Popey.”
Reflecting on his journey to finding the perfect stage name, Uzama disclosed that he initially experimented with various options, including his birth name “Crown” and nicknames like ‘Drip Face,’ before settling on the one that resonated with him the most.
The Elon Musk hitmaker reminisced about stumbling upon the film as a child when his mother purchased what was believed to be a Tom and Jerry CD. However, upon playing it, they discovered it was the movie “Shaolin Popey,” which left a lasting impression on Uzama.
In his words, he said, “I was looking for name. I needed a name and I checked this one and checked that one, it didn’t work. I even tried my own name. But if I tell people my government name, they won’t feel it like that. My name is Crown, so I needed another name. I used to go by Drip Face, and I used to change my names anyhow, so I had many names.”
“When we were little, we had this DVD that our parents bought for us. Back then, there were some cassettes that when you bought it, you wouldn’t see the movie on the case. You’d see a different movie inside. There was one that my mother bought, it was a cartoon, but when we played it, it was a different movie called Shaolin Popey. It was an old Korean or Karate, Kung Fu movie,” he added.
Inspired by the film’s impact on his childhood and his quest for a distinctive stage name, Uzama creatively combined elements from “Shaolin Popey” to form “Shallipopi,” a name that has become synonymous with his musical identity.
With this revelation, the artist provides insight into the origins of his stage persona, showcasing the intersection of personal experiences and cultural influences in shaping his artistic identity.
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