Nigerian award-winning artist Shalipopi has set the stage for his most ambitious project yet, announcing the release of his third studio album titled AURACLE for 5th December 2025.
From Viral Sensation to Album Trilogy
The Edo-born star, whose real name is Crown Uzama, broke the news directly to his fans through a social media post on X (formerly Twitter). In his announcement, the self-proclaimed 'Pluto Presido' expressed gratitude to God for his musical journey and acknowledged his dedicated fanbase, the Plutomanias, while sharing a link for pre-saving the highly anticipated album.
This announcement marks a significant career milestone for Shalipopi, who rose to national prominence in 2023 with his breakout hit "Elon Musk". The track's massive success propelled him into the mainstream spotlight, showcasing his unique blend of Afrobeats, street-pop, hip-hop influences, and the distinct cultural flavor of Benin City.
His rapid ascent continued with the Planet Pluto EP in July 2023, which introduced the now-popular "Pluto" slang and established his signature sound. Later that year, his debut album Presido La Pluto (November 2023) debuted at number one across major charts, including the TurnTable Top 100 Albums, featuring fan favorites like "Cast" and a notable collaboration with ODUMODUBLVCK.
The Critical Crossroads Following Shakespopi
Despite maintaining his chart dominance with his second album Shakespopi, released on 11th April 2024, the project faced mixed reviews from critics. Major publications noted that the album relied too heavily on Shalipopi's established formula, with some describing it as rushed and lacking the artistic progression expected from a sophomore effort.
Critics pointed to limited thematic depth and rudimentary songwriting, observing that while the album demonstrated his ability to create club anthems like the chart-topping single "ASAP", it left listeners wanting more innovation and lyrical substance compared to his earlier work.
AURACLE: The Evolution of Pluto Presido
The title AURACLE itself suggests a potential shift toward more spiritual or introspective content, raising expectations for greater sonic maturity and artistic growth. Fans and critics alike are anticipating that this project will move beyond the established "Afro-Pluto" template that defined his previous releases.
The confirmed tracklist reveals an impressive 22 songs, including already popular singles:
- "Laho"
- "Laho II" featuring Grammy winner Burna Boy
- "Laho III" with Puerto Rican sensation Rauw Alejandro
- "Him" featuring American rapper Gunna
- "Na So"
With AURACLE, Shalipopi has the opportunity to silence his critics and solidify his position as more than just a viral hitmaker. The extended timeline until December 2025 suggests a more carefully crafted approach that could result in a polished final product showcasing his evolution as an artist.
Plutomanias worldwide are eagerly awaiting what could be the defining moment in Shalipopi's career—the transition from breakout star to enduring mainstay in the Nigerian music industry. All eyes are on December 2025 as the Pluto Presido prepares to unveil his most personal and ambitious work to date.
