Nigerian rapper Shallipopi has celebrated a major milestone for his hit single 'Laho,' receiving a 3X Platinum plaque in South Africa, a feat significantly driven by the song's explosive popularity on TikTok. The presentation occurred at a listening party for his newly released album, 'Auracle,' held in Johannesburg on Friday, December 5th, 2025.
Auracle: A 22-Track Display of Global Ambition
The event, hosted by Sony Music South Africa, marked the launch of Shallipopi's fourth album in under three years. The 22-track 'Auracle' project showcases the Benin-born artist's relentless drive and features an impressive array of international stars. Collaborators include Grammy winner Burna Boy, who appears on a remix of 'Laho,' alongside Gunna, Wizkid, Swae Lee, Ruger, Young Jonn, Pa Salieu, KeBlack, and Rauw Alejandro.
Shallipopi explained that the album's title reflects his personal identity and mindset. "'Auracle' is who I am and how I feel," he stated. He also revealed the extensive work behind the project, having recorded over fifty songs before narrowing it down to the final tracklist. His approach to collaborations focuses on genuine connection. "I look out for the connection. For most of the collaborations, we met in the studio and created magic," he told the audience at The Flute in Sandton.
The TikTok-Powered Ascent of 'Laho'
The ceremony for 'Laho' underscored the growing power of social media in propelling Afrobeats to global audiences. The song's catchy, street-defined style found a perfect amplifier in TikTok, where it went viral and became one of the defining hits of 2025. Its success in South Africa particularly moved the artist. "It’s always amazing when my song travels beyond Nigerian borders to other countries," Shallipopi remarked.
The track's impact is further validated by its nomination for Song of the Year in the TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa 2025. When Shallipopi performed 'Laho' to conclude the Johannesburg listening party, the energetic reception highlighted its status as a continental anthem.
A Year of Defining Success and Heritage
2025 has been a landmark year for Shallipopi, seeing a steep rise in his profile. Through releases like 'Laho,' 'Naso,' and 'HIM' featuring Gunna, he has brought mainstream attention to his Benin heritage. His work ethic remains central to his philosophy. "In this game, you can’t get comfortable. I can’t just sit back at home taking it all in. I have to keep pushing myself," he asserted during the album listening session.
The 'Auracle' album and the platinum success of 'Laho' signal Shallipopi's ambitious push to interact with different music markets worldwide, using both his artistic vision and the reach of digital platforms to scale new heights.
