The Uzama Brothers: Redefining Nigerian Music and Elevating Benin City’s Cultural Voice

In the rapidly evolving realm of Nigerian music, a family name has blossomed into a cultural wave. The Uzama brothers — Shallipopi (Crown Uzama), Zerry DL (Emmanuel Uzama), and their youngest sibling Famous Pluto (Osahon Grandeur Uzama) — have become the driving force behind a fresh street‑pop wave. From viral hits to cultural declarations, they are reshaping contemporary Nigerian sound while proudly showcasing the flag of Benin City on both national and international stages.

Shallipopi: The Pluto King and His Cultural Impact

When Shallipopi burst onto the scene with his 2023 viral smash “Elon Musk”, he didn’t merely add another street anthem to Nigeria’s repertoire — he injected a fresh dynamism. His delivery blended playful boldness with street‑savvy wit and Benin slang. What distinguished him was his refusal to mimic Lagos’s Afrobeats formula; instead, he forged his sound from the raw heartbeat of Benin City, presenting it for nationwide appeal.

Musical Success

• “Elon Musk” became a breakout hit, soaring up charts through TikTok buzz and streaming momentum.
• Follow‑ups such as “Ex Convict”, “Obapluto”, and “Ahead Ahead” demonstrated his staying power, landing on Apple Music and TurnTable’s top positions.
• His debut EP Planet Pluto and album Presido La Pluto solidified him as one of Nigeria’s most influential Gen Z voices.
• On stage, Shallipopi is electrifying. His live shows feel like a carnival — slang‑rich chants, high‑energy performances, and fans emulating his style and lingo.

Cultural Impact

Shallipopi’s influence extends far beyond chart positions:

• Slang & Language: His coinages such as “Pluto” and “Ex Convict” have become staples in Nigerian youth vernacular.
• Street Identity: His candid storytelling and real‑life struggles make him relatable, especially to Nigerian youth navigating adversity.
• Style & Fashion: His streetwear aesthetics — bold, quirky, and expressive — set trends that fans eagerly adopt.
• Digital Footprint: He mastered TikTok and meme culture, making his artistry inseparable from online youth identity.

Benin City’s Cultural Ambassador

Most importantly, Shallipopi has shifted the spotlight toward Benin City. Historically celebrated for its heritage, Benin now stands out for its cultural exports. Through Plutomania Records, he not only promotes his brothers but also establishes a creative hub that affirms Benin as a powerhouse in contemporary music. His partnership with Rema, another Benin superstar, further strengthens this cultural capital, signaling a city that produces both global Afrobeats icons and street‑pop pioneers.

Shallipopi is more than an artist. He is a cultural force — the voice of Gen Z Nigeria and the street ambassador who made Benin City cool again.

Zerry DL: The Melodic Counterpoint

If Shallipopi is fire, Zerry DL is the flame’s glow. The second Uzama brother has been steadily carving his own path with smoother, melodic takes on street‑pop. Tracks like “Puff & Pass” and “Forever” highlight his knack for blending street grit with gentler textures, appealing to a broader audience.

Zerry DL’s artistry demonstrates that the Uzama movement isn’t a single‑note affair. His progress under Plutomania Records has been deliberate, and his image resonates with fans who crave a mix of high‑energy anthems and reflective melodies. Together with Shallipopi, he embodies the dual nature of Nigerian youth: bold yet introspective, gritty yet ambitious.

Famous Pluto: The Youngest Brother Steps Forward

The youngest of the trio, Famous Pluto, has already proven he’s no background act. In 2025, he released his debut EP Uzama The 3rd, a five‑track introduction that announced his arrival with confidence.

• Lead Single: “Na Scra” gained significant traction on Apple Music and TurnTable charts, fueled by social media buzz.
• Family Collaboration: The standout track “Ewo” — featuring Shallipopi and Zerry DL — became a viral anthem, racking up streams and YouTube views while positioning Famous Pluto as a serious contender.
• Cultural Reception: His storytelling style, blending street narratives with amapiano and Afrobeats flavors, resonated with young fans eager to see how the youngest Uzama would carry the family torch.

Famous Pluto’s early achievements show that Plutomania is more than a vanity label. It’s an incubator for genuine talent — a testament to the Uzamas’ ability to transform family into a movement.

The Uzama Effect: More Than Music

Together, the Uzama brothers are not just producing music; they’re reshaping culture. Their influence manifests across multiple dimensions:

• Youth Representation: They embody the struggles, humor, and ambitions of Nigeria’s Gen Z.
• Cultural Promotion: By consistently representing Benin City, they have redefined it as a cultural hub rather than merely a historical one.
• Language & Lifestyle: Their slang, fashion, and online antics seep into everyday Nigerian youth culture.
• Family Legacy: As a trio, they illustrate how family can amplify individual talent into collective dominance.

Conclusion: A Movement Rooted in Benin

The Uzama brothers represent more than individual artistry — they symbolize a cultural revolution. Shallipopi, with his fearless creativity, Zerry DL with his melodic equilibrium, and Famous Pluto with his promising debut, form a trinity that’s impossible to ignore.

With Rema as their ally and fellow Benin ambassador, the Uzamas are proving that Ben