Laho (song)
| "Laho" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Shallipopi | ||||
| Released | 13 March 2025 | |||
| Genre | Afrobeats | |||
| Length | 2:24 | |||
| Label |
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| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | Progrex | |||
| Shallipopi singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Laho" on YouTube | ||||
"Laho" is a song by Nigerian singer and rapper Shallipopi. It was released on 13 March 2025, under Shallipopi's record label, Plutomania Records and the British label Since '93.[1] The song reached the top ten on the U.S. Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart.[2]
Background and controversy
In January 2025, Shallipopi previewed the song on his official Twitter account, sharing a studio session snippet that garnered significant attention.[3] Following considerable anticipation, the song's initial release occurred on 21 February 2025. However, it was subsequently removed due to a dispute with his record label.[4] The controversy surrounding the song's release led to a publicized disagreement between Shallipopi and his former label executive. After resolving the issue, Shallipopi re-released the single "Laho" on 13 March 2025, under Plutomania Records and Since '93, in accordance with the agreed-upon distribution arrangement.[5]
Composition
The song incorporates Afrobeats rhythms, produced by Progrex.[6] The instrumental features slow, thumping drums with prominent basslines, accompanied by ascending chord progressions characteristic of Afrobeats.[7] The blend of traditional and modern elements creates a distinctive sound. Lyrically, Shallipopi celebrates his wealth, fame, and hometown, adopting the persona of the "Minister of Enjoyment" to emphasize his luxurious lifestyle.[8][9]
Critical reception
Naming the song one of the best of 2025, Rolling Stone said he created a moment with "Laho," the laid back anthem that's taken over African social media with the empowering bars, "Minister of enjoyment/Intercontinental/monumental/We go live forever." Elsewhere, much of the song is performed in Bini, his local language.[10]
Nosakhare Akhimien of Premium Times commended Shallipopi for incorporating elements of Benin culture into his Afrobeats sound. Akhimien noted that Shallipopi effectively blends themes of wealth and status, reflecting his ambition and street life experiences.[11]
Music video
The music video for the song was released on 14 March 2025, and was directed by Perliks Definition.[12] The video features an appearance by Shallipopi's younger brother, Zerrydl.[13]
Remix with Burna Boy
| "Laho II" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remix by Shallipopi and Burna Boy | ||||
| Released | 25 April 2025 | |||
| Recorded | 2025 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:37 | |||
| Label |
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| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Burna Boy chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Laho II" on YouTube | ||||
On 25 April 2025, a remix of the song, featuring Nigerian singer and songwriter Burna Boy, titled "Laho II", was released.[14]
Charts
| Chart (2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Nigeria (TurnTable)[15] | 4 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[16] | 57 |
| UK Afrobeats (OCC)[17] | 2 |
| UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[18] | 12 |
| US Afrobeats Songs (Billboard)[19] | 9 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 13 March 2025 |
|
[20] |
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 25 April 2025 |
|
|
[21] |
References
- ^ Chama Laura (13 March 2025). "Afrobeat Superstar Shallipopi Releases 'Laho'". M.M. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs". Billboard. 29 March 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ Peace, Umanah (26 January 2025). "Shallipopi Teases New Single". TooXclusive.
- ^ NotJustOk (22 February 2025). "Shallipopi's "Laho" has now been taken down from Spotify". NotJustOk.
- ^ Adeayo. "Shallipopi's new single 'Laho' is back on Spotify after being taking down". Pulse Nigeria.
- ^ Peace Umanah (21 February 2025). "Shallipopi – Laho". TooXclusive. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ Kevin Jasper (21 February 2025). "Shallipopi unleash new single "Laho", redefining Afrobeats vibes". NaijaVibes. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ Peace (23 April 2025). "Shallipopi's Laho Hits 30 Million on Spotify, 2nd Most Streamed Nigerian Track of 2025". TooXclusive. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ Peace (24 March 2025). "15 Afrobeats Tracks You Need". TooXclusive. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "The Best Songs of 2025 So Far". Rolling Stone. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ Akhimien, Nosakhale (8 March 2025). "MUSIC REVIEW: Shallipopi's 'Laho' is hustler's anthem drenched in street reality". Premium Times.
- ^ Peter Okhide (7 March 2025). "Shallipopi unveils lavish music video for 'Laho'". NotJustOk. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ Funmilayo Kanmodi (7 March 2025). "Did Shallipopi win the hearts of fans with 'Laho' video?". NotJustOk. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "Shallipopi Taps Afrobeat Giant Burna Boy for Electrifying 'Laho II' Remix". New Wave Magazine. 26 April 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "TurnTable Nigeria Top 100". TurnTable. 11 April 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
- ^ "Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
- ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
- ^ "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs". Billboard. 3 May 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ^ "Spotify". open.spotify.com. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ^ "Spotify". spotify. Retrieved 29 April 2025.