Shallipopi's highly anticipated third studio album, Auracle, marks a pivotal moment in the Nigerian artist's career, positioning him as a global force in the ever-expanding Afrobeats movement. Released on December 5, 2025, the 22-track project is a bold statement of intent, blending his signature "Afro-Pluto" sound with an impressive array of international collaborations and a newfound lyrical depth. The album title itself is a portmanteau of "Aura" and "Oracle," a clever linguistic play that suggests his meteoric rise is not merely a result of luck or charisma, but destiny. Having exploded onto the scene with viral hits like "Elon Musk" and "Cast," Shallipopi's earlier work often leaned heavily on catchy street lingo and a nonchalant, carefree persona. Auracle, however, feels like the completion of a trilogy (following Planet Pluto and Shakespopi), where the artist moves from a disruptor of the status quo to an established king decorating his own palace within the industry.
The album explores themes of wealth, status, resilience, and spirituality, reflecting his journey from the streets of Benin City to international stages. He incorporates elements of Bini, his local language, into the lyrics, grounding his global sound in his cultural heritage. The songwriting, though still possessing that signature "anyhowness" that critics often point out, displays a new layer of introspection on tracks like "Find Me" and "Trees," where he reflects on his journey and focuses on his family and self-elevation. Shallipopi and his production team expertly craft a sonic tapestry that is both uniquely Nigerian and globally accessible. The "Afro-Pluto" sound remains intact—characterized by crisp percussion, vibrant rhythms, and infectious Amapiano and Hip-Hop influences—but the album also incorporates R&B and other global textures, such as the faint rumba-soul hints that open the title track.The production quality is polished, a stark contrast to some of his earlier, raw releases. This careful attention to detail ensures that the album maintains authenticity while appealing to a wider audience. The inclusion of diverse sounds and seamless transitions between tracks showcases an A&R maturity that elevates the project beyond a simple collection of singles.
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Auracle
The "Auracle" Review: Shallipopi
A major talking point of Auracle is its impressive list of international and local feature artists, which speaks volumes about Shallipopi's expanded reach and industry respect. Wizkid joins on the infectious "Like That," a collaboration that has garnered massive attention. Gunna features on the previously released "Him," blending Atlanta trap with Nigerian rhythms. Burna Boy and Rauw Alejandro appear on the bonus tracks, "Laho II" and "Laho III" respectively, building on the massive success of the original "Laho" single . Additional features from Swae Lee, Pa Salieu, Ruger, Young Jonn, and Keblack ensure a dynamic listening experience, pushing the album's boundaries across various genres and geographies. Critical Reception and Impact Upon its release, Auracle quickly secured the number one spot on Apple Music Nigeria's Top Albums Chart, a testament to its dedicated fanbase. The album has sparked intense debate among critics: some praise his artistic growth and global ambition, while others argue he relies on a "repeated formula" and "shallow songwriting".Regardless of the critical divide, the album is a commercial success and a defining moment for the artist. It is a declaration that Shallipopi is here to stay, using his "oracle" of destiny and "aura" of street credibility to navigate the global music scene on his own terms.
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