Rising Nigerian Afrobeats star Shallipopi has kicked off the festive season with a surprise Christmas rice giveaway, sparking an online frenzy that even drew Don Jazzy into the conversation.
The 24-year-old hitmaker announced the giveaway on Tuesday morning, inviting fans to share their aza (bank account numbers) for a chance to receive rice.
In Nigerian pop culture, aza is shorthand for direct cash or gift transfers, and Shallipopi has gained a reputation for generous, spontaneous fan giveaways, some reportedly totalling as much as ₦1 million.
Within minutes, the comment section overflowed with fans’ submissions and festive messages.
The buzz reached a new level when Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy joined in, jokingly asking to be included.
He quoted the giveaway post on X (formerly Twitter) with, “Involve me brotherly,” before praising the artist’s upcoming project: “3rd studio album… That’s f***ing impressive. Work rate Dey cry.”
The endorsement from a veteran industry figure elevates the giveaway from a seasonal stunt to a sign of serious musical ambition.
It coincides with the countdown to Shallipopi’s third studio album, AURACLES, set for release on 5 December 2025.
Shallipopi, who first broke through in 2023 with Elon Musk, has maintained a remarkable output.
His debut album, Presido La Pluto (2023), topped charts immediately, and his sophomore effort, Shakespopi (2024), secured multiple number-one streaming records despite mixed reviews.
With AURACLES, industry observers see a potential defining moment for the young artist.
A recent collaboration with Gunna signals global ambition, while the rice giveaway reinforces his connection to grassroots fans, an effective blend of international reach and local loyalty.