Laho (song)

"Laho"
Single by Shallipopi
from the album Auracle
Released13 March 2025
GenreAfrobeats
Length2:24
Label
Songwriters
ProducerProgrex
Shallipopi singles chronology
"Benin Boys"
(2024) 		"Laho"
(2025) 		"Laho II"
(2025)
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 peaked at number 5 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.[2]

Background and controversy

In January 2025, Shallipopi previewed the song with a studio session snippet on his official Twitter account.[3] "Laho" was initially released on 21 February 2025. However, it was subsequently removed due to a dispute with his record label. 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.[4]

Composition

"Laho" loosely translates to "please don’t let me fall" or "don't let me down" in the Edo language.[5] The lyrics celebrate his wealth, fame, and hometown Benin City, with Shallipopi adopting the persona of the "Minister of Enjoyment" to emphasize his luxurious lifestyle.

Critical reception

Rolling Stone included "Laho" in their list of the Best Songs of 2025 So Far, with author Mankaprr Conteh describing it as "the laid-back anthem that's taken over African social media." Conteh further stated that Shallipopi "created another moment with 'Laho'", as he had previously "made a splash" with "Cast" featuring Odumodublvck in 2023, and was "repping for his hometown of Benin City" in "Benin Boys" with Rema in 2024.[6] Nosakhare Akhimien of Premium Times commended Shallipopi for "blending his Benin roots with modern Afrobeats vibes." Akhimien concluded, "With 'Laho', Shallipopi strengthens his grip on Nigerian street pop," adding that "the song's Edo roots, money struggles, and hypnotic beat make it stand out."[5] Peace Umanah of TooXclusive praised Shallipopi's "ability to blend street lingo with catchy hooks," making the song "an instant club and street anthem." She concluded that the song showed growth and momentum, calling it "a testament to Shallipopi’s unstoppable rise in the Nigerian music scene."[7]

Music video

The music video for the song was released on 14 March 2025, and was directed by Perliks Definition.[8] The video features cameo appearances by Shallipopi's brothers Zerrydl and Famous Pluto.[9]

Remix with Burna Boy

"Laho II"
Remix by Shallipopi featuring Burna Boy
Released25 April 2025
Recorded2025
GenreAfrobeats
Length2:37
Label
  • Since '93
  • Plutomania
Songwriters
ProducerProgrex
Burna Boy chronology
"4 Kampé II"
(2025) 		"Laho II"
(2025) 		"TaTaTa"
(2025)
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.[10]

Accolades

Year Awards ceremony Award description(s) Results
2026 All Africa Music Awards[11] Song of the Year Won
Best African Collaboration Won

Charts

Chart performance for "Laho"
Chart (2025) Peak
position
Nigeria (TurnTable)[12] 4
UK Singles (OCC)[13] 57
UK Afrobeats (OCC)[14] 2
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[15] 12
US Afrobeats Songs (Billboard)[16] 9

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Laho"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various 13 March 2025
[17]
Release dates and formats for "Laho II"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various 25 April 2025
  • Digital download
  • Streaming
  • Since '93
  • Plutomania
 [18]

References

  1. ^ Chama Laura (13 March 2025). "Afrobeat Superstar Shallipopi Releases 'Laho'". M.M. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  2. ^ "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  3. ^ Peace, Umanah (26 January 2025). "Shallipopi Teases New Single". TooXclusive.
  4. ^ Adeayo. "Shallipopi's new single 'Laho' is back on Spotify after being taking down". Pulse Nigeria.
  5. ^ a b Akhimien, Nosakhale (8 March 2025). "MUSIC REVIEW: Shallipopi's 'Laho' is hustler's anthem drenched in street reality". Premium Times. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
  6. ^ Stone, Rolling (6 June 2025). "The Best Songs of 2025 So Far". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  7. ^ Peace Umanah (24 March 2025). "15 Afrobeats Tracks You Need". TooXclusive. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  8. ^ Peter Okhide (7 March 2025). "Shallipopi unveils lavish music video for 'Laho'". NotJustOk. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  9. ^ Funmilayo Kanmodi (7 March 2025). "Did Shallipopi win the hearts of fans with 'Laho' video?". NotJustOk. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  10. ^ "Shallipopi Taps Afrobeat Giant Burna Boy for Electrifying 'Laho II' Remix". New Wave Magazine. 26 April 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  11. ^ Ano Shumba (12 January 2026). "AFRIMA 2026: All the winners". Music in Africa. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  12. ^ "TurnTable Nigeria Top 100". TurnTable. 11 April 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  13. ^ "Official Singles Chart on 2/5/2025 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  14. ^ "Official Afrobeats Chart on 9/3/2025 – Top 20". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  15. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart on 2/5/2025 – Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 May 2025.
  16. ^ "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs". Billboard. 3 May 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  17. ^ "Spotify". open.spotify.com. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  18. ^ "Spotify". spotify. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
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