Shallipopi’s “Laho” is a Afrobeats song dripping with street pride, local lingo, and a strong sense of identity rooted in Benin City. The artist goes from begging playfully for money, to asserting his street clout, to flexing his fame and stress-free lifestyle. The contrast between being broke and still feeling like a king gives the song its attitude.
[Intro]
“Shoutout everywhere, who be lover boy for Benin wey dey scatter area?”
Translation: Shoutout everywhere, who is the lover boy in Benin that’s causing chaos (attracting attention)?
Meaning: He’s hyping himself or someone known as a ladies’ man or heartthrob who gets attention in Benin City.
“Ayy”
No translation – expressive interjection, usually to hype energy.
“Dọmwan nọ make é noise wẹẹ evbana” (Edo language)
Translation: This girl is making noise all over the place.
Meaning: A woman is being loud or making her presence strongly felt.
“Gunuvbẹ, shh” (Edo language mixed with onomatopoeia)
Translation: Keep quiet, shhh.
Meaning: Telling someone to lower their voice or be quiet.
“Eri ma ghya wvbe wẹ ẹdo” (Edo language)
Translation: You don’t understand the ways of Edo.
Meaning: Suggesting that someone isn’t familiar with the culture, style, or street wisdom of Edo people.
“Shalli-fucking-Popi (Wahala)”
Translation: Shalli Popi (nickname/stage name) bringing chaos (trouble).
Meaning: He’s referring to himself as a force of energy or trouble — someone to watch out for.
“The President (Seh) of Pluto”
Translation: The President of Pluto.
Meaning: A braggadocious way to say he’s out of this world, untouchable, or from another realm entirely.
“Fayaman, Seh”
Fayaman – street slang for someone who’s fashionable, chilled, or influential.
“Seh” – repeated for emphasis, typical Nigerian speech filler.
[Verse 1]
“Desperado, many many”
Translation: A lot of desperados (wild, fearless people).
Meaning: He’s either surrounded by bold, streetwise people or referring to his own bold lifestyle.
“My amigo, Balotelli”
Translation: My friend, like Balotelli (the footballer).
Meaning: Comparing his lifestyle or vibe to Mario Balotelli — a famous, rebellious, and flashy footballer known for being unpredictable.
“Ladies taking me photo (Confirm)”
Translation: Women are taking pictures of me.
Meaning: He’s popular and admired — a celebrity figure to women.
“Paparazzi, ah”
Translation: Paparazzi everywhere.
Meaning: Like a celeb, he’s always under the spotlight.
“Don Julio, don dey high me”
Translation: The Don Julio (tequila) is already getting me tipsy.
Meaning: He’s drinking and starting to feel the effects of alcohol — indicating a fun, party mood.
Chorus (Repeated lines)
“Ghẹ gunmwẹn dẹ ọ, lahọ” (Edo language)
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Translation: You’re ignoring me / acting like you don’t know me, please.
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Meaning: The singer is calling out someone for pretending not to know or ignoring him.
“Ni paste aza, lahọ” (Mix of slang and Edo)
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Translation: Drop your account number, please.
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Meaning: He’s asking the person to share their bank account details — possibly to send money.
“Aza mwẹ dry o, lahọ”
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Translation: My account is empty, please.
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Meaning: He’s broke — his bank account is dry (no money in it), said in a humble or pleading way.
“Ye, ye-oh, lahọ”
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Translation: Yeah, yeah-oh, please.
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Meaning: This adds emphasis and melody — expressing emotion or desperation playfully.
🔁 These lines are repeated for rhythm and emotional emphasis — painting a picture of someone broke but trying to keep the vibe alive or begging lightly.
Also Read: The Benin Empire
[Interlude]
“It’s not the way you’re seeing me here and because of the way you’re talking to me here”
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Meaning: Don’t judge me based on how I look or act right now.
“You think if you’ll see me in the street of Upper or you’ll see me in the street of Sapele road…”
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Meaning: He’s name-dropping popular areas in Benin City (Upper Sakponba, Sapele Road, Ugbighoko, Third Junction) to say — “You wouldn’t dare speak to me like this if we were in these areas,” where he might have status or street respect.
“Iye avba owuye wawu, Iye wano” (Edo language)
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Translation: You don’t know who you’re messing with / You don’t understand.
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Meaning: He’s asserting his authority or presence — that the other person is underestimating him.
“And so, ayy”
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Meaning: Expressive outro to show he doesn’t care much — brushing it off coolly.
[Verse 2]
“Minister of enjoyment”
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Meaning: He’s the life of the party, the guy who brings good vibes — self-proclaimed title for someone who enjoys life to the fullest.
“Intercontinental (Nor go dey), monumental (Ehn?)”
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Translation: I’m global / international and a big deal.
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Meaning: Bragging about his status — saying he’s not just known locally, but worldwide.
“We go live forever (Ever, ever)”
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Meaning: A wish or confident declaration that his legacy or vibe will live on.
“Drop another banger, oh (Wahala)”
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Translation: Releasing another hit song — “wahala” here means trouble, like “this one go cause commotion.”
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Meaning: He’s consistently dropping hot tracks that shake the scene.
“Are they mad? They must be mental (Problem)”
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Meaning: Questioning haters — saying they must be crazy to doubt or mess with him.
“Smoking zaza, nai make I forget your matter”
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Translation: I’m smoking weed (zaza), that’s why I’m forgetting about your issues.
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Meaning: He’s escaping stress or drama through weed — emotionally numb or just chilling instead of engaging.
Overall Meaning:
The intro and first verse on ‘Laho’ establish Shalli Popi (or the persona) as a streetwise, influential, and fun-loving character with a reputation in Benin and Edo culture. He’s known by women, loves the high life, drinks Don Julio, compares himself to stars like Balotelli, and declares himself the “President of Pluto” — metaphorically placing himself above the ordinary.