His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, on Friday received popular Nigerian artist Shallipopi at the royal palace in Benin City, where the monarch expressed admiration for the artiste’s widely circulated track “Laho.”
During the visit, the Oba acknowledged familiarity with the song, noting that it had come to his attention through its growing popularity. In a moment that drew attention within the palace audience, the monarch reportedly referenced elements of the song during prayers to the ancestors.
The artist, alongside members of his entourage, paid a courtesy visit to the revered monarch ahead of the upcoming Goldberg Golden Fiesta concert. Shallipopi used the occasion to explain the purpose of their visit and to show respect to the Benin traditional institution.
The encounter highlighted the growing cultural influence of contemporary Nigerian music, as well as the continued engagement between traditional leadership and the entertainment industry.
