LAGOS, NIGERIA (2021) – The street-pop revolution has officially gone global. This week, the Dapper-executive produced smash hit “Legbegbe” by Mr. Real achieved a new milestone, landing a coveted feature on Apple Music’s flagship show, Ebro in the Morning. For industry insiders, this isn’t just another spin on the radio; it is a validation of the “Dapper method”, a relentless focus on infrastructure and artist development that turns local street anthems into international case studies.
While the song’s infectious “Shaku Shaku” rhythm has been a staple in Lagos clubs, its ascent to the ears of global tastemaker Ebro Darden signals a shift in how African music is consumed. No longer is the world only looking for polished “Afro-fusion”; they are now hungry for the raw, unadulterated sound of the Nigerian streets.
Behind this surge is Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi, the CEO of Dapper Group and Dvpper Digital. In an industry often characterized by fleeting viral moments, Dapper has spent the last few years building a “trench-to-tower” pipeline. By providing professional distribution, strategic A&R, and a global outlook to artists like Mr. Real, he is proving that “street music” can compete on the same charts as the biggest pop stars in the world.
Speaking on the song’s recent global traction and his vision for the label, Dapper shared:
“Our philosophy at Dapper Group has always been rooted in the belief that authenticity is the ultimate currency. We don’t try to ‘clean up’ the street sound to make it palatable; we build the infrastructure, the marketing, the digital distribution, and the professional consistency that allows that raw energy to speak for itself on the world stage. For us, the journey from the street to the global charts isn’t about changing the music; it’s about changing the system behind the music so it can travel further.”
The Ebro in the Morning feature comes at a time when Dapper Group is rapidly expanding its footprint. With a distribution catalog that has already dominated platforms like Audiomack and Apple Music Nigeria, the focus is now squarely on export. The success of “Legbegbe” serves as the blueprint: find the pulse of the streets, professionalize the delivery, and ensure the world has no choice but to listen.
As “Legbegbe” continues to climb playlists and dominate the airwaves, one thing is clear: the “Dapper Effect” is real, and the Nigerian street-hop scene is no longer just a local conversation, it’s a global movement.
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