Sidney Onoriode Esiri (born 1 May 1980), professionally known as Dr Sid (stylized as Dr SID), is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.

Early Life

Dr Sid is from Delta State but was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. His mother, a fashion designer, and his father, the late Justus Esiri, an actor, were influential figures in his life. His father was best known for his role as the village headmaster in a popular Nigerian sitcom in the 1980s and was also honored with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). Dr Sid, the second of four children, was drawn to entertainment from an early age. He graduated from the Nigerian Air Force Secondary School in Ikeja and later studied dentistry and dental surgery at the University of Ibadan. While at university, Dr Sid participated in school plays, dance competitions, and concerts, winning numerous awards along the way.

Career

1999–2002: Early Career and Da Trybe

Dr Sid began his music career as a choreographer with Trybe Records, a label that was home to the Nigerian hip hop group Trybesmen. He spent several years touring as a backup dancer for the group before transitioning to recording music. In 2002, Dr Sid became a member of Da Trybe, featuring on the revolutionary song “Oya” alongside notable artists like Sasha, 2-Shotz, and the Trybesmen members (Eldee, Kb, and Freestyle). During this time, he also recorded his debut single “Don’t Stop”, which topped the MBI top 10 chart for eight weeks. However, Dr Sid had to put his music career on hold to complete his university degree.

2004–2006: Dentistry and Music

In 2004, Dr Sid qualified as a dentist and briefly worked in the UK with artists like JJC & the 419 Squad, Felix Duke, KAS, and D’Prince. He returned to Nigeria in 2005, where he worked at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and served in Yola, Adamawa state, while also pursuing his music career. During this time, he started recording his debut album, Prognosis, which featured the single “Raise da Roof”. However, he abandoned the album in 2006.

2007–2011: Mo’ Hits Records and “Turning Point”

Dr Sid signed with Mo’ Hits Records in 2007, joining the Mo’ Hits Allstars collective. He featured on several tracks of their compilation album Curriculum Vitae, including “Booty Call” and “Close to You”. In 2009, he began recording his debut album Turning Point, with the first single, “Something About You”, released in September 2009. The song was a hit, climbing the African charts. His debut album Turning Point was released in April 2010 and included tracks like “Over the Moon”, which topped the Nigerian top 10 chart.

2012–2013: Mavin Records and Siduction

Following the dissolution of Mo’ Hits Records in 2012, Dr Sid joined Don Jazzy’s new label, Mavin Records. He released three singles from his upcoming album Siduction on the Mavin compilation album Solar Plexus. Siduction was released on December 20, 2013, featuring guest appearances from artists like Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince, and Wizkid. The album included popular tracks such as “Surulere” and “Lady Don Dada”.

2014–Present: Other Projects

In 2014, Dr Sid ventured into acting, starring in the film The Last 3 Digits, which won the People’s Film Festival Best International Film award in Paris. He also performed “Surulere” live at the MTV Africa Music Awards in Durban. His music career continued with singles such as “Kabiyesi”, featuring Don Jazzy, and “Flawless”, featuring Korede Bello. He has also continued releasing singles like “Greater Things” and “We Up”, collaborating with Don Jazzy and other producers.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Turning Point (2010)
  
• Siduction (2013)
  

Singles (as Lead Artist)

• “Chocolate West African Remix” (2013) featuring Ice Prince, Sarkodie, Elom Adablah, and Lynxxx
  
• “Afefe” (2012)
  
• “Lady Don Dada” (2013)
  
• “Surulere” (2013)
  
• “Kabiyesi” (2015) featuring Don Jazzy
  
• “Flawless” (2016) featuring Korede Bello
  
• “Greater Things” (2017)
  
• “We Up” (2017)
  
• “Jensimi” (2017)
  
• “Open and Close” (2018)
  
• “40 Bottles” (2018)
  
• “Deep Down” (2019) featuring Seyi Shay
  
• “Good Time” (2019)
  

Featured Artist on Compilation Albums

• 2004: The Big Picture
  
• 2007: Curriculum Vitae
  
• 2012: Solar Plexus
  

Filmography

• 2014: The Last 3 Digits – Role: Benji (Directed by Moses Inwang)
  
• 2015: The Application – Director (Directed by Sidney Esiri)
  
• 2019: Nigerian Trade – (Directed by Jade Osiberu)
  

Awards and Nominations

2008

• Soundcity Music Video Awards: Fresh Video – Won
  

2009

• Nigerian Music Video Awards: Best Afro Hip Hop Video – Won
  

2011

• The Headies:
  
  • Revelation of the Year – Won
    
  • Best R&B/Pop Album – Nominated
    
  • Best Pop Single – Won
    
  • Song of the Year – Nominated
    
  • Album of the Year – Nominated
    

2014

• The Headies:
  
  • Song of the Year – Nominated
    
  • Best Collabo – Nominated
    
  • Best Pop Single – Nominated
    
• MTV Africa Music Awards:
  
  • Song of the Year – Nominated
    
• City People Entertainment Awards:
  
  • Best Collaboration – Won

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