Lanre Dabiri better known by his stage name eLDee, is a retired Nigerian-American rapper, singer, and record producer. He is a member of the band Trybesmen, which he formed in 1998 along with rappers KB and Freestyle. eLDee is credited as one of the pioneers of the Afrobeats genre, playing a significant role in shaping its sound. Over his career, he has released five solo albums and contributed to the development of the Nigerian music industry.

Early Life of eLDee

Lanre Dabiri was born on May 23, 1977, in Kaduna State, located in northern Nigeria. He hails from Lagos Island in Lagos State. Growing up, he attended Command Children School in Kaduna and later transferred to Essence International School before moving to Lagos. He also earned a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Lagos in 2001, before fully pursuing music.

Career

eLDee is celebrated as one of the pioneers of the Afrobeats genre. In 1998, he formed the band Trybesmen with KB and Freestyle, and together, they were among the first to blend hip-hop, highlife, pop, and traditional Afrobeat music. Trybesmen became one of the most influential groups in the Nigerian music scene by the year 2000 and contributed significantly to the popularization of Afrobeats across the continent. As the frontman of Trybesmen, eLDee signed 16 artists to his label, Trybe Records, and produced hits like “Work It Out” and “Oya” in 2002. They also released the album The Big Picture in 2005.

In 2002, eLDee relocated to the United States, where he began his solo career. His debut solo album Long Time Coming was released in 2004, followed by Return of the King in 2006, which featured the hit single “I Go Yarn.” Return of the King won “Best International Album” at the 2007 Nigeria Entertainment Awards in New York. eLDee’s subsequent albums include Big Boy (2008), Is It Your Money? (2010), and Undeniable (2012), which solidified his place in the Nigerian music scene as an artist, producer, and director.

eLDee is also a respected figure in the Nigerian music business for founding Playdata, the first official Nigerian airplay chart. His contributions to the industry have earned him recognition, with Netng listing him among the 56 greatest Nigerian entertainers of all time in 2016.

Personal Life of eLDee

eLDee’s full name, Lanre, is derived from the Yoruba name Olanrewaju, meaning “wealth is moving forward.” He is also married to his long-time partner, Dolapo Latinwo-Bello, and they have two daughters, Temi and Toke. Since relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2002, eLDee has balanced his music career with his personal life, ensuring time for his family. In December 2013, he also made headlines for voicing his support for gay rights, advocating for equality across Africa.

Discography
Studio Albums

• Long Time Coming (2004)
  
• Return of the King (2006)
  
• Big Boy (2008)
  
• Is It Your Money? (2010)
  
• Undeniable (2012)
  

Compilation Albums

• L.A.G. Style by Trybesmen (2000)
  
• The Big Picture (2004)
  
• The Champion: The Hits (2009)
  

eLDee’s musical journey has not only shaped his career but has had a profound impact on the African music landscape, making him a true pioneer in the Afrobeats movement.

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