Elestee, born Treasure Apiafi Banigo, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter signed to Mavin Records, previously known by the stage name Lifesize Teddy. Born and raised in Port Harcourt, with childhood years on Bonny Island in Rivers State, she began writing songs at just nine years old and was competing in online rap battles against older, more experienced opponents by the age of twelve.
Her first notable moment in the spotlight came in 2018, when she opened for fellow Mavin signee Ladipoe. After a three-year stint in the Mavin Academy, the development programme that helped shape stars like Rema and Ayra Starr, she was officially unveiled as a Mavin Records signee in 2023.
Elestee released two EPs that year: her self-titled debut Lifesize Teddy, a moodier five-track project featuring the breakout single Hypnotic, and the follow-up POISN, which leaned into pop, electronic, and hip-hop influences with the standout single All Eyes On Me. Both projects showcased her range across rap, poetry, and melodic songwriting, blending Hip-Hop, Alternative R&B, Afropop, and alte sounds.
Since rebranding to Elestee, she has continued to build her catalog with 2025 singles including Liar Liar and Many Men, and collaborated with labelmate Ayra Starr. Drawing inspiration from artists like Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and Lucky Dube, Elestee has established herself as one of Nigeria's most versatile young voices, unafraid to blend rap, poetry, and pop into a sound entirely her own.
