Lanre Dabiri was born May 23 1977 and raised in Kaduna, a city in Northern Nigeria. In 1998, eLDee and his high school friend “Kaboom” teamed up with “Freestyle”, and the group Trybesmen was born, which popularized the music genre Afro-hip hop/Afro-pop. Subsequently, eLDee founded his own independent label (Trybe Records) to support the group. They had two hit singles in 1999; "Trybal Marks" and "Shake Bodi". Trybesmen’s debut album was released shortly afterward, titled L.A.G. Style.
Lanre Dabiri aka “eLDee the Don” is the founder of Trybe Records. A music producer, recording artist, and a qualified architect. Born May 23 and raised in Kaduna, a city in Northern Nigeria, eLDee’s love for music and the arts started at a very young age. In 1998, eLDee and his high school friend, “Kaboom” teamed up with “Freestyle”, and the group Trybesmen was born. Subsequently, eLDee founded his own independent label (Trybe Records) to support the group, and took the Nigerian music scene by storm with two hits in 1999; “Trybal Marks” and “Shake Bodi”. Trybesmen’s debut album “L.A.G. Style” was a massive hit and still a cult-classic. eLDee, as the head of Trybesmen and Trybe Records, engineered what has now become the music genre most call Afro-hip hop/Afro-pop. With Trybesmen’s undeniably incredible blend of Afro beat, Reggae, Highlife and hip hop, and with over 78 sold-out shows in one year, it was no surprise that Trybesmen became a force to be reckoned with across West Africa.
Trybe Records also created a platform for new talents that would help achieve the goal of placing African Hip Hop/African Pop on the international map. Trybe Records boasts of developing successful artists such as Sasha, who won the Kora’s Most Promising Artist Award in 2004, 2Shots, Lequse, olaDele, Timi, and Sid, who is now a member of the “Mo-hits Records” label.
eLDee came up with a collaboration of all the artists on the record label and named them Da Trybe. They produced singles "Work it out" and "Oya" in 2002, and the album BIG Picture in 2005. and he became a producer.
eLDee came up with a collaboration of all the artists on the record label, named them “Da Trybe” and solidified Trybe Records” place as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian Music Industry with hits such as “Work it out” and “Oya” in 2002, and the album “BIG Picture” in 2005. Making a move to the United States in 2002, eLDee recorded a solo album titled “Long Time Coming” and followed up with “Return of the King” in 2006.
After moving to the United States in 2002, eLDee recorded a solo album titled Long Time Coming and followed up with Return of the King in 2006. The latter album earned various nominations and awards for both videos and songs, including the Nigerian Entertainment Award for “Best International Album”.
“Return of the King” was very well received earning him various nominations and awards for both videos and songs including the Nigerian Entertainment Award for “Best International Album”. eLDee, though currently living between Nigeria and the United States is a household name both in Africa and in the African communities abroad. He has been featured on numerous international radio stations both in Europe, Asia and the USA. Back home in Nigeria, the hit-music playlist is incomplete without eLDee. His personal hits like “I go yarn”, “Champion”, “African Chiquito” and “Bosi Gbangba” have been aired on radio stations all over the world. eLDee has also been featured in countless local and international magazines and newspaper articles and remains one of the most RESPECTED artist/producer out of West Africa, on the international scene. eLDee has emerged as a multi talented professional. eLDee has worked with various artists of various nationalities, doing various styles, producing amazing music and creating great videos. eLDee has produced and directed numerous videos both for Nigerian and international artists and is able to bring anyone into his world of creativity in an effortless manner.
eLDee’s resume not only brags about his work as an artist, producer and video director, but also as an interactive media genius. His business resume boasts of clients like CNN, D3 Publishing, Hines, Accenture, Andersen, Kimberly Clark, Naruto, Primedia, NBA, UPS, Cartoon Network, Consumer Source, Warner Bros, just to name a few of the fortune 500 companies he has had the opportunity to design and develop for with an Atlanta based firm. eLDee and his group of colleagues have received numerous national and international awards for design and advertising media campaigns.
eLDee writes and produces most of his music, and owns all rights to his works through his reign of over a decade. His much-anticipated album “Evolution” is due out later this year (2008) and promises the world, true music, pure energy, and undeniable versatility. Keeping the world at the edge of their seats, everyone awaits the “Evolution” which boasts of club bangers, great music, and international artist collaborations. “Evolution” is one of eLDee”s most important work yet! Lanre Dabiri, aka “eLDee the Don”, a business mogul.
Trybe Records currently has signed six artists with two albums to its credit. The label has developed artists such as Sasha, who won the Kora’s Most Promising Artist Award in 2004, 2Shots, Lequse, olaDele, Timi, and Sid, who is now a member of the Mo-hits Records label. "Trybe gear", a clothing line, is also in the pipelines.
Long Time Coming is the debut album by Eldee, it was released in 2004. Founder of hit group, Trybesmen, Eldee is making a comeback to his Nigerian fans after a brief sojourn in the United States. He was in the country to perform at one of the Big Brother Nigeria eviction parties and later in December to perform at a couple of shows. His album, Hit singles from the album include Many Emcees, African Chikito, and I Go Yarn are making waves on the radio stations nationwide. The CEO of Trybe records, Eldee is a rapper of repute, producer extraordinaire and pioneer of the Nigerian hip hop sound. The don is responsible for identifying and producing talented acts like Sid, Sasha, Del, 2-Shots, just to mention a few. His production has graced a host of Nigerian hit tracks and his sound has not gone unnoticed on the foreign scene as he has recorded songs with international recording artistes like Lauryn Hill.Music has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember.
Return Of The King is the second album by Eldee, it was released in 2006. While some may not be comfortable with eLDee’s choice for an album title – ‘Return of the King’, he most definitely has a claim to the throne, if such a seat exists in Nigerian hip-hop. At a time when hip-hop in Nigeria was badly in need of an identity, groups like the Trybesmen – of which he was a founding member, provided the blueprint for the style that is now generally accepted as African hip-hop. If ‘I Go Yarn,’ the thought provoking single from Return of the King, eLDee’s forthcoming album, is any indication what to expect from the album, his critics will be silenced. ‘I Go Yarn’ is classic eLDee material, original, indigenous, conscious and still a very catchy song. The song laments the situation in Nigeria, a topic most artists are known to blatantly steer clear of. It stresses the disparity between life in developed countries and developing ones.
Big Boy is the third album by Eldee, it was released in 2008. Originally titled "Evolution". Lanre Dabiri aka “eLDee the Don” is the founder of Trybe Records. A music producer, recording artist, and a qualified architect. In 1998, eLDee and his high school friend, “Kaboom” teamed up with “Freestyle”, and the group Trybesmen was born. Subsequently, eLDee founded his own independent label (Trybe Records) to support the group, and took the Nigerian music scene to new heights with two hits in 1999; “Trybal Marks” and “Shake Bodi”. eLDee, as the head of Trybe Records, engineered what has now become the music genre most call Afro-hip hop/Afro-pop. With Trybesmen’s undeniably incredible blend of Afro beat, Reggae, Highlife and hip hop, and with over 78 sold-out shows in one year, it was no surprise that eLDee became a force to be reckoned with across West Africa. eLDee, though currently living between Nigeria and the United States is a household name both in Africa, United Kingdom and America.
10 years in the game and multi-talented rapper and producer Eldee is still working on churning out more hits and re-inventing his art. The former member of Trybesmen has made his mark as one of the pioneers of urban Nigerian music and is now working on a landmark mix-tape (titled Is It Your Money?) featuring some of the most important acts of this decade.Eldee has been an ever present name in Nigerian music since his time with the Trybemen over a decade ago. In 1999 Trybesmen announced themselves as Nigeria’s leading hip hop group, with cuts like Plenty Nonsense, Shake Bodi, and Trybal Marks. The group held numerous sold out shows across the country and beyond, dominating playlists from Lagos to Abuja and mesmerizing rap fans with their multi-lingual flow, interesting themes and unusual videos. The group split up after their 2000 album L.A.G Style with the members chasing up different interests.
Eldee focused on Trybe Records, which he had set up while still with the Trybesmen. The label had propelled new artistes, such as Sasha, Mr Sid and 2Shotz, into the scene. But in 2002, Eldee moved to the United States to pursue a career in interactive media. As successful as this new move was, the Kaduna-born artist didn’t give up music, releasing two relatively successful albums Long Time Coming (2002) and Return Of The King (2006). In 2008 Eldee returned to Nigeria with his album Big Boy, using the title track to remind everyone who he was, and to maintain that he’s still pretty much a force to reckon with in Nigeria’s re-emerging music industry. Another huge track from the album was Bosi Gbangba which, with its video, has been a hit not just in Nigeria, but in other parts of Africa and Europe – even earning him a MOBO nomination for best African act this year.
Is It Your Money? is expected to feature a star studded cast, including international stars such as Yung Joc (who features on a remix of Big Boy), Young Jeezy, Ciara, Black Thought (from The Roots), with many others to be added. There is also a list of Nigeria’s more popular names (such as 2Face, Banky W, Omawunmi and 2Shotz), as well as some of the nu skool (including Kel, Wizkid, Skales, Waje and Chuddy K). Eldee tells NET he will also team up with some Nigerian acts in the diaspora to add to the diverse lineup on the mix-tape. Is It Your Money? is scheduled for release in December. This mix-tape is a milestone in Nigerian music history. No one has had this many artistes on one body of work – not even Alaba says eLDee who’s currently in London, spending time with his wife Dolapo who delivered their first baby at St Heilers hospital, London around 3:15 pm on November 17.
Multi-talented Nigerian music star, eLDee (Lanre Dabiri) and his long-term partner, Dolapo Latinwo-Belo married in November 2008 and were blessed with a daughter shortly thereafter. The couple have been together for about a decade. They started dating during their days as students of the University of Lagos where Eldee is a graduate of Architecture and Dolapo studied Urban & Regional Planning. Distance also didn’t deter them as over the past few years, eLDee was based in Atlanta, USA while Dolapo was based in the United Kingdom.
Free tracks can be downloaded at [www.eldeethedon.com/]
Champion
eLDee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Dem fit to pose any competition
Emi le n le men oo so fun wan hey oh
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Dem fit to pose any competition
It goes one for the rhyme and two for the show
Three tuale as I collect my doe
Eh I follow say make una shake body
Anytime I come around una go wan judi
Omase Trybesmen no dey sing again
E dey pain me o emi gan I dey feel the pain
Mo de ti sun lo si yankee yes oh
Mi o fa gburu pepper still rest o
Wan ni mo salo si greener pastures
Eni to lenu ko ma so ohun to fe so
Mo tun ti de emi de logaa wan
Eyin temi e bami ko e ba mi ko say
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Dem fit to pose any competition
Emi le n le men oo so fun wan hey oh
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Dem fit to pose any competition
Emi le n le men jen fi ye wan
Ga ni anan zan fara da waka
In mun basu wuri sai su bata
Shi yaka sa muka dawo da sauti
Eldee wan da bai so ubanshi
Mutani'n mu ku taka rawa
Daga Bauchi da Jos zuwa Kaduna
Da Abuja da Kano har da Kebbi
Yaushe za mu tashi biyar da rabi
Ni ne oga pata pata
Shugaba'n kasa kasa
Ni ne oga pata pata
Shugaba'n kasa kasa
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Dem fit to pose any competition
Emi le n le men oo so fun wan hey oh
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Dem fit to pose any competition
Emi le n le men jen fi ye wan hey oh
If you're feelin me now then get up on the floor
And let me take control shake something
All up inna the yard you can't disregard
Now grab a hold of your partner move something
Thunder clap thunder clap
Thunder clap thunder clap
Whine ya waist whine ya waist
Whine ya waist whine ya waist
Signal the plane signal the plane
Signal the plane signal the plane
Scooby doo scooby doo
Scooby doo
Old school now
Open close open close
Open close open close
Galala eh galala eh
Galala eh bend down low
Galala eh galala eh
Galala eh galala eh
Swo swo swo swo
Ebami ko say
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Dem fit to pose any competition
Emi le n le men oo so fun wan hey oh
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Dem fit to pose any competition
Emi le n le men jen fi ye wan hey oh
Omu bu Obi number one ngwa
Omu bu Obi number one ngwa
Enweron onye di kam mba
Enweron onye di kam mba
Omu bu Obi number one gini
Omu bu Obi number one ngwa
Enweron onye di kam mba
Enweron onye di kam mba
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Dem fit to pose any competition hey oh
Emi le n le men oo so fun wan
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Dem fit to pose any competition
Emi le n le men jen fi ye wan hey oh
Murder dem murder dem
Anytime diggi come he come murder dem
Murder dem murder dem
Anytime diggi come he come murder dem
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Dem fit to pose any competition
Emi le n le men oo so fun wan
Hey oh
Hey oh
The song "Champion" by eLDee is a celebratory rap track about his success in the music industry. The lyrics celebrate his position as number one ahead of all his competitors, and the confidence he has in his abilities as a musician. He boasts that none of his rivals can pose any competition against him, and commands his listeners to clap their hands in support of his victory.
The song's chorus repeats "clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee, number one I be the champion none of dem, dem fit to pose any competition, emi le n le men oo so fun wan hey oh" which translates to "clap your hands and acknowledge that I am the champion and none of my competitors can beat me". eLDee also uses different African languages besides English to add a unique African touch to the song.
The song celebrates not just his musical talent but also his ability to make people dance and have a good time. eLDee encourages his listeners to get up on the floor and let him take control by shaking their bodies to his music. This is evident in the verses when he chants “Thunder clap thunder clap, Whine ya waist whine ya waist, Signal the plane signal the plane”, which are commands for dancing.
Overall, "Champion" is a prideful song that celebrates eLDee's success in the music industry, his confidence in his abilities, and the joy his music brings to his fans.
Line by Line Meaning
Clap una hands now me say clap una hands Eldee
Eldee is asking the listeners to applaud him and his achievement
Number 1 I be the champion none of dem
Eldee declares himself as the best and unbeatable
Dem fit to pose any competition
He is confident that nobody can challenge or compete with him
Emi le n le men oo so fun wan hey oh
He is saying that he is on top and command respect
Emi le n le men jen fi ye wan
Eldee is saying that he is above everyone else and his presence commands attention and respect
It goes one for the rhyme and two for the show
Eldee talks about the importance of style and performance in addition to his lyrical ability
Three tuale as I collect my doe
He acknowledges his Nigerian heritage and thanks his fans for their support and their money (representing his income)
Eh I follow say make una shake body
He is encouraging his listeners to dance and have fun to his music
Anytime I come around una go wan judi
People always want to party whenever Eldee is in the house
Omase Trybesmen no dey sing again
Eldee pays homage to his former music group by saying they no longer perform
E dey pain me o emi gan I dey feel the pain
Eldee expresses his sadness over the end of the Trybesmen and his continued connection to them
Mo de ti sun lo si yankee yes oh
Eldee tells how he has traveled to America
Mi o fa gburu pepper still rest o
Eldee is confident in his abilities even though he's now based in America
Wan ni mo salo si greener pastures
Eldee shares his motivation for leaving Nigeria; to pursue better opportunities
Eni to lenu ko ma so ohun to fe so
Eldee suggests that people should focus on their own desires instead of gossiping about others
Mo tun ti de emi de logaa wan
Eldee indicates that he is back and better than ever
Eyin temi e bami ko e ba mi ko say
Eldee appeals to his fans and asks them to show their support
Ga ni anan zan fara da waka
Eldee is proud of his Nigerian heritage and mentions a desire to celebrate his culture
In mun basu wuri sai su bata
Eldee shares a hope that people will dance in celebration of the music
Shi yaka sa muka dawo da sauti
Eldee says the music will make people move and bring them together
Eldee wan da bai so ubanshi
Eldee is the one who brings everybody together
Mutani'n mu ku taka rawa
Eldee talks about the unity of Nigeria despite cultural, ethnic and social differences
Daga Bauchi da Jos zuwa Kaduna
Eldee mentions several locations in Nigeria to show a connection with different parts of the country
Da Abuja da Kano har da Kebbi
Eldee references other Nigerian cities to further show his connection to the country
Yaushe za mu tashi biyar da rabi
Eldee means they will continue to rise and progress year-round
Ni ne oga pata pata
Eldee proclaims himself the boss
Shugaba'n kasa kasa
Eldee strengthens his proclamation by saying he's the king of the domain
If you're feelin me now then get up on the floor
Eldee asks his fans to show their support by dancing to the music
And let me take control shake something
He takes control of the dance floor and tells everyone to let loose and rave
All up inna the yard you can't disregard
He lets everyone in sight know that he is the best artist around and that he should not be ignored.
Now grab a hold of your partner move something
Eldee is urging everyone to get up with their partners and rave together.
Thunder clap thunder clap
Eldee is putting on a show and making music to encourage clapping
Whine ya waist whine ya waist
Eldee encourages dancing, especially moving one's waist
Signal the plane signal the plane
Eldee is having fun and trying to encourage everyone else to have an equally fun time by signaling to the sky as if to urge a plane to land.
Scooby doo scooby doo
A childhood reference to the popular cartoon character that Eldee adopts to bring light-hearted fun to his music and show.
Open close open close
Eldee uses this phrase for rhythmic effects in the tune
Galala eh galala eh
Another childhood reference to the Galala dance in Nigeria used as a call-and-response for his fans to dance along with him.
Galala eh bend down low
Eldee is encouraging everyone to dance along to his music and bend down low for a special twist.
Swo swo swo swo
A mix of sounds that Eldee uses to liven up the song and make it sound unique and interesting.
Ebami ko say
Eldee is saying that people should listen attentively to the music and let it speak to them
Omu bu Obi number one ngwa
Eldee is a proud Igbo man from the southeastern region of Nigeria and declares his pride and heritage
Enweron onye di kam mba
Eldee says that he is the only one who can do what he does in his hometown so it's better for people to follow his lead
Murder dem murder dem
Eldee is using a colloquialism to imply that he is going to make a huge impact that will outshine other forms of entertainment
Anytime diggi come he come murder dem
Eldee is confident in his skills and claims to be able to put other artists out of business when it comes to making hits.
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