Lanre Dabiri, a veteran Nigerian singer known as Eldee, has made a bold claim stating that his father was responsible for bringing the internet to Nigeria.
News About Nigeria understands that in a recent interview with media personality JOI, Eldee revealed that his father played a significant role in establishing cybercafes and tech companies during the early days of internet connectivity in the country.
Although Eldee studied architecture at university, he emphasized that his father imparted him with a wealth of knowledge in information and communication technology (ICT).
He credited his father for introducing him to the world of technology and its potential.
Eldee said; “My dad was the person that brought the internet, the very first person that brought the internet to Nigeria.
So, he set up pretty much everyone; all the companies that initially, all the first cybercafés that you know. All of those connections came through my popcy.
“He was an IT guy. So, naturally, by association, I dey very align to IT even though I studied architecture.”
Currently residing in the United States with his family, Eldee expressed his pride and joy in witnessing the success and global recognition of contemporary Afrobeats artists such as Wizkid and Davido.
In an interview with Hip TV, the “One Day” crooner likened the experience to that of a father watching his child flourish.
Eldee expressed his overwhelming excitement at the impact made by the present generation of Nigerian artists in various countries.
He recently embarked on a family trip to five European countries where he observed the growing popularity of Afrobeats music even in non-black settlements.
Eldee said; “You know, the father who has watched a child become very very successful. That’s how it [Afrobeats artists’ growth] feels to me. Nothing gives me more joy.
“Recently, actually last year, we went on a family vacation to Europe. We went to five countries. Every single city that we were in, even in Venice where maybe there were only like, two other black people.
“We were the only black family in the whole of Venice. We enter the stores and they are playing Afrobeats. From Rema to Joeboy to Fireboy to Burna Boy to Wizkid to Davido to Tiwa Savage everywhere.
“We were in Paris listening to the radio, to Latin radio and they were playing Afrobeats. Some of this stuff is mind-blowing if you know what was happening in Nigeria in 1995 or 1997 to 1998. It’s mind-blowing because in Nigeria then you couldn’t hear our own music on Nigerian radio.”
