Poco Lee Biography: Early Life, Career, Personal Life, Impacting Bella Shmurda Career, Recognition & Networth

Poco Lee: The Dance Maestro Redefining Afrobeat Culture

Early Life and Background

Born Iweh Pascal Odinaka on October 21, 1996, Poco Lee grew up in the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria. Hailing from a humble family of five children, he was raised in Ojo, a bustling suburb of Lagos, where he experienced both the beauty and challenges of urban life. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic, providing the foundation for his resilience and drive.

Poco Lee’s education began at Nigerian Navy Primary School before he proceeded to Command Secondary School, Ojo. As a young boy, Poco Lee was always full of energy, often entertaining his classmates with impromptu dance moves. However, it wasn’t until he attended Lagos State University (LASU) to study Microbiology that his talent as a dancer began to shine.

The Passion for Dance

From a young age, Poco Lee had a natural inclination toward rhythm and movement. Dancing was more than just a hobby—it was a form of expression that allowed him to connect with people. His unique ability to combine traditional Nigerian dance styles with modern influences set him apart from his peers.

While in LASU, Poco Lee began to take dancing seriously. He started performing at local events and uploading dance videos to social media. His big break came in late 2018 when a video of him dancing to Zlatan Ibile’s Zanku (Legwork) went viral. The clip showcased his exceptional energy and creativity, capturing the attention of thousands, including influential artists.

Breaking Into the Industry

Poco Lee’s rise to fame wasn’t accidental—it was a combination of talent, timing, and determination. His viral dance video opened doors to the entertainment industry. Zlatan Ibile, the pioneer of the Zanku dance style, noticed Poco Lee’s talent and invited him to perform at shows and feature in music videos.

Through his collaboration with Zlatan, Poco Lee became a key figure in popularizing the Zanku dance movement, which soon became a global phenomenon. His ability to adapt and innovate made him an invaluable asset to Nigeria’s growing Afrobeat culture.

Collaborations with Afrobeat Giants

Poco Lee’s career skyrocketed as he began working with some of the biggest names in the Nigerian music industry. His charisma and unmatched talent earned him opportunities to collaborate with Olamide, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido.

• Olamide: Poco Lee’s partnership with Olamide began during the promotion of the hit single Pawon. His electrifying performances brought the song to life, leaving audiences in awe.
• Wizkid: As a dancer, Poco Lee complemented Wizkid’s music with his dynamic moves. He performed alongside Wizkid at international events, introducing his unique dance style to a global audience.
• Burna Boy: Poco Lee’s work with Burna Boy, particularly during live performances of Last Last, added visual flair to Burna’s powerful music.
• Davido: Collaborating with Davido on tracks like Sweet in the Middle, Poco Lee showcased his versatility, blending Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary dance.

Relationship with Zlatan and Naira Marley

Zlatan Ibile played a pivotal role in Poco Lee’s career, mentoring him and providing platforms for his growth. Their shared love for Zanku created a bond that continues to thrive.

Similarly, Poco Lee’s association with Naira Marley further cemented his reputation. His collaborations with the Marlian Music crew showcased his ability to blend street culture with high-energy performances, appealing to a wide audience.

Relationship With Bella Shmurda – How Introducing Bella To Olamide and Wizkid Have Impacted Bella’s Career

Poco Lee and Bella Shmurda have a pretty cool relationship, and it’s clear that Poco Lee has played a significant role in Bella Shmurda’s career. Apparently, Poco Lee was instrumental in introducing Bella Shmurda to Olamide, which led to a collaboration on the remix of Bella Shmurda’s hit song “Vision 2020”. Bella Shmurda has even spoken publicly about how Poco Lee’s influence helped him get the collaboration with Olamide, saying that Poco Lee had heard the song, urged him to create a viral video, and then uploaded the video, which caught Olamide’s attention.

But that’s not all – Poco Lee also introduced Bella Shmurda to Wizkid, which is a pretty big deal. During an Instagram Live session, Poco Lee introduced Bella Shmurda to Wizkid, and it’s clear that this introduction has had a positive impact on Bella Shmurda’s career.

Poco Lee has also collaborated with Bella Shmurda on music projects, including the song “Yard”, which features Bella Shmurda, Black Sherif, and Alpha P. Overall, it’s clear that Poco Lee and Bella Shmurda have a strong relationship that has benefited Bella Shmurda’s career in significant ways.

Expanding His Influence

Poco Lee didn’t stop at dancing; he became a cultural icon. His performances at prestigious events such as the One Africa Music Fest demonstrated his global appeal. By merging traditional African dance styles with contemporary trends, Poco Lee introduced Afrobeat dance to international stages, earning respect and admiration.

Beyond performances, Poco Lee also uses his platform to mentor young dancers, inspiring them to pursue their dreams. His efforts have contributed to elevating the status of dancers within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Controversial Issue With Portable

However, Poco Lee has also been involved in some controversy, particularly with regards to his collaboration with Portable on the song “Zazoo Zehh”. Portable accused Poco Lee of cheating him out of the song’s profits and not giving him due credit for his contribution to the song. Portable claimed that he was the one who created the song and that Poco Lee had taken advantage of him. The controversy sparked a lot of debate on social media, with many people weighing in on the issue. The situation was eventually resolved, but not before it had caused a lot of drama and tension in the Nigerian music industry.

Despite the controversy, Poco Lee remains a popular figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, known for his charisma and talent. He has worked with several top artists, including Olamide, who featured on “Zazoo Zehh” and helped to boost Portable’s career.

With his infectious energy and captivating stage presence, Poco Lee continues to entertain and inspire fans across Nigeria and beyond. Love him or hate him, Poco Lee is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

Contributions to Afrobeat Culture

Poco Lee’s contributions to Afrobeat cannot be overstated. He has helped redefine the role of dancers, proving they are as essential as singers and producers in creating an engaging musical experience. His innovative choreography has become a benchmark for many aspiring dancers, and his work continues to inspire creativity within the Afrobeat community.

Impacts and Recognition

Poco Lee’s talent has earned him numerous accolades. Although formal awards for dancers in Nigeria are rare, his impact on the entertainment industry has been recognized by artists, brands, and fans. His performances have been praised at events such as the Headies Awards and international Afrobeat festivals.

His Estimated Networth 

As of 2024, Poco Lee’s estimated net worth is around $300,000. His income comes from dance performances, brand endorsements, music video features, and collaborations with top artists. This financial success highlights the growing recognition of dancers as valuable contributors to the entertainment industry.

Personal Life

Despite his fame, Poco Lee remains grounded. He credits his success to his family and close friends, who have supported him throughout his journey. While he keeps his personal life private, his social media posts often reflect his love for family and his passion for dance. Currently, he didn’t have a wife yet.

Challenges and Struggles

Poco Lee’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. Breaking into the entertainment industry as a dancer was challenging, especially in an industry dominated by singers and producers. There were times when his work went unrecognized, and he struggled to make a name for himself. However, his unwavering determination and unique style eventually set him apart, proving that talent and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.

Recent Achievements and Future Aspirations

Poco Lee’s influence continues to grow. Recently, he has been involved in global projects, collaborating with international artists and brands. His goal is to bring Afrobeat dance to every corner of the world, showcasing the richness of Nigerian culture through movement.

Conclusion

Poco Lee’s story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and innovation. From his humble beginnings in Ojo, Lagos, to his status as a global dance icon, Poco Lee has redefined what it means to be a dancer in the Afrobeat industry. His impact on Nigerian entertainment is undeniable, and his journey continues to inspire dancers and artists worldwide. With his boundless energy and creative spirit, Poco Lee is set to leave an indelible mark on the world of dance and Afrobeat culture.