Ellie SanDiego

“To all the ladies in the place with style and grace…” Those infamous words spit by the legendary Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace nearly two decades ago is a fittingly appropriate introduction to one of Detroit’s newest emcees Ellie Sandiego.

Elizabeth St.Clair, otherwise known as Ellie Sandiego, was born on July 16, 1987 and grew up on the west side of Detroit immersed in music and surrounded by talent. Her grandmother worked on stage with legends such as Tony Bennett, Barbara Streisand, and Lou Rawls. Her aunt, singer Hari Paris, used to bring Ellie on stage with her when she performed in front of large audiences. Born an only child to a single mother, Ellie grew up being teased for various reasons in school from her looks to her personality. She was shy, but she had an innate desire to perform. Attending Detroit’s illustrious Cass Technical High School, she joined the cheer squad, band, and performing arts departments which coaxed her out of her shell.

Ellie Sandiego adopted her stage name by taking her given moniker, Elizabeth, and combining it with the last name of world traveler Carmen Sandiego. She decided in high school that she was destined to be just as elusive and mysterious as the fictional character she idolized. She embraces and identifies with every musical genre, from rock and hip hop of course, to classical and country. Influenced by some of the world’s most eclectic musicians, Ellie notes its artists like Amy Winehouse, Nas, Pink and MC Lyte who inspire her own brand of “Ellie PoWer.”

“The Movement of Ellie PoWer” was created as self motivation for her to branch out of the “comfort box” of hip hop music. The “W” in Ellie PoWer represents the “warrior” within.
Ellie PoWer embraces fun and also bridges a delicate balance between that and social consciousness expressed through her music. She began to compose music after the birth of her first child, and has written several songs, as well as screenplays. She’s performed and hosted at Detroit’s hottest spots including TV’s Lounge and several artist showcases.

Ellie Sandiego’s future plans are to mentor young women, especially single mothers, who have fallen on hard times and may have lost focus of their dreams. She plans to introduce them to “Ellie PoWer” and encourage them to follow their passion and purpose in life. Ellie is a single mother herself raising two beautiful children, working full time, and yet she is still pursuing her own calling in the industry. “I’m here to bring a light into the darkness that surrounds young women like me,” says Ellie Sandiego. “I’m here to give back to my community and show people you can live your dreams even if you’ve been through struggles. I have a message, and I write and spit from my heart.”