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Tag: 9ice

  • Peruzzi, 9ice, Terry G, Fola thrill at Glenfiddich Experimental Night Concert

    Peruzzi, 9ice, Terry G, Fola thrill at Glenfiddich Experimental Night Concert

    A timeline of some of the best Afrobeats songs from the early 2000s till 2025 were put on display as four artists from different generations of Nigerian music took turns to thrill guests and attendees of the Glenfiddich Experimental Night Concert.

    The line- up of artists and DJs moved freely between memory, reinvention and culture in one night. The 2025 edition of the annual event was held in partnership with international music label gamma records.

    The event was kicked off with a DJ relay that had DJ Casper Sandra, DJ Cocaina, DJ Gigi Jasmine, DJ Maze x Mxtreme, DJ Crowd Kontroller, DJ Tag Team and DJ Tunes rotating seamlessly, pulling from different decades and genres of music.

    Peruzzi stepped out first as the live performances began to deliver some of his biggest tunes including ‘Somebody Baby’ and ‘Majesty’ to an audience that met him with loud, easy responses. It was a grounded opening that firmly placed the night in the present.

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    9ice came up next and as an O1’ guy in the game, he began his performance with a slower and more reflective energy, built on storytelling that has followed him for more than two decades. Two songs, ‘Gongo Aso’ and ‘Street Credibility,’ defined the night as the response was immediate. Voices rose, not out of hype, but recognition.

    Then Terry G took the stage and disrupted the entire rhythm that has been played earlier. The Free Madness star returned with the unpredictable energy that once defined an era of Nigerian pop music. His performance was loud, restless and unfiltered, driven by genre bending production and anthems that still landed with force.

    Emerging young act, Fola , closed the night leaning into experimentation, stretching the energy outward and offering a glimpse of what lies ahead.

    Beyond the music, the night drew an impressive cross-section of Nigeria’s creative ecosystem including Vice President and General Manager of gamma in Africa, Larry Gaaga, alongside Osi Suave, Charles Okpaleke, Ike Onyema, Seyi Classic, Fola David, Shaun Okojie, Mide Iwasokun, Chimezie Imo and Efe Tommy, among others.

  • D’banj, 9ice, Shina Peters to headline Rewind Concert

    D’banj, 9ice, Shina Peters to headline Rewind Concert

    Veteran disc jockey Jimmy Jatt and media platform Yaw Naija TV are set to host the ‘Rewind Flashback Concert’ on December 30, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

    The concert, themed, ‘The Legends Are Back,’ is expected to bring together several artistes whose music dominated Nigeria’s airwaves in the late 90s and 2000s, a period many regard as a defining era in the country’s pop culture history.

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    Leading the lineup are D’banj, 9ice and Juju music icon Shina Peters. Other artistes billed for the event include African China, Dr Sid, Cynthia Morgan, Bigiano, Black Reverendz, Style Plus, DJ Zeez, J Martins, Zulezoo, Inferno, Danfo Driver, Kas, Marvellous Benji, Ayangba and Lexy Doo.

    Industry watchers say the concert reflects a growing interest in catalogue music and legacy acts, as audiences continue to show strong demand for live performances built around familiar sounds and shared memories.

    With DJ Jimmy Jatt on the turntables, the organisers are expected to curate performances that cut across genres such as hip hop, Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall and Juju, highlighting the diversity that shaped Nigerian music in earlier decades.

  • African traditional religion: 9ice accuses Nollywood of misrepresentation

    African traditional religion: 9ice accuses Nollywood of misrepresentation

    Singer, Abolore Adegbola Akande aka 9ice, has called for renewed efforts to correct the misrepresentation of African traditional religion, saying years of colonisation have distorted the true essence of African spirituality and cultural identity.

    The ‘Gongo Aso’ singer made this known while reflecting on the erosion of African beliefs and the growing need to re-educate the younger generation on indigenous values and spiritual heritage.

    According to 9ice, colonisation didn’t just change Africa’s political and social landscape; it also reshaped people’s perception of faith, turning what was once sacred into superstition.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    “As Africans, we’ve passed through so many processes and changes because of colonisation,” 9ice said. “It changed us as a people, our religion, and our background. Ifa is now becoming a new thing to us, but it was our beginning before the white man came, so we need to preach more about it.”

    The award-winning singer further criticised the way Nollywood has portrayed African deities and spirituality over the years, blaming filmmakers for reinforcing stereotypes that demonise traditional religion.

    “For instance, they said Esu is Satan, which isn’t so. Esu is actually the one who has mercy in his hands,” he explained. “Nollywood also played a major role in the misinterpretation of our African religion because most of those making those movies know little or nothing about it.”

  • I’ll get a tribal mark at 50 – 9ice

    I’ll get a tribal mark at 50 – 9ice

    Indigenous singer Abolore Adegbola Akande popularly known as 9ice has announced plans to get a tribal mark at 50, inspired by his father who bears the same mark.

    In a video shared on TikTok page, the Ogbomosho-born singer revealed that he wants to honor his heritage and family tradition.

    “By the time I’m 50, I will get the same mark as my dad. That’s what I want to do for my birthday. A lot of my boys said I won’t do that, but, you will see,” he stated.

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    9ice is known for incorporating Yoruba language and proverbs into his music and his decision comes as part of his journey to reconnect with his traditional beliefs.

    Tribal marks are a symbol of identity, beauty, and cultural affiliation.

    In an interview with Nancy Isime in August 2025, 9ice shared that he is a traditional worshipper, having turned to Ifa priesthood after a life-threatening illness.

    He expressed regret for not embracing traditional practices earlier, referencing the significance of cultural heritage in his life.

  • 9ice resurfaces with Olodumare, hints at new album

    9ice resurfaces with Olodumare, hints at new album

    Award-winning singer, Abolore Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has returned to the music scene with a fresh single titled Olodumare.

    The new track, which translates to “God” in English, was released on Friday, September 25, after weeks of teasing fans. True to his trademark style, 9ice delivers a soulful performance laced with rich Yoruba expressions, accompanied by striking Afrocentric visuals.

    Olodumare is a prayer-themed song that speaks hope, positivity, and divine favour into the listener’s daily life. Its uplifting message has quickly resonated with fans and colleagues alike, drawing praise from entertainers such as Qdot, DJ Opdot, producer K-Solo, actress Allwell Ademola, comedian Tayo Amokade, singer Segun Johnson, and actress Bimpe Akintunde, among others.

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    Beyond the single, the Gongo Aso crooner revealed that he is currently working on a new album titled Beginning of Wisdom, which he promises will be released soon.

    With Olodumare, 9ice once again reaffirms his place as one of Nigeria’s enduring voices, blending culture, spirituality, and artistry in a way only he can.

  • I vomited blood for six months – 9ice recounts ‘spiritual attack’

    I vomited blood for six months – 9ice recounts ‘spiritual attack’

    Singer 9ice has opened up about a life-threatening spiritual attack he experienced in 2010.

    In a recent episode on The Nancy Isime’s TV show, 9ice said during that period, he suffered from a mysterious illness that caused him to vomit blood for six months.

    According to 9ice, the condition was not a medical issue, but rather a spiritual affliction that required spiritual intervention.

    He stated that it was only after being referred to an Ifa priest that he found healing and subsequently discovered the power of traditional African spirituality.

    He said the experience led him to become a traditionalist and a Babalawo (Ifá priest) with regrets of not embracing his cultural heritage earlier and encourages others to explore and appreciate African traditional practices.

    He cited Fela Kuti as an example of someone who was ahead of his time in embracing African spirituality, despite facing criticism.

    Read Also: Music is controlled by Devil – 9ice

    Isime asked, “Would you say you’ve experienced spiritual battles while doing music?”

    9ice replied: “Several times.”

    Isime asked: “What’s that one spiritual battle you went through that you thought you would not get out of?”

    9ice replied: “When I was vomiting blood for about six months in my own house. I had to leave my house. It happened in 2009/2010. It wasn’t a medical condition.”

    Isime asked: “So, how do you protect yourself?”

    9ice replied: “I’m not a Christian or a Muslim, I’m a Babalawo. I’m an African. I’m a traditionalist. The first time I experienced ifa was when I was vomiting blood. Someone referred me to ifa. I just wished that I had known ifa at the beginning. Fela used to go to Ogun and people were mocking him, but now, I understand.”

  • Music is controlled by Devil – 9ice

    Music is controlled by Devil – 9ice

    Singer 9ice has claimed that the music industry is controlled by the devil, whom he refers to as the “choirmaster”.

    Speaking on Nancy Isime’s show, 9ice alleged devilish influence is the reason many musicians engage in certain behaviours such as smoking.

    He claimed that his understanding of the industry’s spiritual dynamics is based on his personal experiences and knowledge.

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    9ice warned aspiring musicians to be aware of the industry’s spiritual realities, emphasising that they need to understand the environment they’re entering.

    He stressed that the music industry is generally controlled by the devil and that artists should be prepared for the challenges that come with it.

    He said, “The devil controls music. Devil is the choirmaster. That’s why we smoke and do all the things we do.”

    “Music generally is controlled by the devil. If you’re coming to this industry, understand where you’re coming to.

    “I’m not lying to you. He [the devil] is the most powerful angel. I’m speaking based on knowledge and what I’ve experienced spiritually.”

  • 9ice wants more gov’t investments in Nigerian sports

    9ice wants more gov’t investments in Nigerian sports

     Praises organisers of CAA  Championships in Abeokuta

    Highly sought-after Nigerian singer cum songwriter and dancer, Abolore Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice,has described the Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) U-18/U-20 Championships recently concluded in Abeokuta as the right platform for talented youth athletes to be brought to the limelight.

    9ice  who performed at the  event’s  closing ceremony on Sunday in Abeokuta,  stated that the tournament which is  now in its third season, has been sensational and seamless in showcasing the very best of African talents.

    Known for his powerful use of Yoruba language  and proverbial lyrics in his music, the Oyo State-born artist  commended Team Nigeria for their performance at the championships, emphasizing that they made Nigeria proud.

    He called on the Federal government to do more for sports in Nigeria, stating that with more investments in the sport, Team Nigeria will engrave the country’s name in gold in every event they compete in.

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    “This is the best platform for young athletes on the continental, the event is excellent, we pray that the government invests in more sporting activities in Nigeria, South Africa invented in theirs, so we too should support young talents in Nigeria,” the former boxer and footballer told First ZealMediaCast Blog.

    He further explained that over the years, the event has been producing superstars and world champions.

    Incidentally, he strong cast of world champions produced from the event is headed by Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, Ese Brune and Favour Ofili.

    Some 940 athletes took part in the championship held in Abeokuta with South Africa in first place and closely followed by Nigeria while Kenya completed  the top three.

    The 45-year old musician also had some nice words for the organisers of the event including  the Confederation of Africa Athletics, (CAA) the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honourable, Chief Bukola Olopade, the Ogun State Sports Ministry, (OSSM), led by Honourable Isiaka Wasiu, and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN) who put the event together even as  he called on ‘God Almighty to bless their pockets to enable  them to do more’.

  • I’m not an herbalist but learnt Yoruba proverbs – 9ice

    I’m not an herbalist but learnt Yoruba proverbs – 9ice

    Singer and songwriter Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has revealed that his indigenous Yoruba lyrics are as a result of the teachings from his late stepmother.

    Featuring on ‘Curiosity made me ask’ podcast, 9ice clarified on his in depth use of Yoruba, thereby disputing opinions that he is a trained herbalist. 

    The Ogbomoso-born said he was never an herbalist at any point in his growing up stage as a child and a young adult. 

    He credits his cultural heritage and family influence for his unique lyrical style.

    Read Also: Omawumi, Ric Hassani, 9ice replace Simi, DBanj, Asika as Nigerian Idol judges

    According to him, he instills the Yoruba language while creating a new song. 

    “I was never trained as an herbalist; I am not an herbalist. I am a Yoruba man from Oyo state, and I learnt all the proverbs from my late step mom. While trying to create songs, I decided to use all those,” he said.

  • I used to sound 100% like Wyclef Jean in my early days – 9ice

    I used to sound 100% like Wyclef Jean in my early days – 9ice

    Singer 9ice whose real name is Alexander Akande has opened up about his early days in the music industry.

    In a candid conversation with SPS, he revealed his inspiration was Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean.

    9ice confessed that he initially emulated Wyclef’s style, sounding “100 per cent” like him.

    He, however, believed his own talent set him apart from others who were also drawing inspiration from the international artist.

    He said as he grew and developed as an artist, he discovered his unique sound, which he attributes to a blend of influences from legendary musicians such as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Bob Marley, Ayinde Barrister, Kwan1, Pasuma, and Obesere.

    Read Also: Omawumi, Ric Hassani, 9ice replace Simi, DBanj, Asika as Nigerian Idol judges

    “My trigger point was Wyclef [Jean]. If anybody listened to me at the beginning, there was a time I was sounding like Wyclef 100 per cent. And there were other people that were sounding like him but they felt that I sounded better than them when it comes to sounding like Wyclef.

    “And from sounding like Wyclef, I got to my own original sound. Bob Marley, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Ayinde Barrister, Kwan1, Pasuma and Obesere are the people that I listened to while growing up and they formed my blend in music”, he said.