9ice
9ice | |
|---|---|
| Born | Akande Abolore Adegbola Alexander Ajifolajifaola January 17, 1980 Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Occupation(s) | Vocalist, lyricist, performer |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Known for | Incorporation of Yoruba language and proverbial expressions in music |
Akande Abolore Adegbola Alexander Ajifolajifaola (originally named Abolore Adegbola Akande; born 17 January 1980), popularly known by his stage name 9ice (pronounced nice), is a distinguished Nigerian vocalist, lyricist, and performer celebrated for his masterful incorporation of Yoruba language, proverbial expressions, and distinctive vocal delivery.
Early life
Originating from a polygamous household in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, 9ice spent his formative years in the Lagos neighborhoods of Shomolu and Bariga. His parents identified his musical abilities at an early age and encouraged his ambitions to build a career in music.
Career
In 1996, 9ice laid down his first demo track titled "Risi de Alagbaja," with his official solo debut "Little Money" following in 2000. The release that brought him widespread acclaim was the 2008 hit "Gongo Aso," which led to an invitation to perform at the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute concert held in London.
Among his accolades, he received the Best Hip Hop Artist award at the MTV Africa Music Awards and claimed four honors at the 2009 Hip Hop World Awards, including Album of the Year and Artiste of the Year for Gongo Aso.
After a short break from music, 9ice returned in 2020 with two projects: Tip of the Iceberg: Episode 1 and subsequently Tip of the Iceberg: Episode II.
He is also the founder and CEO of Alapomeji Entertainment Limited along with its affiliated label Alapomeji Ancestral Records, which is overseen by Saliman Badmus DEJI. Through these ventures, he maintains a significant presence in Nigeria's music industry.
Discography
Studio albums
- Certificate (2007)
- Gongo Aso (2008)
- Tradition (2009)
- Versus (2011)
- Bashorun Gaa (2011)
- G.R.A (2014)
- C.N.N (2014)
- Id Cabasa (2016)
- Tip of the Iceberg: Episode 1 (2020)
- Fear of God (2020)
- G.O.A.T (2021)
- Tip of the Iceberg II (2022)
- Afro Juju (2022)
- Election Time Ep (2022)
- Tip of the Iceberg III (2023)
- Lord of Ajasa (2023)
- Observatory (2024)
Awards
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards – Most Indigenous Act, 2007
- MOBO Awards – Best African Act, 2008
- MTV Africa Music Awards – Best Hip Hop Artist, 2008
- Dynamix Awards – Artist of the Year, 2008
- Hip Hop Awards – Best Vocal Performance, 2008
- Hip Hop Awards – Revelation of the Year, 2008
- Hip Hop Awards – Song of the Year, 2009
- Hip Hop Awards – Best R&B/Pop, 2009
- Hip Hop Awards – Album of the Year, 2009
- The Headies – Hip Hop Artist of the Year, 2009