9ice
- Name: Abolore Adegbola Akande (9ice)
- Birthdate: January 17, 1980
- Birthplace: Ogbomosho, Oyo state
- Occupation: Musician
Abolore Adegbola Akande, known professionally as 9ice, was born on January 17, 1980, in Ogbomosho, Oyo state, Nigeria. He grew up in the Shomolu-Bariga suburbs of Lagos in a polygamous household with five wives and nine children. His parents recognised his musical talent early on and supported his aspirations to pursue a music career.
Musical career
9ice began his music journey in 1996 with his first demo, "Risi de Alagbaja." He released his first official solo song, "Little Money," in 2000. His breakthrough came in 2008 with the release of the single "Gongo Aso," which gained widespread popularity and led to his performance at the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute concert in London.
Following the success of "Gongo Aso," 9ice won several awards, including Best Hip Hop Artist at the 2008 MTV Africa Music Awards and four awards at the 2009 Hip Hop World Awards: Album of the Year, Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Rap in Pop Album.
He is known for his powerful use of the Yoruba language in his music, incorporating proverbial lyrics and a unique style of delivery.
Discography
9ice's discography includes:
- Certificate (2007)
- Gongo Aso (2008)
- Tradition (2009)
- Certificate and Tradition Reloaded (2010)
- Versus/Bashorun Gaa (2011)
- GRA/CNN (2014)
- Id Cabasa (2016)
- G.O.A.T (2018)
- Classic 50 Songs (2019)
- Fear of God (2020)
- Tip of the Iceberg: Episode 1 (2020)
- Tip of the Iceberg: Episode II (2022)
- Tip of the Iceberg III (2022)
- Lord Of Ajasa (2023)
- Observatory (2024)
Awards and recognition
Throughout his career, 9ice has received numerous accolades, including:
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards Most Indigenous Act (2007)
- MOBO 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 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)
- Hip Hop Awards Artist of the Year (2009)
Business ventures
9ice is the founder and CEO of Alapomeji Entertainment Limited and the record label Alapomeji Ancestral Records. The label, initially founded in 2008 after he left Edge Records, was rebranded in 2015.
Political involvement
In 2015, 9ice ventured into politics and was appointed as a Special Adviser to former Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state.
