9ice

9ice is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and dancer born Abolore Adegbola Akande on January 17, 1980, in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. He's known for his powerful use of the Yoruba language in his music, as well as his proverbial lyrics and unique style of delivery. Born into a polygamous home of five wives and nine children, 9ice grew up in the Shomolu Bariga suburbs of Lagos and always dreamed of being a musician. His parents discovered his singing talent and allowed him to pursue music. After recording his first demo, "Risi de Alagbaja," in 1996 and releasing his first official solo song, "Little Money," in 2000, 9ice's breakthrough came in 2008 with the single "Gongo Aso," earning him four awards at the 2009 Hip Hop World Awards. He has won several awards, including Nigeria Entertainment Awards Most Indigenous Act 2007, MOBO Best African Act 2008, MTV Africa Music Awards Best Hip Hop Artist 2008, and Dynamix Awards Artist of the Year 2008. His notable albums include Certificate (2007), Gongo Aso (2008), Tradition (2009), Tip of the Iceberg: Episode 1 (2020), and Tip of the Iceberg: Episode II (2022).