Ice Prince
| Ice Prince | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Panshak Henry Zamani |
| Also known as | Ice Prince |
| Born |
October 30, 1986 [1] Minna, Nigeria |
| Origin | Jos, Plateau State |
| Genres | Hip hop, afrobeat, pop |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, recording artist, rapper, actor |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Labels | Chocolate City |
| Associated acts | M.I, Jesse Jagz, Brymo, Chopstix, eLDee, Wizkid, French Montana, 2face Idibia, Sunny Neji, Wale, Chip, Ruby Gyang, Olamide, Sound Sultan, Burna Boy, Yung L, Jeremiah Gyang, Shaydee, Morell |
| Website | Official website |
Panshak Zamani (born October 30, 1986), better known by his stage name Ice Prince, is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist best known for winning the 2009 Hennessy Artistry[2][3] as well as for his song "Oleku". He won the 2013 BET Awards for "Best International Act Africa".[4] Ice Prince is currently signed to Chocolate City.[5]
Early life and music career
Ice Prince was born Panshak Henri Zamani in the city of Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. At age two, he moved with his family to the mining city of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. While residing in Jos, he attended St. Murumba College, the same school that produced P-Square, Mikel Obi, and the Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda among others. He also attended the Science Tutorial College in Jos.[6]
In 1998, he began writing rap songs and started performing them at social events held at his school. It was not until 2001 that he began going to studios to record. In 2002, he got together with a couple of friends and formed a group called the "Ecomog Squad". They had few performances as a group and split a year later. In 2004, he connected with M.I, Jesse Jagz, Ruby, Lindsey, Eve, Taz, and together they became what is now known today as the "Loopy Crew".[6] During an interview with Adeola Adeyemo, Ice Prince was asked to summarize his story. He said "I started out in Jos in a group called ECOMOG squad. We used to rap and sing together. The group split up after a few years and after that, I joined the choir in my church and started singing Tenor. That was about the time MI moved back to Nigeria and we became friends, we became family, we started living together, started making music together. I had a song that made it to Number 1 in Jos, that was when I started getting more attention. Then I got admitted into University of Jos to study Zoology but then I couldn’t really continue because of some financial constraint at the time."[7] Ice Prince also opened up about the passing of his parents and the challenges he faced early on. He said:"Life was not that rosy. When my dad was alive, life was pretty much rosy but I lost my Dad in 1999 and it was my Mum that was taking care of me up until she died too. So it was kinda hard to get by, really. I dropped out of school in my 100Level to focus on my music.I moved to Abuja and started living with MI and Jesse Jagz. We were making music, doing some small small shows just to get money. Then we moved to Lagos, we got a chance to chill at Djinee’s house. Djinee gave us some space in his house to sleep. Djinee is like my Jesus. He came through for us. We lived in his house and made it very uncomfortable for him but he took all the pain and accommodated us. This was in 2008. Gradually, there was steady growth. We got our own place, started making music. In 2008, I hosted Sprite Triple Slam. We did 30 shows, 15 in Lagos, 15 in the East. I got some small money off that to buy some new jeans and shoes so that girls would, you know, say hi to me when they see me." [7]
In 2004, Ice Prince released his debut single, "Extraordinary". "Rewind", another single he released received radio airplay in Lagos and Abuja. It charted on Rhythm Fm's "Top 7 chart", Notjustok's "Hype", Unilag FM, Zain Central Station, Inspiration Fm, Top FM’s "Top of the Morning", Cosmo FM's "Top Hits", Africa Connect Chat Show, and Kiss' "Top 20 Africa". Moreover, it charted at number 1 on Cool FM and Vision FM in Abuja.
Chocolate City record contract
During the aforementioned interview, Ice Prince shed some light on his record deal with Chocolate City, saying: "My record deal with Chocolate City came off of my affiliation with MI and Jesse Jagz. We are pretty much brothers, we’ve always lived together, always been together. But then Chocolate City signed MI first. It was like they did it in order of our age. Then they signed Jesse Jagz. Jesse was obviously more ready than I was at that time. Then they saw that I was getting ready as well and they signed me too."[7]
2009: Hennessy Artistry
In 2009, Ice Prince participated in the Hennessy Artistry competition, a competition organized by the Hennessy brand which supports urban and contemporary music. The competition featured the likes of Bez, Mo'cheddah, Blaise, and Jimmy Flames; Ice Prince came out 1st with his lead single "Badman" at the end of the competition.[2]
2010-2011: Everybody Loves Ice Prince (E.L.I), "Oleku", and collaborations
During the aforementioned interview, Ice Prince opened up about why he chose to name his debut album, Everybody Loves Ice Prince. He said "What made me give my album that name was when I lost my Mum, really. There was so much love, so much care from all around the world. People really showed me love and it was after that incident that I came back to record my album and I thought what better name to call my album than Everybody Loves Ice Prince because I was shown love.[7] "Oleku", Ice Prince's first single off his debut album was met with great reception throughout Nigeria. The song was released under Chocolate City. Ice Prince's 'rap resume' has a long list of songs he’s been featured on. He was featured on Taikoon's "Respect My Hustle" with Banky W,[8] DJ Neptune's "This Gbedu Reloaded" with YQ & Shank,[9] Bez's "Super Sun (Remix)" with ELDee & Eva Alordiah,[10] YQ's "Efimile (Remix)" with Naeto C, M.I, Banky W, & ELDee,[11] Pherowshuz's "Korrect (remix)" with M.I & Terry Tha Rapman,[12] Dekunle Fuji's "Funmilayo" with Jesse Jagz, Jamix's "My Party" with Wizkid & Kel,[13] Reminisce's "2 Mussh [Remix]" with Sauce Kid,[14] and Knighthouse's "Make it Better" with Mo’Cheddah, Funbi, & Mobie[15] among others.
2012-2013 :Fire of Zamani
In 2012, he began frequent collaborations with Grip Boiz City producer Chopstix, releasing "Aboki" in the summer of 2012. An accompanying music video was released alongside it. "Aboki" peaked at number 92 on Afribiz's Top 100 chart.[16]
On August 28, 2012, Ice Prince released "More", the second single from off the album. The song was also produced by Chopstix. The music video for "More" was shot and directed in London by Moe Musa. It stars Lola Rae, a British Nigerian recording artist known for her single, "Watch My Ting Go". The video premiered at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards, an awards ceremony he co-hosted.[17][18][19]
On January 25, 2013, Ice Prince released "Aboki (Remix)", a song he describes as the "biggest African collision ever".[20] The song features Sarkodie, Mercy Johnson, Wizkid, M.I, and Khuli Chana.[21][22]
On April 24, 2013, Ice Prince and Chocolate City released "Gimme Dat" and "V.I.P" simultaneously. The former made the album's final track-listing while the latter didn't.[23][24]
Musical influences
Ice Prince cited Notorious B.I.G., Rakim, Jay-Z, Common, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Lauryn Hill, M.I and Jesse Jagz as his key musical influences.[6] Commenting on his relationship with label mate M.I, Ice Prince said: "He is my brother, he is my friend, my mentor. He is someone that if 200 people tell me no and MI tells me yes, I would do the yes. That is how loyal I am to him, that is how I respect him, how much I look up to him. He never gives me bad advice, he wishes me well and he’s always happy when I succeed."[7]
Discography and filmography
Studio albums
- Everybody Loves Ice Prince (2011)
- Fire of Zamani (2013)
Singles
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "Oleku" (featuring Brymo) |
Everybody Loves Ice Prince |
| 2011 | "Superstar" | |
| "Juju" | ||
| 2012 | "Ma’Gyptian (Magician Remix)" (featuring Gyptian) | |
| "Aboki" | Fire of Zamani | |
| "More" | ||
| 2013 | "Gimme Dat" | |
| "I Swear" (featuring French Montana) | ||
| "Aboki Remix" (featuring Sarkodie, Mercy Johnson, Wizkid, M.I, and Khuli Chana) |
N/A | |
| "V.I.P" |
Film and television
| Film | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
| 2013 | House of Gold | Supporting role | [25] | |
| Television | ||||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
| 2013 | Shuga | Himself | Shuga Series 3 | [26] |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Event | Prize | Nominated work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Hip Hop World Awards (The Headies) | Artiste of the Year | Nominated | [27][28] | |
| Channel O Music Video Awards | Most Gifted African West Video | "Aboki" | Nominated | [29] | |
| Most Gifted Video of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| 4Syte TV Music Video Awards | Best African Act Video | Nominated | [30] | ||
| Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) | Best Hip Hop Video | "V.I.P" | Won | [31] | |
| Best Use of Visual Effects | Nominated | ||||
| MOBO Awards | Best African Act | Nominated | [32] | ||
| Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Rap Act of the Year | Won | [33] | ||
| BET Awards | Best International Act: Africa | Won | [34] | ||
| City People Entertainment Awards | Best Hip-Hop Artiste of the Year | Won | [35] | ||
| Musician of the Year (Male) | Nominated | [36] | |||
| Best Rap Artiste of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| 2012 | Channel O Music Video Awards | Most Gifted Hip-hop Video of the Year | "Superstar" | Won | [37] |
| Most Gifted Reggae Video of the Year | "Juju" | Nominated | [38] | ||
| Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Album of the Year | Everybody Loves Ice Prince | Nominated | [39] | |
| Best Rap Act of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| BET Awards | Best International Act: Africa | Nominated | [40] | ||
| Hip Hop World Awards (The Headies) | Album of the Year | Everybody Loves Ice Prince | Nominated | [41] | |
| Best Rap Album | Won | ||||
| Artist of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| 2011 | Channel O Music Video Awards | Most Gifted Newcomer Video | "Oleku" (featuring Brymo) |
Won | [42] |
| Most Gifted Hip Hop Video | "Nobody Test Me" (Jesse Jagz featuring M.I and Ice Prince) |
Nominated | [43] | ||
| Most Gifted Video of the Year | "Molowo Noni" (Samklef featuring Wizkid, D’Prince, and Ice Prince) |
Nominated | |||
| Dynamix All Youth Awards | Best New Artiste | Won | [44] | ||
| Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) | Best Contemporary Afro Video | "Oleku" (featuring Brymo) |
Nominated | [45] | |
| Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Hottest Single Of The Year | Won | [46] | ||
| Best New Act Of The Year | Nominated | [47] | |||
| Best Rap Act Of The Year | Nominated | ||||
| City People Entertainment Awards | Song of the Year | "Oleku" (featuring Brymo) |
Won | [48] | |
| Eko FM/ Radio Lagos Awards | Young Artiste of the Year | Won | |||
| 2010 | Dynamix All Youth Awards | Promising Artiste of the Year | Nominated | [49] | |
| Song of the Year | "Oleku" (featuring Brymo) |
Nominated | |||
| 2009 | Hennessy Artistry Club Tour | Hennessy Artistry | Won | [50] |
Performances and appearances
- Chocolate City “The Jam Sessions” 2007 & 2008.
- Host, Sprite Triple Slam Tour (started April 2009) held in Lagos, Ibadan, Aba, Owerri, Onitsha, Asaba, Enugu, Nsukka.
- Benson and Hedges Lockdown Party – Lagos.
- Soundcity Music Video Awards (SMVA) - July, 2009
- MTV Base Advance Warning Party - July, 2008
- This Day International Music and Fashion Festival, Abuja - August, 2008
- WAPI (Words and Pictures)-British Council, Abuja (2008)
- Rhythm Unplugged - Abuja and Jos, 2008
- Crack Your Ribs -Abuja (2008)
- Hennessy Artistry, Lagos-September 2009
- 100% Basketmouth in concert: Lord of the Ribs, Indig02, London - February 2010.
- Rebirth, Reading UK – April 2010
- Hennessy Artistry Theme Song (feat. Shina Peters, Nneka, Bez, Ice Prince and MI) – 2010
- Hennessy Lagos Club Tour, 2010
- Felabration – 2010
- Hennessy Road Runners: Ikeja, Rehab
- Hennessy Grand Finale, Gets Arena, Lagos – November, 2010
- Face of Selara, Abuja – December, 2010
- Play Bar, Calabar – December, 2010
- Facon Republique, Fashion Show, Abuja – December, 2010
- Rhythm Unplugged - Lagos, 2010
- Rick Ross private party - Abuja
- Rick Ross concert in Nigeria - December
- NOKIA award winners ceremony - Lagos
- Annual Trade Fair - Jos, 2010
- Oniru Beach Concert Lagos, 2010
- Lord of the Ribs – Lagos, 2010
- Dynamix awards 2010
- Glo lord of the Ribs – Abuja, 2011
- Lord of the Ribs - London, 2011
References
- ↑ "Pictures: Ice Prince Birthday Celebration". Notjustok. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Hennessy Artistry". Hennessyartistry. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "The Ice Prince was crowned: Photos and all the scoop from the Hennessy Artistry 2009 Finale". Bellanaija. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "BET Awards 2013: Complete list of winners". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "Chocolate City". chocolatecitygroup. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Ice Prince - Biography". MTV Base. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "BN Saturday Celebrity Interview: Let’s Tell You Why Everybody Loves Ice Prince – He’s Talented, He’s Smooth & He’s Taking his Music to the World". Bellanaija. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
- ↑ "Taikoon – Executive + Respect My Hustle ft. Banky W, Ice Prince & Chandon St Lucas". Notjustok. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "BN Exclusive Premiere: DJ Neptune Feat. Ice Prince, YQ & Shank – This Gbedu Reloaded". Bellanaija. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "New Music: Bez – Super Sun (Remix) Ft Eldee, IcePrince & Eva Alordiah". Jaguda. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "Efimile (Remix) Ft. Naeto C, MI, Banky W,El Dee & Ice Prince". iRocking. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "New Video: Pherowshuz ft Ice Prince, M.I & Terry Tha Rapman – Korrect(remix)". 360nobs. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "New Heat Seekers: Jamix ft Ice Prince, Wizkid & Kel – My Party & ft Terry G, 9ice & MI – Omo Naija(remix". 360nobs. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "Reminisce – 2 Mussh [Remix] ft Ice Prince & Sauce Kid". tooxclusive. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "Knighthouse ft Ice Prince, Mo’Cheddah, Funbi + Mobie – Make it Better". Notjustok. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "Afribiz - Top 100". Afribiz. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince - More (Official Video)". Music Of Africa. Retrieved 25 October 2013.
- ↑ "VIDEO: Ice Prince – More – (Prod By Chopstix)". Notjustok. Retrieved 25 October 2013.
- ↑ "VIDEO: Ice Prince – More". tooxclusive. Retrieved 25 October 2013.
- ↑ "The Juice - Ice Prince". YouTube. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ↑ "Listen to Ice Prince’s MEGA Remix for "Aboki" featuring Sarkodie, Wizkid, M.I, Khuli Chana & Mercy Johnson". Bellanaija. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince – Aboki remix featuring Sarkodie, Mercy Johnson, Wizkid, M.I & Khuli Chana (Produced by Chopstix)". Ghanamotion. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ↑ "360Recommends: Ice Prince Zamani – VIP + Gimme Dat ft Burna Boy, Yung L and Olamide". 360nobs. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ↑ "The Fire of Zamani! Ice Prince Returns with "VIP" & "Gimme Dat" Featuring Burna Boy, Yung L & Olamide". Bellanaija. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ↑ "VIDEO: Watch Ice Prince, Omawumi, Yvonne Nelson in ‘House of Gold’ [Trailer]". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ↑ Ogunjimi, Opeoluwani. "Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince, Iyanya, Others Premier Shuga this Month". DailyTimes. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ↑ "Headies Award 2013 and Full List of winners". Osun Defender. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
- ↑ "#BaddestGuyEverLiveth: Olamide bags 8 nominations for the “Headies” – See full nomination list". YNaija.com. 5 December 2013. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
- ↑ "Channel O Music Video Awards 2013: Full List Of Winners". 360nobs. 30 November 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
- ↑ "Sarkodie, EL and Okyeame Kwame Top 4Syte TV Music Video Awards 2013 Nominations". Vibe Ghana. 6 October 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
- ↑ "The 2013 Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA 2013) Winners; Flavour and Olamide Win Big". Jaguda. 16 November 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2013.
- ↑ "MOBO Awards 2013 - Nominations List Revealed!". MOBO. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ↑ "2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Full List of Winners & Scoop". Bellanaija. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ↑ "BET Awards 2013: Complete list of winners". LA Times. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ↑ "2013 City People Entertainment Awards: First Photos & Full List of Winners". Bellanaija. 16 July 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Sarkodie, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Yvonne Okoro, Tonto Dikeh & BellaNaija Nominated for the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards - See the Full List". Bellanaija. 19 June 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
- ↑ "Full list of winners at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards". ModernGhana. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ↑ "2012 Channel O Music Video Awards Nominees". isthisAfrica?. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ↑ "2012 NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED AT THE NOMINATION GALA EVENT IN LAGOS". 360nobs. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ↑ "BET Awards 2012 Nominations Announced". HollywoodReporter. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ↑ "THE HEADIES (HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS 2012) WINNERS". Hip Hop World Magazine. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- ↑ "The Channel O Music Video Awards 2011 – Winners & “Where was D’banj?”". Bellanaija. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- ↑ "All the MVA nominees". Channel O. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- ↑ "360Events: Some Great Pictures from the Dynamix All Youth Awards (18.12.2011)". 360nobs. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
- ↑ "Nigerian Music Video Awards [NMVA] 2011 Nominees… Darey & Jodie Top The List of Nominees". Jaguda. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- ↑ "2011 Nigeria Entertainment Awards: “And the Winner Is…”". Information Nigeria. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- ↑ "And The Nominees Are… Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) 2011 Nominees". Jaguda. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- ↑ "Success in the city: The 2011 City People Entertainment Awards". YNaija. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- ↑ "The List Of Nominees for Dynamix Youth Awards 2010". The Net Nigeria. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- ↑ "Ice Prince WINS! Hennessy Artistry 2009 closes with a big BANG & bubbles…". Bellanaija. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
External links
- Ice Prince on Twitter
- http://www.hennessyartistry.com.ng/hennessyartistry.html#/hennessyartistry/
- www.chocolatecitygroup.com
- Iceprince on facebook
- Ice Prince Zamani
- Ice Prince rules with Oleku
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||