9ice

9ice
Birth name Alexander Ajifolajifaola
Also known as Adigun, Ibile, Bashorun Gaa, Hitmaker
Born 17 January 1980
Nigeria
Genres World fusion
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, instrumentalist
Instruments Singing
Years active 2000 –present
Labels Alapomeji Records
Associated acts Oritsefemi, Prodo, VTEK, Zimbocrix, T Y Mix, Tuface Idibia, Id Cabassa, Lord of Ajasa, Olamide

9ice (born Alexander Abolore Adegbola Adigun Alapomeji Ajifolajifaola,on 17 January 1980) is a Nigerian musician. 9ice is a south-westerner from Ogbomoso in Oyo State but he grew up in the district of Bariga in Lagos.

At the March 2008 edition of the Hip Hop World Awards held in Nigeria, 9ice won the Revelation of the Year award and the Best Male Vocal Performer. A month later at the first SoundCity Music Video Awards, 9ice was nominated in the category of Best New Artiste. 9ice's biggest single is titled "Gongo Aso". He is the founder of Alapomeji Records

Growing up

9ice attended Abule Okuta Primary School and CMS Grammar School, and dropped out from his Law course at the Lagos State University to concentrate on music. He grew up in a polygamous home of five wives and nine children. His parents found about his singing career a year after it started around 2000. Before then, 9ice wrote his own songs dating back to when he was just 14 years old. It is worth noting that as a big fan of Pasuma Wonder, he kick-started his singing career with Fuji music. He derives his inspiration from his environment, and music from the likes of Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Adé, Tatalo Alamu, Late Alhaji Ayinla Omowura, Late Alhaji Haruna Ishola.

Early career

After recording his first demo, 9ice joined a group called Mysterious Boys with whom he did a couple of tracks before going on to form his own, now defunct, group Abinibi. Having recorded his first demo titled Risi De Alagbaja in 1996 and his first solo song, Little Money in 2000, 9ice had to wait till 2005 before himself and his music started gaining recognition in the Nigerian music market.

The first major break for 9ice came from his first single title Little Money and not long after then he did collaborations with different Nigerian artist that immediately prompted the release of another hit single title Ganja Man. Id.Cabasa produced Ganja Man which was released with other songs in March 2006. The reggae tone and playful style of the song made it an instant hit. He later found his own record company and release all other album under his label ALapomeji Records.

Solo album and sophomore break

9ice first album did so well which brings about the songs like Little Money, Ganja Man, Make Dem Talk and Music Daddy. Gongo Aso' which became the title of his second album. In that effort, 9ice recorded songs covering success, originality, partying and women, as well as themes on the institution of marriage and gratitude.

Live shows

Since late 2007 9ice has featured prominently across Nigerian campuses in the Soundcity/MTN Campus Blast tours, Mandela's 90th birthday in London (Hyde Park), Lets Go There Tour With Ariya Entertainment in NY, LA, Chicago, Houston, Maryland 2008, Star Mega Jam 2007 – 2010, London Troxy 2008, 2010. 9ice performed at the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute concert (singing "Gongo Aso") in London on 27 June 2008.[1] All these shows and concerts were sold-out events. He also headlined sold out shows in the Netherlands and Malaysia in October 2010 to mark his country's 50 years independence anniversary. 2010 was also the year which 9ice embarked on a European tour covering some parts of Italy, Spain and Switzerland. 9ice also performed live in Cyprus at Lions garden where many if not all the Nigerian students where in attendance.

His style

9ice is known for his use of the Yoruba language in his music, but mixes the Yoruba proverbs with English, broken English, Hausa and Ibo sometimes. 9ice compares himself to Youssou N'Dour who has won a couple of Grammy with music recorded in his mother tongue, and Yvonne Chaka-Chaka whose music has also embraced her language. He has been quoted as saying "English language has been imposed on us but God graciously gave Yoruba language to us.

Discography

Awards

Professional awards

TV awards

Magazine awards

Ambassador

References

  1. ↑ "Reporter's log, Mandela concert". BBC News. 27 June 2007. Retrieved 1 July 2008.

External links