9ice

Alexander Abolore Adegbola Akande, better known as 9ice (born 17 January 1980), is a Nigerian musician, songwriter and dancer. He is known for his powerful use of the Yoruba language in his music as well as his proverbial lyrics and unique style of delivery.

Early life
9ice was born into a polygamous home of five wives and nine children, in Ogbomosho, Oyo State in Western Nigeria. He grew up in the Shomolu Bariga suburbs of Lagos. He dreamed of being a musician. His parents discovered his singing talent, and decided to allow him become a musician.

Career
In 1996, 9ice recorded his first demo, titled "Risi de Alagbaja", but it was not until 2000 that he released his first official solo song, "Little Money".

In 2008, 9ice released the single "Gongo Aso". With the song gaining popularity, 9ice was asked to perform at the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute concert in London in June 2008. He went on to win the Best Hip Hop Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards.

"Gongo Aso" won him four further awards at the 2009 edition of the Hip Hop World Awards held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja: Album of the Year, Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Rap in Pop Album.

In 2020, 9ice released another album, Tip of the Iceberg: Episode 1.

After a short hiatus from the music scene, the Alapomeji Records boss, 9ice released the second episode of his album, Tip of the Iceberg: Episode II.

He is the founder and CEO of the record label Alapomeji Ancestral Record.

Discography

 * 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) Seku Seye (2020)
 * Tip of the Iceberg: Episode 1 (2020)
 * Tip of the Iceberg: Episode II (2022)

Awards

 * 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