He dropped out from his Law course at the Lagos State University to concentrate on his music career. Born Alexander Abolore Akande
also known as 9ice, bare his mind on how music became his last resort
to making ends meet. He also talked about how his parents never knew
about his music career till after his first album came out. Read on to
get a feel of some experiences that are dear to his heart and will
remain evergreen in his life.
Weekend Magazine: How did music come about being your thing?
9ice: Music became what I do for a living after all other means wasn’t fulfilling. I tried so many other things which weren’t working as at then and music was like the last resort that yields result.
You are known for using Yoruba in most of your music despite the fact non-Yoruba also like good music. Why?
The only and best way to stay true to oneself is to represent once background, culture and tradition. I use Yoruba because I am a Yoruba man. I believe my culture and tradition alone offer me more than any other language that can be used as a medium of expression. And more so music has no language.
How true is it that you compare yourself with Youssou N’Dour as he has won a lot of Grammy awards with his music recorded in his mother tongue?
There’s no basis for comparison. Youssou N’Dour is one of my mentors, a world class musician who has influenced my kind of music through the use of his mother tongue and how he has been able to cut across borders and bring pride and utmost glory to his people.
Where do you get your inspiration for the lyrics of your song?
God, my environment and God givien talent to write, compose and sing.
It wasn’t easy for you before now; would you say music has impacted positively on your life?
At the beginning the challenges were enormous but as more effort, time and focus required spent on the same profession there comes progression, impression and accreditation. Music is all I live for, music is what am known for, my music opens all closed doors, music is all I breathe, all I do, so what else can I ask for?
Your name 9ice, how did it originate?
The name was given to me back then at the vocational training school where I studied computer studies. We were allowed to work in a very small computer room and we always have loads of assignment to submit in a given period. I was in charge of that practical room so I’ll allow students to come around weekends and finish up their assignment. That’s how the name 9ice started, as people got around to calling me that and it stuck for life.
You went to back to complete your Law programmes; do you hope to practice one day?
I don’t intend to practice, but hey who knows? Never say never; who knows what tomorrow holds? God leads and I follow. By the way, I didn’t pull out because of music; I left school because I was unable to pay my school fees. While I was on the street, I gave 100 per cent of my life to music and it paid off eventually. When I was in school, I was just doing music for fun until I left school. At that point, I decided that I was going to face music passionately and from that point, things changed. On the other hand, I choose to read Law, because of my background to fight for the less privilege, protect the interest of the masses and uphold the right of individuals.
How supportive were your parents when you first ventured into music?
My parents got to know I was doing music after the release of my first album. The only one I knew was and still is I.D. Cabassa.
As an ‘A’ list musician, what would you say are some of your challenges as an entertainer?
Now the challenges I face are more of general issues like protecting intellectual property, availability of recording companies of international standards partnering with record labels to give more quality and exposure to our music, and lastly promoting and educating the masses through my music.
In 2008, you performed at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday tribute in London. Tell us your experience at the event?
Still the greatest experience ever, nothing similar. For me it’s a great honor and privilege to be one of the few chosen artists to perform on that very day. The atmosphere was awesome, the crowd was amazing and other indoor events that took place within that time frame were very memorable as well. It is one event that would remain ever green in my heart and entire life.
Your music has opened opportunities for you to tour most European cities. Tell us some of your experiences in some of these cities that left you amazed and the support you got?
Yes, I’ve been to so many places outside the shores of this African continent. It always amaze me in terms of the reception and acceptability. It never feels like am away from home, it is always home away from home. The cities are vast to mention, I would not be biased by mentioning just a few, so to be safe I would say all have really given me the much needed support I could ever ask for.
Who are your mentors in the industry?
They are quite a number of them, but the ones I cherish most are Bob Marley, Fela, Wyclef Jean, Lauren Hill, Alhaji Epo Akara, Tatalo Alamu, Ayinla Omowura, Haruna Ishola, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall K1 The Ultimate and Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma Wonder.
2014 just began, what is that big change you want to make in your life?
I want to change my environment positively in whichever capacity I have the opportunity to operate and make a change.
As an entertainer, do you think you still have a private life?
As an artist I still have my private life, which I enjoy in my private place. I have the right to my life before and after music and so it is now and till I die.
You were once quoted as saying you are going to write your autobiography and would make out the story. How soon do we get to read your autobiography?
Yes I did say that and I hope to achieve that soon. “Man proposes God disposes.” I believe with God everything is possible because only him can make the impossible possible. Keep your fingers crossed…
You are one musician who has made a name for yourself locally and internationally, do we get to see a Grammy award soon?
In Sha Allah. Like I said earlier there’s nothing impossible on earth. I believe with God almighty, hard work, focus and diligence all barriers will be broken.
Tell us your most embarrassing moments as an entertainer.
A huge guy held on to my head and kissed me for almost 5mins. I was like OMG!!
Your advice to youths who aspire to be like you.
Pray to God almighty for direction and purpose in life, learn from people that are in the type of business or profession that you’re venturing into and God will be your Alpha and omega.
9ice: Music became what I do for a living after all other means wasn’t fulfilling. I tried so many other things which weren’t working as at then and music was like the last resort that yields result.
You are known for using Yoruba in most of your music despite the fact non-Yoruba also like good music. Why?
The only and best way to stay true to oneself is to represent once background, culture and tradition. I use Yoruba because I am a Yoruba man. I believe my culture and tradition alone offer me more than any other language that can be used as a medium of expression. And more so music has no language.
How true is it that you compare yourself with Youssou N’Dour as he has won a lot of Grammy awards with his music recorded in his mother tongue?
There’s no basis for comparison. Youssou N’Dour is one of my mentors, a world class musician who has influenced my kind of music through the use of his mother tongue and how he has been able to cut across borders and bring pride and utmost glory to his people.
Where do you get your inspiration for the lyrics of your song?
God, my environment and God givien talent to write, compose and sing.
It wasn’t easy for you before now; would you say music has impacted positively on your life?
At the beginning the challenges were enormous but as more effort, time and focus required spent on the same profession there comes progression, impression and accreditation. Music is all I live for, music is what am known for, my music opens all closed doors, music is all I breathe, all I do, so what else can I ask for?
Your name 9ice, how did it originate?
The name was given to me back then at the vocational training school where I studied computer studies. We were allowed to work in a very small computer room and we always have loads of assignment to submit in a given period. I was in charge of that practical room so I’ll allow students to come around weekends and finish up their assignment. That’s how the name 9ice started, as people got around to calling me that and it stuck for life.
You went to back to complete your Law programmes; do you hope to practice one day?
I don’t intend to practice, but hey who knows? Never say never; who knows what tomorrow holds? God leads and I follow. By the way, I didn’t pull out because of music; I left school because I was unable to pay my school fees. While I was on the street, I gave 100 per cent of my life to music and it paid off eventually. When I was in school, I was just doing music for fun until I left school. At that point, I decided that I was going to face music passionately and from that point, things changed. On the other hand, I choose to read Law, because of my background to fight for the less privilege, protect the interest of the masses and uphold the right of individuals.
How supportive were your parents when you first ventured into music?
My parents got to know I was doing music after the release of my first album. The only one I knew was and still is I.D. Cabassa.
As an ‘A’ list musician, what would you say are some of your challenges as an entertainer?
Now the challenges I face are more of general issues like protecting intellectual property, availability of recording companies of international standards partnering with record labels to give more quality and exposure to our music, and lastly promoting and educating the masses through my music.
In 2008, you performed at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday tribute in London. Tell us your experience at the event?
Still the greatest experience ever, nothing similar. For me it’s a great honor and privilege to be one of the few chosen artists to perform on that very day. The atmosphere was awesome, the crowd was amazing and other indoor events that took place within that time frame were very memorable as well. It is one event that would remain ever green in my heart and entire life.
Your music has opened opportunities for you to tour most European cities. Tell us some of your experiences in some of these cities that left you amazed and the support you got?
Yes, I’ve been to so many places outside the shores of this African continent. It always amaze me in terms of the reception and acceptability. It never feels like am away from home, it is always home away from home. The cities are vast to mention, I would not be biased by mentioning just a few, so to be safe I would say all have really given me the much needed support I could ever ask for.
Who are your mentors in the industry?
They are quite a number of them, but the ones I cherish most are Bob Marley, Fela, Wyclef Jean, Lauren Hill, Alhaji Epo Akara, Tatalo Alamu, Ayinla Omowura, Haruna Ishola, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall K1 The Ultimate and Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma Wonder.
2014 just began, what is that big change you want to make in your life?
I want to change my environment positively in whichever capacity I have the opportunity to operate and make a change.
As an entertainer, do you think you still have a private life?
As an artist I still have my private life, which I enjoy in my private place. I have the right to my life before and after music and so it is now and till I die.
You were once quoted as saying you are going to write your autobiography and would make out the story. How soon do we get to read your autobiography?
Yes I did say that and I hope to achieve that soon. “Man proposes God disposes.” I believe with God everything is possible because only him can make the impossible possible. Keep your fingers crossed…
You are one musician who has made a name for yourself locally and internationally, do we get to see a Grammy award soon?
In Sha Allah. Like I said earlier there’s nothing impossible on earth. I believe with God almighty, hard work, focus and diligence all barriers will be broken.
Tell us your most embarrassing moments as an entertainer.
A huge guy held on to my head and kissed me for almost 5mins. I was like OMG!!
Your advice to youths who aspire to be like you.
Pray to God almighty for direction and purpose in life, learn from people that are in the type of business or profession that you’re venturing into and God will be your Alpha and omega.
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