Akande Abolore Adegbola Alexander Ajifolajifaola is widely known by his stage name, 9ice. He is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.
9ice was born on the 17th of January 1980 into a polygamous family with five wives and nine children in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
Although not much is known about his paternal side, sources, however, indicate that his mother, Segiola, was a seasoned Yoruba actress.
9ice was a sensation who won standing ovations as far back as the 2000s. The depth of his artistry and delivery, particularly regarding his flawless use of the Yoruba language, was unparalleled, much to the admiration of the Yorubas and other tribes.
This unique linguistic blend of the Yoruba language into his genre of music has earned the legendary artiste several awards, including the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Hip Hop 2008, Best Africa Act MOBO 2008, City People Movie Special Recognition Award 2016, City People Music Special Recognition Award and Icon Awards 2023, amongst others.
9ice’s odyssey to stardom can be summarized in a single word: “hard work”. Coming from a polygamous home where he had to fend for himself, the singer detailed his childhood, hinting that at some point, he dropped out of school due to financial constraints, as his parents, although did their best, were affected by the economy.
Revealing another shocking part of his life that perhaps the internet is oblivious to, 9ice reflected on how life hit him hard, compelling his mother to leave him at 8 months and thereafter reuniting with her when he was 19 years old.
The phrase “Jack of All trades” could be well used to describe this icon, as he possesses an array of skills: electronic repairs, bricklaying, singing, songwriting, and dancing.
9ice might not be well known by most Gen-Z folks, but the millennials surely had a nice time vibing to the timeless classics of this star.
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