Veteran Afrobeats artiste, Akande Abolore, popularly known as 9ice, has opened up on the spiritual complexities of the Nigerian music industry, warning young and aspiring artistes to be spiritually aware before stepping into the limelight.
Speaking during an interview on The Nancy Isime Show, hosted by Nollywood actress Nancy Isime, the Gongo Aso crooner claimed that music is deeply influenced by spiritual forces, boldly stating that “the devil controls music.”
“When you sing as an artiste, watch what you say in your words because the devil controls music. The devil is the choir master. That’s why we smoke, we do all these things,” he said.
He warned that anyone coming into the music scene must understand the spiritual atmosphere. “Music generally, the devil controls it. If you are coming into this industry, know where you are coming to. I’m not lying to you,” he cautioned.
“I Vomited Blood for Six Months” – 9ice Speaks on Spiritual Battle
Sharing his personal spiritual battles, 9ice recounted a difficult time in 2009 and 2010 when he reportedly vomited blood continuously for six months without any medical explanation.
“When I had to vomit blood for like six months in my own house… No, not even medical. No worries,” he recalled, suggesting that his ordeal had spiritual undertones.
Embracing African Traditional Religion
The singer further revealed that he no longer identifies with Christianity or Islam. Instead, he has fully embraced traditional African spirituality.
“Me, I’m not Christian. I’m not Muslim. I’m Babalawo. I tell people, and they run away from me. For me, I’m African. Traditionalist. That’s what I practise,” he declared.
9ice said he wished he had discovered his spiritual path earlier, citing Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti as an influence. “When Fela was talking, Fela used to go to Ogun, and people thought he was strange. But now I understand.”
He explained that African spirituality offers a more relatable connection with the divine. “God said, I will never come to you in a different language from your people. This Black continent is for Black people. We have our own messengers. We have our own prophets.”
“We Never Get Am” – 9ice Reflects on Grammy Aspirations
The award-winning singer also touched on his past ambition to win a Grammy, a dream that has not materialised. “I was talking about Grammy, and I wasn’t given. Burna got it. We never get am,” he said.
9ice’s revelations have sparked fresh conversations about spirituality in the entertainment industry and the mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges faced by artistes behind the scenes.
