2009ICE

Drinking from the inspiration provided by the gan gan drums, he frames the lyrics of his song; the rhythms and the contours of his experiences steadily guiding, prodding, defining him. Every line tells a story, each punctuation, carefully chronicling defining moments of his life and his career. He reaches out for the African sensibilities in Ebenezer Obey, mastering his proverbs and keen observation of life. Then he blends it with the unsteady pace of Wyclef Jean, whose world pierced through with contradictions, mirrors his ingenious style. Armed with a history rich in its diversity and influences he bursts onto the world stage. 9ice!Tall and lanky with a characteristic swagger, few would argue about his place in the Contemporary Music scene in Nigeria. And as he mesmerizes with his eloquent vibes, gently cajoling, smoothly toasting and admonishing; few would notice the stories of travails and triumphs, vanities and victories etched in his musical lines.Born Abolore Akande in the month of January 17th, he learnt early to give voice to the complexities of his world and his heart. So from the age of 14, he began his lyrical adventure. When bullied and treated unfairly, and had nowhere to run to, he wrote. When confronted with the harsh realities of economic deprivation, and a bleak future, he told his story in musical notes and sonorous lines; unconsciously walking the path of ancient Yoruba Musical Icons before his time. When the political upheavals in his nation threatened to consume his dreams altogether, he drew comfort from Fela and Bob Marley, producing his own harmony.His early apprenticeship in solitude and a gift of incisive observation and analysis of diverse musical genres helped him evolve a style that bridged generational divides, acknowledged Western influences, but still remained unapologetically African. Still, he remained largely unnoticed even after his first album, and years of creating music as a professional artiste. Still he marched on, his pains a source of inspiration for further creative effusions.His collaborations with different artistes shouted loud at the Nigerian music world and got him listening time. The scales dropped, the veil was lifted, he became the proverbial "cake!" everyone wanted a taste of..........and Nigeria and the world has never heard enough ever since. In his hit tracks Gongo Aso, street credibility, Pamurogo and the likes, a new era of Afro-hip pop was heralded. 9ice!‘And the winner is…9ice!’ amidst the cheers and hysterics, flashing lights and steady drum beats of clicking cameras, he makes his way up stage to receive his umpteenth award (In recognition of his outrageous talent!). As he collects the glistening glass frame, holding it tightly, flanked by brimming beauties, he looks into the crowd, a sea of heads, and his world pauses for a second. A bright tear forms a trail on his cheek, as he sees vividly, only a few years back, years of lack and broken promises, years of pounding the streets in search of that big break, forming partnerships with the Molue and the Danfo, moments of despair and endless frustrations…and now…klieg lights! His world unfreezes, he brushes of the tear, raises his Award, but speech fails him. He speaks loudly in his heart: THIS IS MY STORY…YOUR STORY…AND I WILL TELL IT AS LONG AS I LIVE……….. and the beat goes on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!