Why Afrobeats Crooner 9ice Dominates Cultural Roots Music Genre in Nigeria

By Oyedeyi Oluwaseyi Abibat / Posted July 29, 2025

At 45 years old, neo-fuji Afrobeats artist, Alexander Abolore Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has continued to maintain dominance in his genre of music that blends Yoruba lyrics with modern folklore beats for over a decade, redefining his impact and to relevance in the Nigeria music industry.

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The dynamic artist continues to captivate audiences with his distinctive sound and cultural authenticity, which was evident in his introductory Afro Juju album released in 2022. He followed up in 2023 with box office singles like “Holy Michael” and “Si Pepe”, which featured Barry Jhay. His masterful use of Yoruba proverbs and language, which he said was inspired by his grandmother has helped him to thread a unique brand that resonates deeply with diverse audiences.

As founder of Alapomeji Ancestral Records, his social media profile is robust, boasting over 334,500 listeners base on Spotify monthly, plus a discography of over 12 albums, including ‘Tip of the Iceberg: Episode II (2022)’. 9ice’s influence and pioneering work in Neo-Fuji genre of Afrobeats is undeniable. His musical odyssey offers profound inspiration for Nigerian artists aiming for impact and career growth.
His fame and relevance is marked by a nine-year gestation period from his 1996 to 2008, perfecting his act. The inaugural demo ‘Risi De Alagbaja’ and his 2008 breakthrough Hit ‘Gongo Aso’ smashed several HBO rankings, underscoring the value of persistence. This is the one value he has continued to share to encourage upcoming artists to keep pushing until they achieve the breakthrough.

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Early in his career, 9ice faced financial challenges which he was able to overcome through professional mentoring, which helped him to handle fame well. Through deft marketing, media promotion and performances, he was able to garner endorsements and live shows which improved his financial strength to be able to venture into entrepreneurial undertakings like his record label and other businesses.

With time, he was able to leverage strategic collaborations with artists like 2Baba, Wizkid, and other Fuji musicians to expand his reach. This was a turning point when he benefitted from such partnerships, which are a precursor to bigger deals and introduction to new markets.

Beyond music, 9ice has a political flipside. He once contested into the federal house representative seat in Oyo State but lost. However, then governor Abiola Ajumobi appointed as Special Adviser. He was also appointed as a UN Youth Ambassador, highlighting the power of using fame for social good, encouraging artists to use their platforms for advocacy and community impact.

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From the back streets of Bariga suburb in Lagos where he started, he rose to global stages like the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute Concert and has continued to make appearances on local and international stages.