A famous Afrobeats musician, Akande Abolore, also known as 9ice, has claimed that the music industry is greatly influenced by spiritual powers, claiming that the devil rules music and warning prospective artists to realise what they are getting into.
During an interview on The Nancy Isime Show, presented by Nollywood actress Nancy Isime, the Gongo Aso crooner discussed industry secrets, spiritual problems, and his embracing of traditional African spirituality.
“I was discussing Grammy, but I wasn’t given. Burna received it. We never get am,” he remarked, alluding to his previous goal to win the renowned music prize.
9ice continued, “That’s why I said music, you can be passing a message. That’s why, when you sing as an artist, watch what you say in words because the devil controls music.
“The devil is the choir master. That’s why we smoke, we do all these things.”
Reiterating the spiritual weight that comes with a music career, 9ice said, “In general, the devil controls the music.”
“If you are coming to this industry, understand where you’re coming to. I’m not lying to you.”
The artist also discussed his personal spiritual path, describing a period when he experienced terrible health problems with no medical explanation.
“When I had to vomit blood for like six months in my own house… 2010, 2009… No, not even medical. No worries,” he said when Isime asked about his most intense spiritual battle.
While separating himself from conventional religions, 9ice stated his support for African traditional religion, stating, “I’m not Christian. I am not Muslim. I am Babalawo.
“I tell people, and people run away from me. For me, I’m African. Traditionalist. That’s what I practice.”
9ice admitted that he wishes he had embraced Ifa earlier in life, citing Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti as an influence. “When Fela was talking, he used to go to Ogun, and you were like, ‘What’s this guy doing?” And now I understand.”
Reflecting on spirituality from an African perspective, he remarked, “See, God said, I will never come to you in a language other than that of your people.”
“And I understand later that this Black community, this Black continent, is for Black people.
“And we have our own messengers. We have our own prophet.”
The artist advised young Africans to reconnect with their roots, encouraging them to return to their parents and enquire about their family’s traditional rituals before embracing them with loyalty and sincerity.
