The Nigerian singer better known as 9ice, Abolore Akande, has disclosed that he has practised as a traditional priest, or babalawo, for more than 18 years.
Speaking at the listening party for his new album, Beginning Of Wisdom, the ‘Gongo Aso’ crooner said he kept this aspect of his faith private for years because he feared people would avoid him if they knew.
He explained that his new project is aimed at presenting the deeply traditional elements of his spirituality in a modern musical style that can connect with younger audiences.
“I have been a babalawo for more than 18 years, but I have hidden it because if people knew, they would run away from me. So I have been hiding, and I wondered what topic of song I could sing about to let people know the type of God I serve,” he said.
“The thing is, if I want to sing about my God, it’s very traditional, old school, so I want to make it sound new school, appealing to this generation.”
9ice said he has always been transparent about his religious path, noting that people were aware when he practised Islam and later Christianity.
“If I am doing something, you will know. When I was a Muslim, people knew it. When I was a Christian, I was devoted. But now I’m a different person, and I think I have just found my true calling,” he added.
His revelation comes around the same period Fuji musician Saheed Osupa also stated publicly that he uses “juju” as part of his path to success.