Why 9ice Claims The Music Industry Is Evil

Abolore Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice, is a Nigerian musician, songwriter, and performer renowned for his use of Yoruba proverbs and indigenous sound. He rose to national fame in 2008 with his hit single “Gongo Aso”, a track that earned him multiple awards and a performance spot at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebration in London. Born on January 17, 1980, in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, he grew up in Lagos as one of nine children in a polygamous home. Over the years, 9ice has carved a name for himself as one of Nigeria’s most distinctive musical voices, blending culture, street wisdom, and personal experience.

What He Said About the Music Industry

In a recent interview, 9ice declared that the global music industry is spiritually governed by the devil. According to him, “music generally, the devil controls it… he is the choirmaster of the world.” He explained that the behavior of many artists including excessive smoking and other controversial lifestyles is not coincidental but spiritually driven.

He described the devil as the most powerful angel in heaven, whose influence over music dates back to his celestial role. 9ice said his understanding comes not from hearsay but from “spiritual knowledge” and personal experiences, including a near-death episode where he vomited blood for months without any medical explanation. That experience, he said, pushed him to abandon Christianity and Islam for traditional Yoruba spirituality.

Now identifying as a “Babalawo” (a priest of the Ifá tradition), 9ice claims that embracing indigenous spiritual practices brought him healing and understanding. He urged young artists to recognize that the music business is not merely about fame or entertainment. It is spiritual, and it must be entered with awareness and protection.

Social Media Reactions

Reactions to 9ice’s comments have been split. Some social media users praised his boldness and spiritual conviction, viewing his statements as a wake-up call for younger artists. Others criticized him for now speaking up against what he has since benefited from
and dramatizing personal experiences for attention.

An X user, Cortez, wrote: “After you don chop your own music money finish you wan spoil business for others with baseless claims.”

Another user, Justkenycy tweeted: “The brother ain’t lying. I was just discussing this with a few people. Music is used as an energy harvester by demonic entities.”

Despite the mixed responses, his comments have reignited conversations around the influence of spirituality in entertainment, especially in an industry where fame, morality, and mystery often intersect.

9ice’s claims, rooted in both his personal struggles and belief systems, have added a new layer to public debate about the unseen forces that may shape pop culture and the lives of those who create it.