Nigerian singer Alexander Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has made shocking revelations about the spiritual side of the music industry and his own near‑death experience.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Nancy Isime Show, the Gongo Aso crooner declared that the devil is the true “choirmaster” of music, warning aspiring artistes to be spiritually prepared before entering the industry. 9ice said:
“The devil controls music. The devil is the choirmaster. That’s why we smoke and do all the things we do.”
“If you’re coming into this industry, understand where you’re coming to. I’m not lying to you. He [the devil] is the most powerful angel. I’m speaking based on knowledge and what I’ve experienced spiritually.”
When asked if he had ever faced spiritual battles in music, 9ice revealed a terrifying ordeal from 2009/2010. He recounted:
“When I was vomiting blood for about six months in my own house. I had to leave my house. It wasn’t a medical condition.”
According to him, the mysterious illness was not linked to any medical diagnosis. Instead, he was advised to seek help from an Ifa priest, a move that he says saved his life.
9ice explained that he does not identify as a Christian or Muslim, but as a traditionalist. He revealed:
“I’m not a Christian or a Muslim. I’m a Babalawo. I’m an African. I’m a traditionalist. The first time I experienced Ifa was when I was vomiting blood. Someone referred me to Ifa. I just wished that I had known Ifa at the beginning.”
He recalled how the legendary Fela Kuti openly worshipped Ogun and was mocked for it, but says he now understands the late Afrobeat icon’s beliefs. He added:
“Fela used to go to Ogun and people were mocking him, but now I understand.”
9ice urged Africans to embrace their indigenous spiritual systems instead of solely relying on imported religions.
