NE: Rumour has it you are Naijas very own Hook Man, the man with the midas touch whose hooks produce hits. Introduce yourself, who is this hook man?
9ice: My name is 9ice. 9ice my stage name, adopted by friends and fans but Abolore Akande is the name that was given to be at birth. I am an artiste, a poet and a custodian of tradition and the Nigerian culture

NE: Explain the reason behind the name, was it because you were nice?
9ice:  Nice,  spelt 9ice was given to me back in school because of the  relationship I established with my friends and colleagues and how reliable I can be when it comes to being my brothers keeper. The 9 in front of it was added because I try not to go 9 days without working on a new song.

NE: So are you telling me you have an idea for new song every 9 days?
9ice: Yes!...Every 9 days I usually have an old song completed, began composition  of a new song, or at least have an idea for a song.

NE: (laughing) so you want to tell me you have 40 songs every year?
9ice: yes, Although some may be incomplete. I am sure I have more than 40 every year and I am not bragging.

NE: Wow!.. so I guess we will definitely be hearing more of 9ice. So 9ice, tell us about your musical background. How did you get started?
9ice: I discovered the art of writing, composing, and singing my own songs at the age of 14. I did my first demo in 96’ titled  Risi De alagbaja. Later on I joined a group called Mysterious Boys, we did a couple of tracks, I then went on and founded the Defunct group name Abinibi.  I started my solo career in year 2000 and since then it has been wonderful.

NE: We all know how hard it can be to break into the industry, So tell us what was 2000 like for you as a year?
9ice:  2000 was a year of great challenges because I had to make the choice between staying in the background or coming out to the forefront. I used my JAMB money to record my first single, starting out with little money was difficult, I would do things like go to the radio station with a CD without a sleeve, writing the name of my song on the CD with a marker, but I was determined to achieve my dream.

NE: Well it obviously payed off and we are glad you did.
9ice: Thank you.

NE: 9ice as an artist is very unique, what would you say is the thing that makes you stand out?
9ice: Years of research and understanding of the music Industry most especially the Nigerian music industry. 9ice as an artiste is now known to so many people but 9ice has always been there, learning the process, especially the etiquette of the profession. Music is not what you can just dabble into, it takes a lot of creativity to attract attention and break into the world of entertainment.

NE: What would you call your style of music??
9ice: Afro-Hiphop

NE: We noticed that you are excellent at singing in Yoruba. Would you say that is your strong point?
9ice: Yes. It is part of my strong points, what makes me unique. For me language should not be a barrier in music. Whether you sing in English, Spanish, or Yoruba, what is very important is delivery and the creativity behind the act.

NE: I heard somewhere that you are being called the Nigerian Akon, how does it feel being compared to him?
9ice: It feels great! I feel endorsed by the Nigerian fans and every other bodies accredited to this rumour. Its nice being compared to AKon because in a million of voices Akon unique style of singing stands out so that must mean I standout.

NE: Who are your inspirations?
9ice: Wyclef Jean, Bob Marley, Ebenezer Obey and many more

NE: You were responsible for the hook of the hit song Ruggedy baba, what was it like working with Ruggedman?
9ice: Working with Ruggedman was the relationship that established my reputation as the go to guy for hooks. Ruggedman is a role model, a man with a vision, he has great aspiration and he is a go getter. Apart from this he encourages a lot of upcoming artists. He always calls them “the awaiting superstar. He is great to work with. He is an entrepreneur with a difference because he has succeeded in being an entrepreneur and an Artiste. He teaches, he lectures, and he advice about the magic to reach the top...

NE: Great!.. What other artists have you worked with and on what songs?
9ice: 2shot: Make Dem Talk, Tustep: Shokishonbolo, Rasman: Beautiful woman, Koffi Comedian: Aroma Remix, Jahbless: Real Time, Lord Of Ajasa: Talent Deh Waste, my dear, the list is endless

NE: Who has been your favorite to work with till date?
9ice: I have a lot of favorites but if I had to choose I would say Ruggedman

NE: You have an album out right now called “The Certificate”, tell us more about it?
9ice: The Certificate was released last month by Edge Records, marketed by Pedeslstar Investment and St. Jude Musik. It is doing so well on the market right now, it contains fifteen songs and it features artiste like; Lord of Ajasa, 2phat, W4, Cabasa and it was produced majorly by ID. CABASA, Joykenny and Kenny Key.

NE: What was it like working on your album and what challenges did you face?
9ice: The album took me more than a year to package due to some challenges I faced financially. I also wanted to make songs that satisfy everybody’s  interest, not forgetting fighting for acceptance by the people of Nigeria and elsewhere.

NE: We already have our favorites as you can see from our playlist but what are your favorite songs on the album?
9ice: My favorite songs on the album are: Music daddy, Angela and Make Dem Talk

NE: How often do you plan on releasing new albums?
9ice: If possible, every year

NE: Well we wish you luck with that. Due to your  reputation I’m sure you have been getting a lot of requests to feature on songs, Are there any artists you would like to work with?
9ice: Yes a whole lot of  them. Right now I’m working with Obiwon and in the future I would love to work wit Wyclef Jean, Akon, and the Plantashun Boyz

NE: Are there any artists you would turn down?
9ice: I may turn down request of any artiste that I feel is not creative because professionally speaking, creativity counts where ideas surface

NE: Any advice for up coming artists?
9ice: When you know you have it go for it, if you can stand it, be on it. The best songs are yet to be written and the best song is yet to be sung.

NE: Now lets get personal...Have you ever been in trouble with the law?..
9ice: Never.

NE: What is your take on Groupies. How do you handle them?
9ice: They come along the territory but I have never allowed them to get too close mainly because I want to stay focused and because I am in a relationship that I want to keep.

NE: So are you telling us you are off the market?
9ice: Yes I am off the market

NE: She must be a very lucky girl, so what qualities do you look for in a woman?
9ice: Yeah!  She's someone very close to my heart, the author of my book of love and the ignition to my heart beat. The qualities I look for in a woman are; she must be loyal, sexy, a career woman, an academic of creativity and a woman of style.

NE: Certain musicians are known for having loads of women. So what is your take on that and are you one of them?
9ice: No I am not. Every creative mind will always have a reason for doing something, but as for me I don’t think it is healthy.

NE: Favorite color and food?
9ice: Blue, Beans and Plantain

NE: Any advice for up coming artists?
9ice: Before embarking on this journey, know that you have the talent, nurture the gift and understand the ethics before going out fully.

NE: Where can we find out more about 9ice?
9ice: You can visit my official website at www.9iceonline.com  or visit www.myspace.com/9ice, www.edgerecordsonline.com

NE: Thanks for your time, it was 9ice chatting with u.
9ice: Thank you, the pleasures’ mine

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