Veteran Nigerian singer, Akande Abolore Adegbola Alexander, popularly known as 9ice, has sparked intense conversation online after publicly declaring his faith as a practitioner of Ifa.
The “Gongo Aso” singer revealed during a recent event that he has been a Babalawo (Ifa priest) for over 18 years. He admitted that he chose to keep his spiritual identity a secret for nearly two decades out of fear that the public would stigmatise or avoid him.
“I chose to hide my religion because I believed people would start avoiding me if they found out,” 9ice explained. He further noted that he spent years consulting elders within the faith to master the workings of the religion, including the observance of Odun Ifa, a traditional period of thanksgiving.
The revelation has sent shockwaves through his fanbase, prompting many to revisit his past lyrics. While some fans expressed disbelief, others pointed out that the singer’s heavy use of deep Yoruba proverbs and ancestral references has long suggested a spiritual leaning toward tradition rather than mainstream Western religions.
This confession follows previous comments made by the singer regarding the “deeply spiritual” nature of the music industry and his own experiences with non-medical illnesses that he claims lasted for years.
