9ice (pronounced NICE) is blazing the trail with hot dance songs in the Nigerian club scene. His latest track Ganja Man is definitely a hit. But who is this man? He was born Abolore Akande and he started his music career in 1994 with a music demo called “Risi de Alagbaja”. He went on to form a group called the Mysterious Boyz but they disbanded a year later. In 2002 he released two hit songs–‘Ma gbe keke e lo’ and ‘Sayo’—with his newly formed group, Abinibi. ‘Sayo’ was a huge hit and the band members decided to pursue independent careers.

In 2006 after signing with Edge Records, he produced Ganja Man, a tongue in cheek ode to smoking weed. The reggatone beat and playful style of the song made it an instant hit. He has performed with some of the biggest names in the Nigerian music scene, including Lord Of Ajasa, 2Phat and 2Shotz. His performance of ‘Ruggedy Baba’ with Rugged Man was another big hit that helped establish him as one of the biggest acts in Nigeria. He is definitely going to be a man to watch. Fela Kuti, Angelique Kidjo, Bob Marley, Wyclef Jean, and Youssour N’dour are among his biggest influences and hints of their combined styles are evident in his music. Jamati caught up with 9ice to find out what he is up to.

Jamati: You are noted as having said that you try not to go more than 9 days without writing a song (hence the 9 in your name), so what are the latest tunes that you are working on? Any albums coming out soon?

I am working on my next album as we speak. This album, I believe, speaks volumes of 9ice; not only is it consistent, but it is an obvious upgrade from my previous album. Yes, I do a lot of writing and I try not to go 9 days without writing or completing a song. I believe this has really helped improve my skills. I have a good selection of songs to put in my next album. This week, I will be releasing my first single called Gongo Aso and I think this song speaks for itself. You can feel 9ice in the song.

Jamati: You have dubbed your style as afro-hiphop but the style has a distinct hispanic flavor to it, similar to reggatone. How did you come up with the style? What influences your choice of music and beats?

Distinct Hispanic flavor? I honestly do not see that. The one way I think it can be compared to it is that I am doing what the Hispanic artists are doing for their country–mixing my culture with a bit of hip hop and remixing it to create a unique sound that can be felt by people all over the world while still maintaining its quality. When I think of my music, I think diversity. I can do Yoruba fusion, hip hop, and dance hall. I do not limit myself; my style is a mixture of everything old and new. I try to be as creative as possible and can decide to mix some instruments that normally would not be placed together in a song, and make it sound good. I think my main influence would still be afro-beat and caribbean vibes. I am a big fan of Ebenezer Obey, Wyclef Jean and Bob Marley

Jamati: You were responsible for the beats in the extremely successful “Ruggedy Baba“. What kind of reception did you receive after you worked with Ruggedman? When was “Ganja Man” released and how has it been received?

Yeah! ID Cabasa did the beat for Ruggedman’s song “Ruggedy Baba” and I did the hook. The song has been a major success, from what I hear when people talk about the song. I added a different flavor that people have not heard in a while and that they could still feel immensely. The reception has been great– more than I ever expected. Ganja Man was released in December 2006 and it is one of my most popular songs alongside Little Money. When I do shows and perform Ganja Man the response is always overwhelming.

Jamati: You have been a hit in Nigeria. Do you find that other African countries are playing your music? Are there any plans to perform in other countries? If so, which ones and when? Do you have particular markets where you think your performing could impact your career greatly?

Yes, I get a lot of fan mail from different parts of the world, not just Africa. I found out recently that I have a huge fan base in the UK. I think countries like Ghana and Nigeria would most likely be the places where I receive the most airplay. Yes, I plan to perform all over the world as soon as the time is right. As far as market goes, my belief is, with music, you can be felt anywhere as long as there is exposure. If I receive massive airplay in the US, I think I’ll be felt in the US. As long as your material is good, your market will not be limited. Right now though, I think Africa and Europe would be the main markets that would impact my career greatly.

Jamati: Where can fans find your music or your latest album? What albums have you released so far?

My fans can find my current album in Nigeria or, if you live outside Nigeria, online at nigerianentertainment.com My next album wont be available till next year but my new single can be found on my myspace page and on my website titled: “Gongo Aso“. I will be making this single available for download for everyone through different channels–online and via blue tooth.

Jamati: An interview quoted you as saying that you were being faithful to a particular lady friend. Are you two still together, married or can your fans look forward to casting their ballots into the pot for your attention?

Lol. Yes we are still very much together, she means the world to me and hopefully soon we can upgrade our status to married. I still love my fans though, they keep me going, but in that department I am off the market.

Jamati: Thank you for your time.

Thanks for having me.

Listen to Ganja Man and make your own conclusion.

[audio:http://www.jamati.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/9ice_-_ganja_man.mp3]