Nigerian music star Abolore Adegbola Akande, better known as 9ice, has shared his intention to get a tribal mark in honour of his father when he turns 50.
In a video posted on his TikTok page, the 45-year-old singer explained that the gesture would be a symbolic tribute to his dad, who also bears the mark.
“By the time I’m 50, I’ll get the same mark as my father. That’s what I want to do for my birthday. Some of my friends don’t believe I’ll go through with it, but they’ll see,” he said with a smile.
9ice, who rose to fame in 2008 with the smash hit Gongo Aso, is celebrated for his poetic Yoruba lyrics and unique storytelling style that blends culture with rhythm.
In a separate revelation, the singer recently opened up about a terrifying experience that nearly cost him his life. Speaking on The Nancy Isime Show, he recounted how he mysteriously began vomiting blood for six months around 2009–2010.
“It wasn’t a medical condition,” 9ice said. “I did all kinds of tests, but nothing was found. It took a traditionalist to restore my health.”
He described the incident as a spiritual attack and credited his recovery to the intervention of Ifa, the Yoruba system of divination.
Reflecting on his beliefs, 9ice revealed that he now identifies as a traditionalist and no longer associates with modern religious practices.
Through his music and personal choices, the artist continues to embrace his Yoruba heritage—celebrating the traditions that shaped his journey both on and off the stage.
