Veteran Nigerian music icon, Alexander Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has sparked across-the-nation controversy with his unapologetic religious remarks about the Nigerian and global music industry.
During a recent appearance on The Nancy Isime Show, the Gongo Aso act claimed that there are strong spiritual forces behind the music industry, but negative ones in his own opinion. In a statement that was widely unexpected, 9ice claimed, “The devil controls music. The devil is the choirmaster. That’s why we smoke and do all the things we do.”
He elaborated that music is not merely entertainment but a powerful spiritual force with the ability to profoundly influence both the artist and consumer. To his way of thinking, the majority of musicians are unconsciously guided by evil powers that direct their behavior and actions.
Addressing prospective artists, 9ice asked them to spiritualize themselves before pursuing the career. He warned that pressure, temptation, and fame had the potential to get the better of those who did not have a spiritual back-up.
The comment has however sparked heated debates on the internet since, with some agreeing that the music industry is spiritually charged, while others denounced the comments as melodramatic or superstitious.
