Let’s Talk! Do You Think 9ice Deserves A Grammy Award?

Five weeks ago, the whole of Nigeria was thrown into frenzy when the Grammy’s awarded both Wizkid and Burna Boy, for their respective works from the musical year in review.

They jointly became the first ever Nigerian artists to be decorated with the highest form of recognition in the music industry, across the globe.

Davido was trending that night, alongside the other two, Made in Lagos, Twice as Tall, Olamide, were all on the top Twitter trends. Of course, in the same spirit, 9ice was trending too!

Two things are true of the 9ice situation. One, when he promised to bring home a Grammy in 2008, he wasn’t just one of the biggest stars on the Nigerian music scene; he also had some of the hottest music out here.

If anyone was gonna get a Grammy back then, truly, he had to be one of the favorites for the recognition. Secondly, he didn’t get that Grammy, and now it’s safe to say he’s fallen off already.

But of all the things he’s done in the industry; the 15 years of putting out quality content, dope albums, quality hits, collaborations with some of the best (Asa, 2face etc), numerous singles and performances, has Adigun actually done enough to get a Grammy Award? Let’s take an extensive look at his background then, shall we?

BACKGROUND

Born Abolore Adigun, there is not an iota of doubt that 9ice is one of those few pop artists from the previous musical generation that lay claim to the title “Greatest Of All Time.” (Others, 2Baba, D’Banj, WandeCoal). Not everybody will be Fela Kuti or King Sunny Ade.

But, not anybody can be 9ice too. If you like imitate Wizkid (Dice Ailes), Davido (Sean Tizzle), WandeCoal (Koker) or Olamide (every rapper.) Do whatever you like, but you’ll probably never ever get to sound like 9ice.

Since “Gongo Aso” in 2008 (13 years ago), 9ice’s status has escalated (in a good way), his fame has gone down, and he has returned, again. Not to forget, his voice has continued to deteriorate, but that doesn’t stop the maestro from dishing out content from time to time.

And if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it is that becoming the GOAT isn’t a journey of just 10 years.

DO YOU KNOW 9ICE DID FUJI MUSIC?

Far back as 1996, 9ice has been on this music grind, first as a Fuji artist, before switching for contemporary pop and folk. His not-too-good-for-pop voice carved him a Fuji-Pop niche instantly, as both old and young related with his content. And, before there was anything like “frog voice,” there was 9ice!

The veteran Ogbomosho-born singer has been so consistent on the scene that he’s probably the only one with more albums than Olamide. He also has a bigger impact on the pop culture. In the past 20 years “Gongo Aso,” remains one of the best albums, in Nigeria.

What old school mix is complete without “Gongo Aso” and “Pamurogo” ? His hit “Street Credibility,” which featured 2face Idibia, didn’t only give him credibility on the streets; it also took out of Nigeria. Not to talk of how “Party Rider” rode parties in ’09.

9ICE HAD A UNIQUE STYLE

9ice’s style of music is characterized by meaningful indigenous lyrics and deep folk melodies. He is widely respected for his witty use of proverbs, and wise sayings. Plus, he knows how to make a party jam!

“No Be Mistake,” remains a hot birthday tune and “Wedding Day,” rocks all Wedding parties. And, even the least hyped of all his songs has the ability to impart you with some form of knowledge.

In 2016, the least of everybody expected to stage a perfect comeback, is 9ice, after such a long time away from the top of the game. BUT, he did. First, pushing a single “Economy,” a song which is half encouragement and half criticism of government (remember Fela?).

His album “ID Cabasa,” named after the Coded Tunes boss, instrumental in the production of 9ice’s break-out album, in 2008. “Living Things” was off the album, and the album was such a perfect pop album, from a veteran.

As much as he was philosophical on the album, he also showcased his versatility, delivering on the strangest kind of instrumentals. There was new Coublon, and there was old Puffy T. Really, nobody could have done it better.

HOW ABOUT THAT GRAMMY?

After all said and done, does 9ice really deserve the biggest award in the world? I think he deserved it at a time when no one on the international scene cared about us. I think “Gongo Aso” should be inducted into the hall of fame of albums. And like Drake said years ago, if there are people on the streets spending their hard-earned money to buy your music every day, then you don’t need no Grammy!

As for if he deserves to get recognition now, I’d say no. But then again, different people have their opinion.

What Do You Think — Does 9ice Deserve A Grammy Award? 

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