Veteran Nigerian singer Alexander Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has revealed a terrifying personal ordeal that nearly claimed his life and completely transformed his spiritual beliefs.
In a candid conversation on a recent episode of The Nancy Isime Show, the ‘Gongo Aso’ crooner shocked fans when he shared details of a mysterious “spiritual attack” he endured back in 2009/2010.
“When I was vomiting blood for about six months in my own house. I had to leave my house. It happened in 2009/2010. It wasn’t a medical condition,” 9ice told host Nancy Isime, recounting the intense and unexplained health scare that left him shaken and desperate for a solution.
The award-winning artiste said he tried various means before finally being referred to an Ifa priest, which, according to him, became the turning point in his recovery.
“The first time I experienced ifa was when I was vomiting blood. Someone referred me to ifa. I just wished that I had known ifa at the beginning,” he said.
9ice went on to make a bold statement about his identity and belief system, declaring, “I’m not a Christian or a Muslim, I’m a Babalawo. I’m an African. I’m a traditionalist.” He also expressed regret over not embracing traditional spirituality sooner in his life.
Reflecting on how the late music legend Fela Kuti was once mocked for his open devotion to the Yoruba deity Ogun, 9ice said, “Fela used to go to Ogun and people were mocking him, but now, I understand.”
When asked by Nancy Isime if he had faced spiritual battles while doing music, 9ice didn’t hesitate: “Several times.”
The singer’s shocking revelation has sparked conversations online, with many praising his honesty while others express curiosity or skepticism about traditional spiritual practices.
As he urged Africans to “embrace traditional religions,” 9ice’s story serves as a powerful narrative of survival, transformation, and a return to cultural roots.
