Nigerian musician, Alexander Abolore Adegbola Akande popularly known as 9ice has warned people against becoming popular.
It’s no news that the popular singer blew up years ago most especially with his hit song Gongo Aso and a host of other hit singles including Street Credibility, Kinda Life, Respect is Reciprocal, and more. Today, 9ice has become an established name and brand.
Recently, the singer on a podcast called Spill With Sims was asked to advice young artistes who may be trying to break into the business or become famous.
Despite being popular, 9ice had a different opinion. In his words:
“I will take from what you said: popular. Don’t become popular o, make money. When I started, I was popular but I didn’t have money. Then, I would be on a bike and people would be hailing you “9ice! 9ice!”. The money didn’t just come in. I had to do the right thing for the money to come in. Because as at then we were doing music and we were depending so much on Alaba International Market. I think what we had back then was Myspace, but it wasn’t as important as Facebook. Then we didn’t have Facebook, Instagram and the rest. If you want your song to be popular in Kaduna, you have to go to Kaduna to do a radio interview. You have to be there for people to see you. So, when the money started coming was when we put in the hustle and we marketed the brand by doing print interviews like all these newspapers, all these magazines; putting your face out there. I mean, there are sometimes people have a good song and they don’t even know what you look like, how do you want to make money? So won’t they pay me your money? Let’s say I’m Simi and you’re the one proclaiming yourself as Simi, they will give you the money na because they don’t know my face.
So I think it is not just about getting popular. But putting your brand out there. Market it, promote it. Let your face be known and the money aspect will come later. Do what is unique. Do what is quality.”