Veteran Nigerian singer, Alexander Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has opened up on a harrowing spiritual encounter that nearly took his life, describing how he vomited blood for six months in what he believes was a spiritual attack.
Speaking during a recent episode of The Nancy Isime Show, the ‘Gongo Aso’ crooner revealed that the incident, which occurred in 2009/2010, left him with no medical explanation or solution until he turned to Ifa, the Yoruba system of divination.
When asked by host Nancy Isime if he had ever experienced spiritual battles during his music career, 9ice responded emphatically:
Pressed to share one unforgettable episode, the singer recounted: “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.”
He said the strange affliction defied all medical interventions, adding that it took the intervention of a traditionalist to restore his health.
Describing his spiritual identity, 9ice made it clear that he no longer associates with mainstream religions, identifying instead as a traditionalist.
“I’m not a Christian or a Muslim, I’m a Babalawo. I’m an African. I’m a traditionalist,” he said.
The musician further explained that his first encounter with Ifa divination came during the crisis, and he regretted not embracing it earlier in life.
“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,” 9ice said.
Referencing the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti, 9ice said: “Fela used to go to Ogun and people were mocking him, but now, I understand.”
The singer used the platform to advocate for the revival of African traditional religion and spirituality, urging Africans to reconnect with their roots.
“It’s time we stopped demonising our own. Our ancestors were not evil. We need to embrace who we truly are,” 9ice stated.
