9ice to honour his father with a tribal mark at 50
Nigerian singer 9ice, born Abolore Adegbola Akande, has shared his intention to get a tribal mark when he turns 50, a decision he says is deeply personal and symbolic of his cultural roots and paternal heritage.
The revelation, made in a recent TikTok video, has stirred widespread reactions among fans who see it as both a bold cultural statement and a reflection of the singer’s pride in his Yoruba identity.
In the short clip, 9ice, who is currently 45 years old, explained that his decision to get a tribal mark was inspired by his father, who bears the same mark.
The singer said he plans to take this step as a tribute to his late father’s memory and legacy, regardless of modern perceptions about tribal markings.
“By the time I’m 50, I will get the same mark as my dad. That’s what I want to do for my birthday. A lot of my boys said I won’t do that, but you will see,” he said confidently.
The artist, known for his proverbial lyrics and strong use of Yoruba idioms in his songs, emphasized that the decision is a personal choice rooted in tradition rather than mere aesthetics.
The plan to get a tribal mark reflects 9ice’s long-standing connection to Yoruba tradition — a theme that has been evident throughout his music career.
Since bursting into the limelight with his 2008 hit “Gongo Aso,” 9ice has carved a niche for himself as an artist who promotes indigenous wisdom through his sound.
Over the years, the Ogbomosho-born singer has consistently infused his songs with cultural pride and proverbial depth, blending traditional Yoruba storytelling with modern Afrobeats rhythms.
His works such as Street Credibility, Photocopy, and Party Rider remain emblematic of this cultural fusion.
In interviews, 9ice has often positioned himself as a proud ambassador of Yoruba culture, and his plan to get a tribal mark at 50 fits into that narrative.
He believes that embracing traditional identity is essential for personal and cultural authenticity — especially at a time when many Nigerians are distancing themselves from traditional practices.
This is not the first time 9ice has opened up about his evolving spiritual and cultural beliefs. In an earlier interview with Nancy Isime in August 2025, the singer revealed that he had become a traditional worshipper after experiencing what he described as a “spiritual attack.”
He recounted how the ordeal lasted six months, during which he vomited blood, until someone referred him to an Ifa priest who eventually helped him find healing.
That experience, he said, made him embrace traditional spirituality and question his previous beliefs.
“After getting healed, I regretted not becoming a traditionalist earlier on,” 9ice admitted during the interview.
His openness about faith and tradition has sparked widespread conversations online, with fans divided between admiration for his honesty and criticism from those who view his beliefs as controversial.
In Yoruba culture, tribal marks — known as ila — historically serve as symbols of family lineage, beauty, and identity.
They were once common across communities, representing a person’s ancestral roots or ethnic affiliation.
Although the practice has declined in modern Nigeria, it remains a strong emblem of heritage among many traditional families.
By choosing to get a tribal mark later in life, 9ice seems intent on bridging the generational divide between the past and the present — a reminder that cultural pride should not fade with time or modernization.
His declaration, therefore, carries more weight than a personal decision; it serves as a cultural statement that challenges the stigma often attached to indigenous practices.
Cultural analysts suggest that celebrities like 9ice play a crucial role in reviving traditional consciousness among younger Nigerians.
By openly identifying with Yoruba heritage, he sets an example that fame and modernity do not have to come at the expense of cultural identity.
Since making his debut in the early 2000s, 9ice has been celebrated for his authentic storytelling and the way he weaves Yoruba proverbs into his music.
His 2008 album Gongo Aso remains one of the most successful albums in Nigerian music history, winning multiple awards including the MTV Africa Music Award and The Headies.
Over time, 9ice has maintained his reputation as a versatile artist, exploring themes of resilience, humility, and wisdom in his lyrics.
Even as new generations of Afrobeats stars dominate global charts, 9ice continues to represent a bridge between the old and the new — blending ancestral pride with modern rhythms.
The decision to get a tribal mark at 50 is therefore symbolic of his entire career journey — one rooted in cultural authenticity, resilience, and self-discovery.
As 9ice prepares for his 50th birthday, his announcement has reignited discussions about cultural identity and self-expression in the entertainment industry.
For him, it’s not just a birthday wish — it’s a declaration of belonging, respect for ancestry, and a reminder that fame doesn’t erase one’s roots.
His words echo a deeper message about reconnecting with heritage in a fast-changing world: embracing who we are, where we come from, and the traditions that define us.
For 9ice, getting a tribal mark is not just about appearance — it’s about identity, pride, and a lasting tribute to his father’s legacy.
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