LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigerian music star 9ice is making headlines with a bold promise ahead of his 50th birthday, promising to get a tribal face mark to honor his father.
The award-winning artist, whose real name is Abolore Adegbola Akande, revealed his plan during a video interview, expressing his deep desire to embrace the traditional facial marking worn by his father.
The 45-year-old described his father as his “Araba,” an oak tree or a term symbolizing a figure of great significance or a landmark in Yoruba culture.
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“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 it, but you’ll see,” 9ice said.
While showing images of his ancestors during the interview, the Ogbomosho-born singer reaffirmed his cultural pride and intention to permanently etch his heritage on his face.
Known for infusing Yoruba language, proverbs, and traditional themes into his music, 9ice has long positioned himself as a proud custodian of Yoruba culture. His decision to get a tribal mark aligns with his identity as a self-proclaimed traditionalist and cultural advocate.
