Alexander Abolore Adegbola Akande, also known as 9ice, a veteran vocalist and songwriter, has stated that the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti provided a rung for Nigerian musicians to ascend. In a recent interview with ‘Sis Project Studios,’ the 43-year-old singer stated that Fela, as the originator of Afrobeat, introduced a genre that made life simpler for many artists.
He remarked that in the past, other musicians experimented with various genres and sought opportunities to exhibit their talents to the world. While Fela maintained a path within the Afrobeat genre that garnered worldwide recognition.
“Fela Anikulapo-Kuti provided us with the Afrobeat framework for us to ascend. We attempted to perform Afropop. We attempted to perform afrobeats. We attempted to come up with unique identities. However, Baba [Fela] already possesses something that is globally recognized.
“Afrobeat has taught me much. Our grandfathers are King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. And I’m delighted to be alive to emulate or imitate what they’ve accomplished,” he said.
