Controversial act, 9ice, needs no introduction. The singer, who stormed the music industry in 2007 with his runaway hit, Gongo Aso, is back after taking a hiatus to pursue a career in politics.
Recently, reports of him making up with his ex, Tony Paine, was the buzz on social media. And on Sunday, the singer added another year and he celebrated with colleagues, fans and a group of select media men. Also in the house were the likes of Lord of Ajasa, Remineice and Seriki among a host of others. 9ice, who unveiled his latest single, Abefe, and who late last year released a string of singles including At the Moment and Oro, opened up on career and why he and Toni Payne must work together among other issues.
Excerpts:
Congrats 9ice, you are celebrating your 36th birthday today, what does this day mean to you?
It means a lot to me because I’m celebrating it with the boss. It means a lot to me because I’m using it to correct my mistakes. It means a lot to me because I’m settling my grudges and I’m moving on with my life. This is my 36th birthday and it means a lot to me more than any other birthday I’ve celebrated.
You talked about settling your grudges and making peace. Could you shed light on that?
I’m talking in terms of peace and in terms of settling grudges. I’m talking about Ruggedman, I’m talking about Toni Payne and I’m talking about my saga with the press. Whatever has happened as from today I’m putting behind me and setting new standards; I’m living a new life. I think what brought about the issue with the press is due to a song I released entitled, Once Beaten Twice Shy. That song came out at a time I was having marital problems. Some people picked up stuff in the song and said ‘okay, he must be talking about Ruggedman.’ And before you could say Jackie Robinson, it was everywhere! That was the only problem I had with Ruggedman. Let me state that Ruggedman and Tony Payne issue never arose; it was never an issue. I’m mature now. I have a family now. To ere is human but to forgive is divine. I’m using this platform to apologise to my friend from another mother, Stephens Ugochukwu aka Ruggedman. And to the press I’m saying I’m very sorry, you guys should just forgive me. If I have offended you in anyway, I’m very sorry.
You’re wearing a top from Ruggedman’s clothesline, it’s like you guys are really back together. Are you going to do a collabo soon?
Most definitely by God’s grace.
Can you give us an idea of what to expect?
(Laughter) I don’t have an idea. ‘E be like say na you wan write the song, Tony (more laughter).’ But definitely, most importantly and with all sincerity, there will be a song; a friendship song.
Talking about Toni Payne, now that you guys have made up, are you getting back together?
Getting back together depends on what you mean. Right now, she has forgiven me and I have forgiven her. She’s moving ahead and I’m moving ahead but we have a son to raise, and that’s the most important thing right now. Whether she will settle in my house is something I can’t tell for now; we can only wait and see.
Most times people find it difficult to say I’m sorry, especially celebs with their over bloated egos. Where did you find the courage to say ‘I’m sorry’?
I think having the courage to say I’m sorry or to admit that you made a mistake is all about maturity and self-consciousness. Sometimes, it’s not that we are not all mature but because of pride we could be like ‘so what?’ So, I think having that self realization comes with maturity and responsibility.
Now that you are back on the block, are we going to have another Gongo Aso moment?
(Laughter) We shall by God’s grace because we will always make songs. However, what turns what we play into evergreen songs is the people, the media and the masses; that’s what Gongo Aso was all about.
You and Reminisce started in 2002 and it was pretty hectic. Could you recount those years?
Those days were difficult and tough. I think God just brought us together and directed that unity. B
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