Veteran Nigerian Afrobeats and Fuji singer 9ice, born Abolore Akande, arrived at the City Boy Movement Lagos inauguration on July 28 visibly limping, sparking widespread concern among fans and observers. The 46-year-old artist, known for hits like Gongo Aso and Street Credibility, was seen walking with difficulty as he entered Marcellina's Place in Ikeja for the event.
Event Details and Performance
The City Boy Movement is a youth mobilisation group established to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election campaign under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Lagos chapter inauguration drew political leaders, local government chairmen, and entertainers, all rallying behind the 'Renewed Hope' agenda. Despite his apparent physical discomfort, 9ice remained in high spirits, greeting attendees and later taking the stage to perform his track Street Credibility, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Dressed in a patterned shirt and his signature white cap, the artist hugged supporters and posed for photos. Video footage of his limp circulated widely on X, with many fans expressing worry and curiosity about his health.
Fan Reactions
Social media reactions ranged from well-wishes to speculation. User @AsakyGRN wrote: "What happened to 9ice? I wish him speedy recovery." @CAspirewealth commented: "It's sad seeing a veteran who once sang about the struggles of the street now leaning on political movements to revive a fading career." Others offered more charitable views: @jammykolz1 said, "What happened to him can happen to anybody, nothing special." @banji_Henrietta added, "I wouldn't know but God's healing on him." @softwalle_moo simply wished him quick recovery. @Sirjupiter001 offered a possible explanation: "Shey person no dey wound again? He probably stepped on a sharp object. It happened to me too some months back and I limped for 2 weeks."
Previous Statements
Earlier, 9ice declared his parents as his highest divinity in a viral video on Instagram, stating that his mother and father represent his ultimate authority, rejecting traditional religious structures. This revelation sparked mixed reactions, especially given his earlier disclosure of practicing as a babalawo for nearly two decades.
As of now, 9ice has not publicly commented on the cause of his limp. The incident has reignited discussions about the health of veteran Nigerian artists and the pressures of public appearances.
