Nigerian rapper Panshak Henry Zamani, widely known as Ice Prince or Ice Prince Zamani, has finally spoken out after facing intense online criticism for his performance at the 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention. The backlash erupted as many Nigerians accused him of supporting a political party amid widespread insecurity and economic hardship in the country.
Ice Prince Explains His Decision
In a recent episode of the Black Box podcast, Ice Prince clarified that his appearance at the APC convention was not politically motivated but stemmed from a personal family connection. He revealed that his uncle, Nentawe Yilwatda, who serves as the APC Chairman, personally booked him for the event.
“Who booked me for that event? My uncle – Nentawe Yilwatda, who is the APC Chairman. He is not just a random person to me. He is my real uncle,” Ice Prince stated. He emphasized that performing was a gesture of respect for his uncle rather than an endorsement of any political agenda.
Public Reactions to His Statement
The rapper's explanation sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some users defended him, arguing that artists should be free to perform at political events as part of their job. Others criticized him for not fully addressing the broader implications of supporting a party amid national challenges.
- @mrbuchy2 commented: “I don’t understand why Nigerians always drag artistes for performing in political gatherings .. they get paid, it’s their job stop hoping for a messiah to talk for you …”
- @king_samzy_ remarked: “Your last statement should have been all your statement abt it… Talking too much, you end up saying rubbish.”
- @_beyondprofit asked: “Is it even wrong to support the government of the day? You owe no one explanations, bro.”
- @real_A_01 countered: “He should go and yansh down. You support your uncle, who happens to support the govt at the top, but you want us to believe you are not supporting your uncles who you said you are very happy for the recognition given to him. Aboki, support your support in peace with a full chest.”
Ice Prince Opens Up About Past Spending on Cannabis
In a separate podcast session at Nevon HQ, Ice Prince disclosed a shocking detail about his past lifestyle, revealing that he spent a staggering ₦340 million on cannabis from a single dealer between 2020 and 2026. He admitted that this excessive spending, along with purchases from other dealers in Abuja, Ghana, Jos, and London, became a turning point that led him to quit smoking.
“From 2020 to 2026, I spent ₦340 million on w+ed from just one dealer alone, not to mention my other dealers in Abuja, Ghana, Jos, and London. This is literally just one guy,” he said. Realizing the financial drain pushed him to step away from the habit.
Fitness Transformation Journey
Ice Prince also shared insights into his fitness transformation during an appearance on the Echo Room podcast. He credited a conversation with producer Chopsticks in early 2025 for inspiring his weight-loss journey. Chopsticks told him, “We need to give them a new look, we need to lose the belly, grow the beard,” a comment that resonated deeply.
“That statement just sunk in a way that I had never heard before,” Ice Prince recalled. He began researching fitness and nutrition, following online trainers, and adopting intermittent fasting. He cut out sugar and alcohol, except for rare cheat days, and emphasized the importance of exercise and walking routines.
He also made a controversial statement about breakfast, declaring: “Anybody who eats breakfast to me right now is a princess… it’s a scam… any guy that chops breakfast, you be Barbie.”
Ice Prince Reacts to Kwara Church Attack
In other news, Ice Prince responded to the viral Kwara church attack video, reflecting on his upbringing amid the crisis in Jos. He described the Jos crisis as one of the most underreported issues, noting that people watched in silence as the once peaceful city suffered, and now many shudder at the mere mention of Jos.
