Thrills And Bores Of Mobo 2008 As 9ice Wins Best African Act

This year's edition of MOBO awards was held last Thursday with the usual highs and lows for various artistes as 9ice further registers his name in gold.



The sky seems the limit for rave-making Nigerian hip-hop sensation, 9ice. He adds yet another feather to his cap, winning the Best African Act at this year's London's Music of Black Origin, MOBO awards held last Thursday. This latest feat he performed, beating fellow compatriots, Faze, D'Banj, Mo'Hits All Stars, Asa, P'Square, and other African acts like Magic System, Jua Cali, Jozi, Wahu and Hip Hop Pantusula who were all nominated for the category.

28 year old Abolore Akande, a.k.a 9ice has actually carved a niche for himself in the Nigerian, nay the world music scene. On the 27th of June this year, he performed at the Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Tribute concert, singing Gongo Aso in London and soon after that was made a 46664 Ambassador. At the last edition of the now famous Hip Hop World Awards, 9ice came off as winner of Revelation of the Year award, along with Best Vocal Performer, Male. Later, he went on to be nominated for the Best New Artist at the maiden edition of the Soundcity Music Video Awards. His hit single, Gongo Aso is unarguably, currently the most popular song on radio in Nigeria. But the MOBO award is definitely his biggest 'kill” so far. His unique blend of Yoruba and English lyrics forms a rather unique Afro-Hip Hop which has stuck to his name like a signature. This no doubt, was what gave him the edge over other nominees at the prestigious Mobo award this year.

Like Nigeria's own 9ice, other artistes who got away smiling at the Mobos are: Best UK (Female) Estelle, Best UK (Male) Dizzee Rascal, Best UK (Newcomer) Chipmunk, Best International Act - Chris Brown, Best Reggae Mavado, Best Jazz - YolanDa Brown, Best Gospel Jahaziel, Best Song (American Boy) Estelle, Best R&B/Soul - Chris Brown, Best Hip Hop - Lil' Wayne, Best Video (Bleeding Love) - Leona Lewis, Best Album Spirit - Leona Lewis. The Best Radio DJ was won by BBC Radio 1's Trevor Nelson, while the Best Club DJ went to Tim Westwood. This year’s Lifetime Achievement went to Motown.