The 20th edition of the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards was already brimming with prestige, elegance, and high expectations.
Inside the grand ballroom of Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, dignitaries, celebrities, and captains of industry gathered in celebration of excellence. But as the night unfolded on Sunday, March 1, 2026, it became clear that one moment would rise above the rest, the thunderous arrival of Nigerian music icon 9ice.
Born Alexander Abolore Adegbola Akande, 9ice stepped onto the stage not merely as a performer, but as a custodian of culture. The lights dimmed, the murmurs softened, and with the first commanding note, he seized the room. Draped in confidence and charisma, he delivered a masterclass in live performance, blending Yoruba proverbs, indigenous wisdom, and the irresistible pulse of Afropop and Fuji into a sonic experience that was both nostalgic and refreshingly alive.
From the opening bars, the audience was hooked. His voice carried depth and authority, weaving stories through rhythm in a way only he can. Each lyric resonated like a familiar proverb passed down through generations, yet layered over contemporary beats that kept the hall vibrating. It was more than music; it was heritage in motion.
When he launched into crowd favorites like “Gongo Aso,” the response was immediate and electric. Guests who moments earlier sat poised in formal elegance were now swaying, nodding, and rising to their feet. The fusion of traditional Yoruba cadence with modern hip-hop undertones — a style he pioneered and perfected — proved once again why he remains a defining force in Nigeria’s musical evolution.
What made the performance even more compelling was the seamless flow between classics and newer renditions, each delivered with renewed intensity. 9ice did not rely on nostalgia alone; he reintroduced his artistry to a room filled with leaders and tastemakers, reminding them that true craftsmanship never fades, it evolves.
As the final note echoed through the hall and applause erupted in waves, one sentiment lingered in the air: this was not just entertainment; it was a statement. At a ceremony dedicated to celebrating impact and excellence, 9ice embodied both.
By the end of the night, the 20th Silverbird Man of the Year Awards had witnessed many highlights, but it was 9ice’s electrifying showcase of culture, rhythm, and lyrical mastery that transformed the celebration into an unforgettable spectacle.
