Legendary singer 9ice’s album, Gongo Aso, is still a classic after 17 years, standing as one of the defining sounds of that era.
Many people didn’t think that 9ice, the Nigerian music star, would have such a huge impact on Nigerian music when he released his album, Gongo Aso on March 15, 2008. Even though it’s been 17 years, this record is still a classic in the history of African music. Its sound and cultural significance make it timeless.
The record Gongo Aso is a big deal in both Nigerian music and 9ice’s career. The release of Gongo Aso was a welcome change. It came out at a time when Nigerian music was shifting from traditional Afrobeat to a more modern mix of hip-hop, highlife, and rap. The 14-track album became a classic right away, connecting with music fans of all ages as it captured the energy of the streets, the knowledge of the leaders, and the thrill of city life.
The main song, “Gongo Aso,” became an anthem and is one of the best songs on the record. It not only topped the charts in Nigeria, but its catchy tune and catchy sounds also got a lot of attention in other countries. The song undoubtedly gained popularity due to its constant play in bars, clubs,tv,radio and the streets. The lyrics of 9ice resonated deeply with fans, capturing the essence of business, partying, and the daily lives of young Nigerians. Rich and poor alike could relate to this song because it was about things they both wanted to achieve.
ID Cabasa was a big part of Gongo Aso’s success. He primarily produced most of the album’s songs and mixed traditional sounds with modern beats to make a unique sound that appealed to a wide audience.
The record also had relationships that stood out. Most of the songs showed off 9ice’s unique skills, but only two features on them. For the first song, “Street Credibility,” 9ice worked with the famous 2Baba (formerly known as 2Face Idibia). Their work together on the single added depth by mixing 2Baba’s signature musical flair with 9ice’s local style. The second relationship was with Fuji artist Pasuma. 9ice’s sound and Pasuma’s unique Fuji style went well together, making for a rich musical experience. His work on the song “Ati je lo’” was a wonderful mix of different types of Nigerian music. The only guest spots on the record were from these two projects. Because of this, 9ice was able to keep a strong sense of who they were while still being willing to work with others.
Other outstanding songs like “Photocopy,” “Party Rider,” and “Wedding day” proved that “Gongo Aso” was an album that could skilfully mix Afrobeat, hip-hop, and highlife. Gongo Aso was famous for more than just its catchy beats and sounds. It was also known for its deep lyrics. There was a mix of sexy lyrics and catchy tunes on 9ice‘s record that made it stand out. His storytelling skills shined a light on love, social problems, and the joy of Nigerian culture in songs like “Gongo Aso”, ‘Wedding day’ and “Photocopy.” His unique voice and unique way of speaking English and Yoruba together made the record seem more real, and it quickly became a favourite in Nigerian homes and cars.
In a song like “Ade Ori,” Nine talks about royalty and how a king can be recognised by his crown and fly whisk. At that age, he says he was the best in the singing business, and he thanks God for bringing him into it. The last track on the Gongo Aso record, “9ice Takes His Time to Praise God,” is a strong and thoughtful way to end the collection.
In addition to making a lot of money, the record received nine times as many awards and nominations, solidifying his place in the history of Nigerian music. The biggest change that Gongo Aso brought about was in the Nigerian music business, but its success also marked a big change in 9ice’s career. It marked the start of a new era for Afrobeats and showed that local artists could become famous around the world.
As it celebrates 17 years of success, Gongo Aso is still an important part of conversations about the history of Nigerian music. You can’t say enough good things about how it has changed artists now and in the future. The record is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a statement of musical genius and cultural pride because it boldly blends traditional and modern sounds and has had a huge impact on Nigerian pop culture.
At the end of the day, Gongo Aso is a wonderful example of what genuine, creative, and close-knit Nigerian music is all about. Even after 17 years, it’s still a powerful piece of music. Great music, like all real classics, gets better with age.
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