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How radio station rejected 9ice for ‘singing like Babalawo’ – Reminisce
Nigerian indigenous rapper Reminisce recalled the “first major” rejection he and his colleague, 9ice, experienced in the music industry.
The singer shared that they once took their demo CDs to a popular sports radio station with the hope of getting their songs played. However, the radio hosts had a different response. They advised Reminisce to go and learn rap from Ruggedman, a well-known rapper, and criticized 9ice for singing in a manner they likened to a “babalawo” (herbalist).
This recollection highlights the challenges and initial setbacks that many artists face on their journey to success in the music industry.
According to the hip-hop artist, “My first major rejection was with 9ice on the Island at a radio station where we went to submit our music CDs for airplay, and the feedback we got was that we would never make it.
“They said 9ice was singing like Babalawo [native doctor] cos he sings in Yoruba. The other guy told me: ‘why am I rapping like a buffoon, can’t I see Ruggedman?
“He said that we should both go back and look for something to do with our lives and be better. That was my first major rejection. I will never forget it, even 9ice I’m sure he hasn’t forgotten it.”
“My first major rejection was when Brilla FM rejected 9ice and I, they refused to collect our CDs, they said 9ice was singing like Babalawo cos he sings in Yoruba”
– Reminisce
— BASITO (@itzbasito) December 8, 2023
Despite this early rejection, both Reminisce and 9ice have gone on to become significant figures in the Nigerian music scene, showcasing the resilience and determination required to navigate the complexities of the industry.