The Nigerian superstar reflects on a decade of success and tells us about his collaboration with Oxlade
The year was 2011, and the hit song was ‘Oleku’. It was an eventful year for Ice Prince and the whole Chocolate City crew as the stars and moons aligned to allow the artist to emerge as a trailblazer at the helm of the Nigerian hip hop scene. And it’s where he’s stayed ever since.
Born Panshak Henry Zamani in the city of Minna, Niger State, he relocated with his family to Jos in Plateau state as a young child and went on to briefly study Zoology at the University of Jos before finding his true calling in the music studio. Being influenced by international acts such as Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes and Ludacris, Ice Prince started writing rap songs as far back as 1999. Releasing his debut studio album Everybody Loves Ice Prince in 2011, which featured Wizkid and 2 Face Idibia, was all that was needed to jump-start his career. In 2013, Ice Prince won the BET Awards for Best International Act: Africa. In the same year he released his second album Fire of Zamani, supported by four hit singles ‘Aboki’, ‘More’, ‘Gimme Dat’ and ‘I Swear’.
His third studio album Jos To The World followed in 2016, which saw him launch his own record label Super Cool Cats, a vehicle allowing him to foster new talent. And last year, he signed to 300 - also home to Megan Thee Stallion and Young Thug - as the first Nigerian act on the label. While he prepares to release his next album, and basks in the success of his current single ‘Kolo’ featuring Oxlade, he reflects on a decade in the spotlight.
From the pandemic to the End SARS movements in Nigeria, tell me about your 2020.
My 2020 was pretty much like yours. I feel like 2020 was hard for everyone, it was a lesson for everyone. It was a gift and a curse for all of us, actually. Some people learnt from it, some people didn’t learn anything. Some people made money from it, some people were broke from it. With End SARS, nobody saw that coming and we pray we will never see that kind of ugliness again in Nigeria. But all in all, on my side, I can’t complain, and I thank God. Now we’re in 2021, I like to leave the past in the past. Let’s forget about 2020. 2021 is looking good, so let’s focus on that.
Please tell me about your upbringing in the mining city of Jos.
Growing up in Jos was amazing all round. It’s a very peaceful place, very calm, heavy on religion, so you know I grew up around the choir. I did a lot of Teens Choir and Teens Retreat. Then in 2001 a very ugly crisis hit the city and things stayed in turmoil for several years. But I mean, the city is starting to get back to normal now and it’s becoming the bubbly place I remember. It’s also the coldest place in Nigeria - that’s why I’m Ice! We have a place where white pelicans migrate to every year. Plateau state is so diverse and so beautiful.
Did you always see yourself doing music long-term?
I’d say yes. One of the things that really pushed me into music was that I didn’t have the chance to do my university for some long reasons. I found comfort and solace in the studio. The studio kept me off the streets, kept me off doing negative stuff. From then on, I knew I was going to do music for the rest of my life. Because really and truly, I’ve done so many other things. I don make palm slippers, yes I’ve done that business before. The only thing I know how to do best is music. Writing, co-writing, producing, arranging, that’s really where I find my most joy. That’s where my passion is, so even if I don’t release an album when I’m 90 years old, I still want to be around the music to teach it too.
You rose to fame after the release of ‘Oleku’ featuring Brymo. What inspired that anthem?
I can’t tell you a girl inspired it, or one travel inspired it; it was just God. Between me, Jesse Jagz and Brymo, we didn’t make that song because we were the most talented guys around. God just blessed us on the day we made it. I remember Sarz gave me the original beat and I wrote to it. Jesse Jagz was on his way to the airport and passed by the studio. He was feeling it, so he touched the beat up and reproduced it. It only took him 30 minutes because he was in a hurry to leave. When he left, I had the melodies down and called Brymo and we got the song done. It feels good to know that people see that song as timeless. Shout out to Jesse Jagz, Brymo and Chocolate City.
What has influenced your sound since then?
Everything around me, everything we go through every day, everything we see, the people we relate to. That’s what shapes us into who we are, right? I won’t even lie to you, over the last 10 years, up until the 2020 lock down, I was on the road. Literally, every week of my life was on the road. I’m either in a different city or a different country. And you know the thing with travelling, you get to experience different cultures and also collaborate with different artists. There is inspiration all around us and I’ve learnt so much. Everything I’ve learnt so far, I’ll be putting it into by fourth studio album Fire and Ice coming very soon.
Many fans think you took a break from making music. Is that true?
I’ve been out here, if you ain’t seen me it’s ‘cause you haven’t checked on me (laughs). I’ve been writing, been producing, been arranging and been signing. You know, Super Cool Cat has a new artist called Au Pro and he has a new song ‘Okoko’ featuring JamoPyper and I that you should check out. But yeah, I’ve been out here.
Congratulations for signing to 300. What does that mean for you?
300 CEO Kevin Liles is somebody I grew up knowing almost everything about. From the days when he was with Def Jam signing Jay Z, DMX, Ja Rule and all these legends. I’ve been a student in the game and Kevin Liles is somebody I’ve always looked up to. To get to this point where I’m actually in business with him is more than a dream come through. It’s an amazing thing for me, and for them. I mean, it’s an American label, but they need some afrobeat vibes on that.
How would you describe your crisp personal style?
My style is J-town, that’s all (laughs). I dress like a Jos boy, and I’ve always been like that. I don’t really have a signature style, but thanks for the compliment.
Let’s talk about your recent collaboration with Oxlade.
The story behind ‘Kolo’ is simple and short - good vibes and good energy. I met Oxlade through my manager and it was just straight up vibes. He walked into my house looking like Jesus and it was very easy for me to kick it with him on that level. But apart from connecting with his swag, I’m a big fan of his music and he’s a big fan of mine. Oxlade and I, amazing chemistry, and he’s a very talented artist. On ‘Kolo’, I let him do his thing 100 per cent. I see Oxlade as one of the people that will unlock bigger doors of afrobeat for Nigeria and Africa.
Who would you love to collaborate with next?
Right now, I look forward to collaborating with The Cavemen. I have a session with them coming soon, so watch out for Ice Prince and The Cavemen.
How would you define your sound now?
My sound is super cool cat, my sound is fresh, my sound is Afro, my sound is Afro hip hop, my sound is Nigerian, my sound is Plateau state, and it is original Nigerian.
What are your thoughts on the present music scene in Nigeria?
Explosive! Look Burna Boy and Wizkid just won the Grammys so I’m excited about where the scene is right now. So much is going on for so many artists and we have labels like Sony and Universal coming to Nigeria. I think we are in a right place and I believe there is so much more we can do for a very bright future.
‘Kolo’ by Ice Prince featuring Oxlade is out now. Discover it here.
Read our interview with Oxlade here.