Nigeria: 9ice signs deal with The Temple Management Company

In 2016, TMC signed on many figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry, including Jeffery Akoh, winner of the eighth season of the MTN Project Fame, and Iyanya, formerly of Made Men Music Group. The company organised the Sunny on Sunday concert in December 2016, where King Sunny Ade’s guitar was auctioned for 52 million naira ($104,000).

“We recognize the foundation that 9ice has built and established,” said Idris Olorunnimbe, CEO of TMC. “Together we can build on and take it to newer heights.”

He added, “With our team and structure we are here to support 9ice to actualize his career goals. In 9ice, we see a brand that has an important and strategic core that we can expand.”

9ice rose to stardom after ‘Gongo Aso’ became a hit in 2008. His music, a combination of upbeat production with Yoruba lyricism, won awards, and the artist toured Europe in 2010. Four years later, he ran for and lost an election to public service. His last album was released in 2014.

Speaking about the new management, 9ice said, “For me, this is the right thing to do at this stage in my career and indeed for any forward-thinking artiste. When we started music, we grew with the knowledge that everything was all about the artiste; you are the manager, owner of the record label etc. We did this to the best of our ability.

“This is the time to give experienced professionals the chance to take care of you because one will become the better for it. Temple Management are like our own Sony or BMG in Nigeria. Any artiste who plans to grow need to work with the right people such as Temple Management Company.”