Ice Prince Interview

2 minutes read

Ice Prince (PanshakZamani) was born to Mr. and Mrs.NasaraZamani in Minna, Niger State and moved to Jos two years later.

He started performance and rap while in secondary school, (Science Tutorial College, Jos).In 2002, he got together with a couple of his friends and formed a group called the Ecomog Squad. They had a few performances as a group and split a year later. In 2004, he hooked up with M.I, Jesse Jagz, Ruby, Lindsey, Eve, Taz and together they became what is now ‘Loopy’.’Extraordinary’ his debut single hit the waves in Jos and it gradually made him known in and around Jos city.

In 2010, his single ‘OLEKU’ was on radio station charts in Abuja and Lagos. It also became the No.1 song of 2010 in most radio and TV stations around Nigeria.

In January 2013, Ice Prince released ‘Aboki (Remix)’, a song he describes as the “biggest African collision ever”. The song features Sarkodie, Mercy Johnson, Wizkid, M.I and Khuli Chana. On April 24, 2013, Ice Prince and Chocolate City released “GimmeDat” and “V.I.P” simultaneously. The former made the album’s final track-listing while the latter didn’t.

His launch for his sophomore album ‘Fire Of Zamani’ will be held on the 23rd of November at Eko Hotel and will see performances by Wale and Chip who are also featured on the album. He is also launching his F.O.Z clothing line (t-shirts, hoodies, wrist bands, sunglasses and earphones) to promote the album.

What do you think is the relevance of indigenous language in giving African Hip Hop a unique, exportableidentity?

It is the key thing that draws the ear of the international audience first most times even before they get into the music. Whether it be in the accent or in the Language. That’s what separates our sound from the rest of the world and defines who we are and what our music represents.

What are you looking forward to the most about performing at MaftownHeights this year?

I’m looking forward to rocking with the other artists from that area coz it’s really about time we start getting together with avenues like this as African artists and of course to just rock it and share my music withmy fans on that side. It’s a blessing.

Why should people come see you at Maftown Heights this year and what can they expect?

They should coz I haven’t been there before and I’m bringing my best to the stage coz I know it’s a highly respected stage so yeheverybody should come out.