“When Do You Work?”- 9ice Questions Nigeria’s Progress Amid Deep Religious Devotion

• Nigerian artist 9ice, known for Afropop and Fuji music, sparked online discussions with a recent video.
• He criticized Nigeria’s deep-rooted religious practices and their effect on national progress.
• 9ice highlighted that the time and energy spent on religious activities have not led to significant development in the country.

Nigerian Afropop artist Akande Abolore Adegbola, widely known as 9ice, has ignited discussions online after a video surfaced in which he critiqued the country’s deep-rooted religious practices and their impact on national progress.

The singer, celebrated for his Afrobeats and Fuji music, argued that the time and energy devoted to religious activities in Nigeria have not translated into tangible development. He voiced concern over the nation’s stagnation despite widespread religious devotion.

“You travel to Mecca and engage in all these rituals in the name of Kabba. Ever since calling on Allah and Jesus, has this country truly improved? Are we following someone who committed immoral acts?” 9ice questioned.

He highlighted that Nigeria, abundant in natural resources like crude oil, continues to lag in infrastructure and overall growth.

The “Gongo Aso” hitmaker also contrasted Nigeria’s religious routine with the work-oriented culture abroad, citing London as an example. “In London, people focus on their jobs rather than attending church constantly. Here, you have church on Sundays, Bible study on Wednesdays, and vigils on Fridays. When do you work?” he remarked.

His comments have sparked widespread debate, with many Nigerians sharing varied opinions on balancing faith and national development.

See post below:

“…….you’ll leave Nigeria and go to Mecca to go and lick rock all in the name of Kabba, ever since you’ve been calling on Allah and Jesus, this country hasn’t gotten any better. If you go to London, nobody goes to church there.”

– 9ice says 👀 pic.twitter.com/wKiRSJKsGh

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) April 9, 2026

See post some comments below:

@realsultanoa:”You can’t be a normal person practicing Islam alongside idols, you must fullishly confused like that guy in the video.”

@MasterAdetoye:”Foreign religions are not meant to be taken this seriously. It’s their culture and religion, not ours. We should reject Christianity and Islam in general.”

@LovedCarefully:”Picks part of failing system & shouts at top of his voice. What about despite all taxes we are paying, we get nothing in return. UK people pack football stadiums, Nigerians don’t; so we should be better off, right? You see the logic? Face the Govt…. oh sorry, he is in APC.”

@LBBthe2nd:”Make everybody dey do wetin he/she dey comfortable with sha without talking down on others..”

@ibukun_aderemi:”Religion problem again when are we going to have sense in this country to let anyone worship whatever they want. So sad this is coming from a legendary like 9ice.”

@evagrin_:”walahi dem go come for am. no be this same administration he dey support? but wetin him talk na true. the country never for once better cause of prayer.”