Bashorun Gaa is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer 9ice. It was released on 7 December 2011 by Alapomeji Ancestral Records in conjunction with Versus. The album features a sole guest appearance from Vector and production handled by Tee-Y Mix, Spellz, Sossick, Cheepho, Pastor Child, and Puffy Tee.[1][2]Bashorun Gaa was supported by the singles "Shakashiki", "Adigun Ojuwonlo", "Attitude", and "Everyday". The album was named after Bashorun Gáà, a 17th century Oyo Empire war leader. He chose the name to highlight what he described as Gáà's strength and principles, focusing on aspects he felt should be remembered despite the figure’s controversial history.[3] The album was postponed twice and earned praise for its lyricism, despite criticism of its length.
Bashorun Gaa was delayed three times; it was first meant to release in December 2010, but got pushed back.[4] It got pushed back again to March of 2011, and didn't release.[5] The release of the album was much anticipated due to a popularized beef 9ice had with Nigerian rapper Ruggedman.[6] In an interview with Channels TV, 9ice said that the albums' dual release was inspired by how Fuji singers released multiple albums in a year.[7] In a separate interview with Showtime Celebrity, he explained the album's delayed release was to allow his previous album, Tradition (2009), time to breathe and gain momentum.[8]
9ice promoted Bashorun Gaa with an album launch concert on 11 March 2012 held at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. The concert featured a stage decorated with native and street themes. Guest performers included Tiwa Savage, P-Square, Wizkid, and members of the Coded Tunes collective, such as Lord of Ajasa, Jahbless, and Reminisce. Other appearances included Wande Coal, Don Jazzy, and Fuji musician Kwam 1. Abimbola Fashola, wife of the Lagos State governor was in attendance at the concert. The concert included performances of both new and previously released tracks.[9]
Singles
Bashorun Gaa's lead single "Shakashiki" was released on 1 November 2010.[10] On 22 October 2011, the singles "Attitude", "Adigun Ojuwonlo", and "Everyday" were released as the album's second, third, and fourth singles respectively. All singles were produced by Tee-Y Mix, and mixed/mastered by Zeeno Foster.[11] The album's second single, "Attitude", is an up-tempo track promoting positive behavior and mindset, and received exclusive pre-release airplay on Wazobia FM.[11] "Adigun Ojuwonlo" is a highlife-influenced track with themes of self-appraisal and confidence. It received radio play on Rainbow FM 94.1.[11] "Everyday" is a love-themed track reflecting on relationships, life goals, and settling down.[11]
Composition
Bashorun Gaa which runs 18 tracks long opens with "Pace Setter" featuring Vector, the album's only feature.[12] On the track he declares rather confident lyrics: "I'm not insane. It's in your brain. I’m still the same", asserting his continued presence in the music industry after setbacks in his career.[2] The album leans heavily on traditional Yoruba influences blended with modern production. "3310", "Simple Strategy", and "Don't Go" showcase 9ice's use of proverbs, cultural references, and indigenous instrumentation.[12] "3310" likens the artist's resilience to the durability of the Nokia phone of the same name, while "Simple Strategy" draws sonic inspiration from famous influential figures such as Fela Kuti and Ayinde Barrister.[2] On "Everyday", 9ice delivers a love song that features layered Yoruba lyrics and melodies that can convey emotion beyond language. "Shakashiki" is reminiscent of 9ice's past singles from Gongo Aso (2008). Songs like "I Rule" and "Enife" give a bold tone, showing 9ice in a more confident and forceful mood.[12][2]
Ayomide Tayo of Nigerian Entertainment Today praised Bashorun Gaa as a strong comeback for 9ice, highlighting his return to form through a powerful blend of traditional Yoruba influences and contemporary pop sounds. Tayo commended the album’s production, groove, and cultural depth, calling it “a melodic renaissance of an artiste” and noting that while it lacked massive hit singles, it showed 9ice “knocking hard on the palace doors.” He gave it a rating of 3.5/5.[2] Ayo Jaguda of Jaguda saw Bashorun Gaa as a strong return for 9ice, describing it as a well-crafted project that showcases his lyrical growth and cultural depth. The review highlighted the album’s blend of meaningful messages, Yoruba proverbs, and danceable beats, noting that tracks like “3310,” “Shakashiky,” and “Don’t Go” stood out. Despite some weaker moments, the reviewer commended the album’s cohesiveness and effort, writing, “Bashorun Gaa is not a perfect album, but it’s a good one and you should cop it, if you haven’t.”[13] Wilfred Okiche of YNaija commended Bashorun Gaa as a cohesive, richly crafted album that showcases 9ice’s lyrical depth, cultural flair, and enduring artistry, even if it doesn’t aim for mainstream dominance. While he found its 18-track length excessive, he praised its traditional elements, vocal charm, and replay value, concluding, “As long as he makes music as good as this, we’ll always pledge allegiance.”[12] Osarumwense of Hip Hop World Magazine viewed Bashorun Gaa as a culturally rooted project that reflected "growth and improvement in 9ice's music" despite limited commercial appeal, awarding the album a score of 4/5.[1]
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