Ice Prince

A popular Nigerian hip-hop star and actor, Ice Prince first found success in 2011 with the release of his debut album, Everybody Loves Ice Prince. The LP included the chart-topping single “Oleku,” which would go on to become one of the most remixed Nigerian songs of all time. He continued to hone his unifying blend of hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, raga, Afrobeat, reggae, highlife, and soul on subsequent efforts like Jos to the World (2016) and C.O.L.D. (2018).
Born Panshak Henri Zamani in the city of Minna, Niger State, Ice started rapping at school social events in his teens and parlayed that experience into a recording career in 2004 after relocating to Lagos and teaming up with fellow Nigerian rappers and producers M.I, Jesse Jagz, Ruby, Lindsey, Eve, and Taz, who would eventually become known as the “Loopy Crew.” He had his first taste of success in 2009 with the single “Badman,” which took home first place honors at that year’s Hennessy Artistry competition, which led to Ice signing a record deal with Chocolate City, one of the largest and most successful labels in Africa.
Prominent features on tracks by the likes of Taikoon, DJ Neptune, and Bez preceded the release of the hit single “Oleku,” which featured vocals by Brymo and appeared on his debut album, 2011′s Everybody Loves Ice Prince. The LP also spawned the hits “Superstar” and “Juju” and went on to win Best Rap Album at the 2012 Headies Awards. Fire of Zamani arrived the following year and landed hits with “Aboki,” “More,” and “I Swear,” the latter of which featured guest spots from French Montana and Shaydee. Despite being named Vice President of Chocolate City the year prior, Ice left the label in 2016 and released his third full-length effort, Jos to the World, via his own Super Cool Cats label. The C.O.L.D. EP arrived two years later and featured appearances by Remy Baggins and K-Switch, among others. ~ James Christopher Monger