The story of Panshak Henry Zamani, one of Nigeria’s greatest rappers has a unique trajectory. It comes with a lot of lessons to inspire and uplift young persons.
Better known as Ice Prince, the genre of his music has a large fan base, who are often thrilled almost to a point of cult following.
He remains consistent on account of the influence of Jos, a city he calls ‘the best, coldest place in the World’ has had on him and his music.ll
For obvious reasons, he is opened to his fans; and even more, those who may not like his genre of music and swag; he tells his story with a passion that is sufficiently convincing.
Today, his fans know and appreciate how life has treated him while growing up in Jos; but this is not to forget his native home, Tabulung in Kanke local government area of Plateau State.
It is not an assumption that the Industry’s ‘coolest cat’ loves Jos, Plateau State to the point of naming one of his musical albums, Jos To The World.
People become what they dream to be by virtue of their life experience. The slow rapping Oleku and Aboki crooner, has a fair share of what life has taught him.
He has always admitted, and truly so, he had a father who was a man of means while he lived. His passage may have changed and tilted the balance of survival in the later years.
It was as a result of making things happen for his good and future that he came into his own. For that, he was able to create a viable platform for himself in the years that followed.
Late in 2024, he recounted how a failure to raise 20 thousand naira only stood between him and university education. This has happened to several persons from this part.
He told his fans on Amazing Klef Podcast: ‘I am an orphan. I didn’t go to the university because of N20K’. It never stopped him as that was not the end of his life.
Panshak Henry Zamani says: “If this imperfect human can make it, then nobody has an excuse to fail.
‘I was the guy who, every term, would spend at least three weeks at home because of school fees’.
Therefore, in order to survive, ‘I did menial jobs: I worked as a pool table attendant and made leather slippers just to get by.
“I was born into some privilege—my dad was rich when he was alive, but after he passed away, things changed. I’m not academically inclined or very smart, but I am grateful, and I thank God for my life.
The crooner couldn’t be anything but be proud of ‘where I come from, anyday, I can never come from anywhere except Jos’, and thus, he used that to rap ‘his city to the world’.
With big plans for ‘Jos to the world’, he was home last year to uplift the spirits of community members. If you doubt it, ask what he did when he visited Jankwano (Evangel) Hospital, Jos during the same period.
Did the Gada Biu people in Jos not benefit from his largesse? Walking all the way to Evangel, with no incident of stampede, it made the difference; for what he is to them.
Ice Prince Zamani is still a history maker, being Nigeria’s most successful commercial rapper. Mr Incredible MI Abaga, as others are still alive to confirm its veracity.
He became the first African artiste to go on a BET stage to receive an award solo. That is why he has reasons to disagree when credit is given to Davido.
Asked why that is so, he had this to lay his claim to: “I’m the most loyal nigga you’d see. Even when I want to release, I can’t without playing the record for Audu and MI, for their approval. It’s not like me and them don’t fîght, we have our fîghts but you’ll never hear me say things about Chocolate City.
“Even when I made the most money, I didn’t talk about it because I can never and I’ll never bite the hand that feeds me. Audu, Paul, MI, Yahaya, Jesse Jagz, they’re my blood as no money, no business, no music can come between us”.
Born Panshak Henry Zamani on October 30, 1986, in Minna, he steadily “rose to fame after releasing his hit single Oleku in 2010. The song became one of Nigeria’s most remixed songs of all time, and it’s still widely popular today.
“Ice Prince’s music career has been marked by several notable achievements, including winning the 2009 Hennessy Artistry Club Tour and releasing his debut studio album “Everybody Loves Ice Prince” in 2011.
He has collaborated with top African artists like MI Abaga, Jesse Jagz, and Sarkodie, and won numerous awards for his music, including several Nigeria Music Video Awards, Headies Awards, and Channel O Music Video Awards.
“As a rapper, Ice Prince is known for his unique style, which blends hip-hop with African rhythms and melodies. He has released several successful albums, including “Fire of Zamani” in 2013 and “Jos to the World” in 2016. He founded his record label, Super Cool Cats, and has signed several talented artists.
“Ice Prince’s personal life is also quite interesting. He has a son named Jamal. He has had challenges he faced in his early music career, including financial constraints and self-doubt’.
You can’t beat this: Ice Prince Zamani is a talented and influential musician who has made a significant impact on the African music scene. His unique style, catchy songs, and inspiring story have endeared him to fans all over the world”.
Ice Prince is the Jos that has been given to the world. The ‘Fire of Zamani’ is still on rage on stage!
By : Katdapba Yunana Gobum
