The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has congratulated legendary Nigerian juju musician, Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade, on his 80th birthday.
The monarch described the music icon as a trailblazer, music maestro, rare breed and cultural ambassador whose career has helped project Nigeria’s image and musical heritage around the world.
King Sunny Ade, who was born on 22 September 1946, marked his 80th birthday on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade praised King Sunny Ade for his contribution to the growth and international recognition of Nigerian music.
The monarch described him as a “muse, a prodigious songster, creative enigma, and conversationalist musician,” adding that his influence in the global music industry had remained significant.
According to the Alaafin, King Sunny Ade’s longevity in the music industry was supported by his dexterity, originality, hard work and what he described as the grace of God.
The monarch said the musician had remained one of Africa’s most gifted and prolific singers and songwriters, with a career spanning more than five decades.
‘Pride of Nigerian Culture’
Oba Owoade said King Sunny Ade should be recognised as the “Pride of Nigerian Culture” because of his role in projecting the country’s cultural heritage internationally.
He said the musician’s works would remain relevant because of the wisdom contained in his lyrics.
The Alaafin also contrasted the enduring cultural influence of King Sunny Ade’s music with what he described as the tendency of some contemporary musicians to lean heavily towards foreign entertainment influences.
He urged musicians in the computer age to learn from the veteran artiste’s originality and commitment to Nigerian culture.
Music as a viable career
The monarch also credited King Sunny Ade with helping to make music a more viable career option for young Nigerians.
According to him, many parents were previously reluctant to encourage their children to pursue music professionally, but King Sunny Ade’s success helped change perceptions about the profession.
The Alaafin noted that the musician had performed before presidents, governors, traditional rulers and other prominent personalities, helping to place Nigerian music on a respected international platform.
He said the musician’s career had also inspired generations of Nigerians who later followed similar paths in the creative industry.
Global impact of King Sunny Ade
King Sunny Ade began his professional music career in the 1960s and formed his own band in 1967. He later became internationally recognised following his work with Island Records in the early 1980s.
His albums Juju Music and Synchro System helped introduce his blend of juju music, electric guitars, percussion and talking drums to international audiences.
Synchro System earned him a Grammy nomination in 1984, making him the first Nigerian artiste to receive a Grammy nomination. He later received another nomination for Odu.
The Alaafin’s tribute adds to several birthday messages celebrating King Sunny Ade’s contribution to Nigerian music and culture.
President Bola Tinubu also congratulated the musician on his 80th birthday, describing him as an icon of Nigerian and African music and praising his role in transforming juju music into a globally recognised cultural treasure.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa similarly described King Sunny Ade as a distinguished son of Ondo Kingdom and a cultural ambassador who had taken the state’s heritage and Nigerian juju music to audiences around the world.
Oba Owoade prayed that God would grant King Sunny Ade many more years in good health so that he could continue contributing to music and humanity.
The monarch said the veteran musician’s career represented an enduring contribution to Nigerian culture and the global music community.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
