Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and fans of legendary Nigerian musician King Sunny Ade have celebrated the juju music icon as he marks his 80th birthday.
In a birthday message issued on Tuesday, Aiyedatiwa described the musician, whose real name is Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, as a distinguished son of Ondo Kingdom and one of the state’s foremost cultural ambassadors.
The governor said King Sunny Ade had promoted Ondo State’s cultural heritage, identity and traditions through his music while taking Nigerian juju music to audiences around the world.
“As a distinguished son of Ondo Kingdom and one of the foremost cultural ambassadors of Ondo State, you have carried the rich heritage, identity and traditions of our people to audiences across Nigeria and the world,” Aiyedatiwa said.
“Through your remarkable musical career, you have not only attained global recognition for juju music but have also remained a great promoter of our culture, language and values.”
Aiyedatiwa said King Sunny Ade’s contribution to Nigerian music and influence on generations of musicians had earned him a lasting place in the country’s cultural history.
“Your 80th birthday is, therefore, a great honour and a significant milestone worthy of celebration. It is an opportunity to acknowledge not only an exceptional musician, but also an illustrious son of Ondo Kingdom whose life and achievements have brought honour to our state and enriched Nigeria’s cultural heritage,” he said.
Meanwhile, fans and admirers of the musician took to social media on Tuesday to celebrate him with goodwill messages and prayers.
One fan, @Gods Son, recalled growing up listening to Ade’s music.
“KSA, the man I grew up playing his music in my village as a child. That track he released for Oba Adeso Oye was one of his best tracks. Happy birthday, great man. These are the people I call legends,” the fan wrote.
Another fan, @richard Oluwagbem, wrote: “Born in the same month as me. Happy birthday King Sunny Ade.”
@fshion peel wrote: “Omo, this man just dey move. May he continue to live long.”
Another fan, @the peace ambassador, said: “Happy birthday sir, age gracefully and in good health. You’re a great legend.”
@dvmmytex wrote: “Happy birthday to a legend, not just in juju music but in music generally. May his days be long.”
Other fans described Ade as an “icon” and “legend”, while @olowookere wrote: “Happy birthday, my favourite legend; 80 years of greatness and an unforgettable contribution to Nigerian music.”
Born on September 22, 1946, King Sunny Ade began his musical career in the 1960s and formed his own band in 1967, which later became known as the African Beats.
He gained international recognition after signing with Island Records in the early 1980s and releasing albums including Juju Music and Synchro System.
Synchro System earned him a Grammy nomination in 1984 for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording, making him the first Nigerian artist to receive a Grammy nomination. He later received another nomination for Odu.
