KSA at 75: Celebrating the iconic feat of a “juju” maestro
By Tobi Adetunji
Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye (MFR) popularly known as King Sunny Adé (KSA), remains an icon in the narratives of the evolution of the music industry in Nigerian. The star who specialises in “juju,” branded the styles of the music and remains a recognised songwriter and talented-instrumentalist, known for his striking melodies on guitar.
He is regarded as one of the first African musicians to gain international success, and has been called one of the most influential musicians of all time.
There is no gainsaying, that the name King Sunny Ade is phenomenal, and resonates not only in Nigeria, or in the music circles but across the world especially where good music, morals, excellence, are mentioned. Sunny Adé was born in Osogbo, on 22 September 1946 to a Nigerian Royal family from Ondo-Akure, thereby making him an Omoba of the Yoruba people.
History reveals that his father was a church organist, while his mother, Maria Adegeye (née Adesida), was a trader. As a member of the Adesida dynasty, his mother’s relatives included her father Oba Adesida I (who ruled Akure for 60 years) and would later include her nephew and Adé’s cousin, Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida Afunbiowo II, a future king of Akure.
Destiny beckoned on King Sunny Adé, after he left the grammar school in Ondo City under the pretense of going to the University of Lagos. It was thus in Lagos that his eclectic musical career began with the late Victor Olaiya’s Federal Rhythm Dandies, a highlife band.
Having gained mastery from his boss, he later left to form a new band – the Green Spots, in 1967. Over the years, for various reasons ranging from changes in his music to business concerns, Sunny Adé’s band changed its name several times, first to African Beats and then to Golden Mercury.
After achieving national success in Nigeria during the 1970s and founding his own independent label, in 1982, Island Records signed King Sunny Ade for Europe and North America (promoting him as ‘the African Bob Marley’). With the Island Records, KSA released three albums which includes: – Juju Music, Synchro System and Aura.
It must be distinctly noted that Synchro System (1983); accorded him a Grammy nomination, and thus made him the first Nigerian artist to be nominated for this much coveted and prestigious award. His 1998 album, Odu, also garnered a Grammy nomination. Sunny Adé currently was the former chairperson of the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria, and current Honorary President of the Association.
When the artist and the label ultimately disagreed on the artist’s future artistic direction, they parted ways amicably. However, for almost 10 years, King Sunny Ade continued to release records and dominate the domestic music industry in Nigeria.
In 1996, KSA signed a new deal with Atlantic Records subsidiary, Mesa/Bluemoon under which he released three records – E Dide/Get Up, Odu, and Seven Degrees North.
It is on record that for over 30 years, King Sunny Ade has been thrilling audiences and listeners with dynamic live performances, creative videos and innovative recordings. He has collaborated with major artists such as Manu Dibango (Wakafrika) and Stevie Wonder (who played harmonica on Aura), Nigerian artists such as Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and Bola Abimbola. Others are artists like Senegalese Youssou N’Dour, Mali’s Salif Keita and most recently, Wizkid. The untiring music icon also stated in an interview in 2016 that his doors for collaboration with young musicians for good music was all open, but specifically he looked forward to collaborating with the likes of the “Gongo Aso” coroner 9ice, Dare Art Alade and many more.
KSA founded the King Sunny Ade Foundation, an organisation that includes a performing arts Centre, a state of the art recording studio, and housing for young musicians. He is also a visiting lecturer at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife and recipient of national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic. It must also be noted that KSA song was featured in 1983 Hollywood film titled “Breathless.”
In terms of awards of excellence, top-notch display, mastery, role modelling, inspiration for the younger generation and sustenance in the music industry, KSA is arguably one of the most decorated Nigerian musicians ever. His two Grammy award nominations and the King of the World Music award by the international Reggae and World Music Awards stands him out as first among equals.
In July 2009, King Sunny Ade was inducted into the Afro Pop Hall of Fame, at Brooklyn African Festival in the United States where he dedicated the award to the late Michael Jackson. In the same year, he was appointed a visiting Professor of Music at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife.
In November 2016, he became a recipient of the AFRIMA award. In December of the same year, he was inducted into Hard Rock Café hall of fame.
Furthermore, when marking his 70th birthday, KSA’s famous guitars, masterfully painted, were auctioned for N52 million within 15 minutes. In March 2017, he was appointed as the “Change Begins With Me” campaign ambassador by the Nigerian Minister of Information Lai Mohammed.
Among other innumerable laurels, uncountable Albums, unweaning bursting energy display, magical dancing steps, dexterous display of guitar, using music to forging national coherence from the early days of his music career, one can conclude, that the secret of the ever relevance and impactful life style of King Sunny Ade is function of his passion for music. By extension, this has earned him an enviable and deserving place in the musical world in Nigeria; makes him endearing with a robust wealth of experience on music of various genres and serves as inspiration to musicians across the globe.
As he clocks 75 years today, we can only wish Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye (KSA) longevity and more productive years ahead. Happy birthday “E’ ki Mogun Egi, Baba Elesin Ni Bariga” (native greetings by his popular nickname).
