Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and fans have come together to celebrate legendary musician, King Sunny Ade, as he turns 80.
In a birthday message on Tuesday, Aiyedatiwa called the juju music star a distinguished son of Ondo Kingdom. He said Adegeye is one of the top cultural ambassadors of the state.
The governor mentioned that Ade has showcased the state’s cultural heritage, identity, and traditions through his music. He has introduced Nigerian juju music to audiences all over the world.
He said, “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.
“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 added that Ade's impact on Nigerian music and his influence on many musicians have secured his 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.
Fans and admirers of King Sunny Ade celebrated him on social media on Tuesday with kind messages and prayers for his 80th birthday.
One fan, @Gods Son, remembered listening to Ade’s music as a child. He wrote, “KSA the man I grow playing his music in my village as a child, that track he release for Oba Adeso Oye was one of his best track.
“Happy Birthday great man, these are the people I call legend.”
Another fan, @richard Oluwagbem, added, “Born in the same month as me. Happy birthday king Sunny Ade.”
@fshion peel commented, “Omo this man just dey move. May he continue to live long.”
Another fan, @the peace ambassador, wished him well, saying, “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 called Ade an “icon” and “legend.” @olowookere said, “Happy birthday my favourite legend; 80 years of greatness and an unforgettable contribution to Nigerian music.”
King Sunny Ade, whose real name is Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, was born on September 22, 1946. He started his music career in the 1960s and formed his own band in 1967, which became known as the African Beats.
He gained international fame after signing with Island Records in the early 1980s. He released albums like Juju Music and Synchro System.
Synchro System earned him a Grammy nomination in 1984 for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording. This made him the first Nigerian artist to get a Grammy nomination. He later received another nomination for Odu.
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