King Sunny Ade Turns 80 as Ondo Governor Celebrates Music Legend

(King Sunny Ade. Photo CREDIT: Peoples Gazette Nigeria)

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has celebrated legendary juju musician King Sunny Ade on his 80th birthday.

Aiyedatiwa called Ade a distinguished son of Ondo Kingdom and one of the foremost cultural ambassadors of the state.

Through his music, Ade has promoted Ondo's cultural heritage and taken juju music to audiences around the world.

The governor said Ade's contribution to Nigerian music and influence on generations of musicians has earned him a place in the country's cultural history.

His 80th birthday is an opportunity to acknowledge an exceptional musician whose life and achievements have brought honour to Ondo State and enriched Nigeria's cultural heritage.

Fans celebrated Ade on social media with goodwill messages and prayers.

One fan recalled listening to his music as a child in the village. Others called him a legend and icon.

Fans prayed for him to continue living long and in good health.

King Sunny Ade, real name Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, was born on September 22, 1946.

He started making music in the 1960s and formed his own band in 1967, which became known as the African Beats.

He gained international recognition in the early 1980s after signing with Island Records.

His album Synchro System earned him a Grammy nomination in 1984, making him the first Nigerian artist to receive one.

He received another nomination for the album Odu.