The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) have celebrated the iconic Nigerian musician, Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), as he clocks 79.
In separate tributes on Monday, leaders of both associations praised the juju music legend for his immense contribution to African music and his enduring influence across generations.
Pretty Okafor, National President of PMAN, described KSA as “a living legend who has used his works to promote peace and unity.” He added: “He is quite a humble and quiet person, and I wish him the best of the day and more happy years of celebrations. He has continued to use his craft and character to inspire the younger generation of artistes, including me, and we still have a lot to learn from him and his work ethic. As a former president of PMAN, he has continued to support and motivate us.”
Abubakar Yakubu, National Secretary of AGN, hailed Sunny Ade as a beacon of professionalism and an ambassador of African music whose timeless tunes resonate with all generations. “His voice, body, soul and everything about him is music and he has inspired generations and has given the world a piece of history,” Yakubu said. “On behalf of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, I want to wish the legendary King Sunny Ade a happy 79th birthday.”
The AGN scribe further urged upcoming Nigerian artistes to learn from KSA’s humility, dedication, and success story.
Born on September 22, 1946, in Ondo State, Sunny Ade is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is regarded as one of the first African pop musicians to achieve international recognition and has often been described as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
Among his milestones, his 1980 album “Syncro System” earned him his first Grammy nomination, making him the first Nigerian nominee for the prestigious award. He has since received numerous accolades, including induction into the Hard Rock Café Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Headies Hall of Fame in 2021.