ONDO, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 – It is a great day in the life of juju maestro, King Sunny Ade, as he clocks 70 today.
While many of the fans of the master guitarist, great composer and swift dancer are in a joyous mood, several stakeholders are reflecting on his journey in music.
Despite some challenges that came his way in the course of his career that spans about five decades, KSA is one of the musicians that laid the foundation for the boom that the Nigerian music industry is currently experiencing.
The Osemawe of Ondo – the artiste’s hometown – Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo, described KSA as a music icon.
He noted, in a statement, that Sunny Ade’s impact transcended music as evident in the recent establishment of a radio station by the musician.
Oba Kiladejo, who is also the chairman, Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, commended KSA for locating the outfit in the town.
According to him, it will enhance the rising profile of the city, in terms of effective communication, entertainment and enlightenment.
The monarch added that Adegeye’s decision to associate with his root, in spite of his music’s wide acceptance across the globe, underscored his uncommon humility, which, the monarch added, was worthy of emulation by other privileged indigenes of Ondo Kingdom.
The Osemawe said, “We are proud of you as a worthy and illustrious son, a great achiever, an international music icon, a well decorated patriot and legendary figure who has consistently used his God-given talent to entertain, educate and consciously promote African culture.”
Another juju icon, Chief Ebenezer Obey, noted in an interview that the feat that he and KSA had recorded was God-ordained.
He said that their impact had lasted because they were created to be sources of joy to people.
Popular film-maker, Tunde Kelani, corroborated this view, saying that KSA and Obey had distinguished themselves as artistes who had positively influenced society.
Kelani told our correspondent that they had been great ambassadors of the country and so deserved to be celebrated.
“They possess extraordinary creative talents,” Kelani, producer of acclaimed movies such as Saworoide and Arugba, said.
“That is why KSA has been able to remain on the scene even at 70. He has also delved into acting and he enriches creativity each time he does. Like the late IK Dairo, KSA and Obey have immortalised the Yoruba heritage and the African experience in general.”
Meanwhile, Lagos-based musician, Abel Dosumu, popularly called Mega 99, has released the video of a song he produced in the honour of King Sunny Ade.
Although Mega 99 specialises in ‘gospel-juju’, being a mixture of gospel and juju songs, the video titled Tribute to KSA at 70 is pure juju, and exudes accolades, elaborate dance and laughter.
It is one of the tracks in the artiste’s latest album, titled Mega Superstar.
In the tradition of eulogy, Tribute to KSA @ 70 celebrates Sunny Ade’s Ondo heritage, while Mega 99 also seeks to showcase the acumen that KSA displays on the guitar.
He told our correspondent on Wednesday that the video directed by Oyeyemi Akinsola consumed time, but was worth doing based on the status of the celebrator.
Mega 99 said, “KSA has been a positive influence to many of us. He, alongside Obey and other elders in the trade, inspired us and they have continued to do so.
Each time we want to relax for one reason or the other, we remember that, even at 70, KSA is still very active on the beat. So, we get energised and do what we know how to do best.”
