Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has congratulated Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly called King Sunny Ade, on his 80th birthday.
The monarch described him ‘as a trailblazer, a music maestro, a rare breed and a precious gift, who has remained active despite his age on the music scene, thus reinforcing his position as a cultural ambassador, who has done so much to project a positive image for the country over the years.’
In a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Alaafin lauded Sunny Ade’s contribution to the growth of Nigerian music,
which has become a global brand, crediting him and other musical stars of his generation for charting the path for today’s generation of ”Young Turks” in the industry.
Oba Owoade said: ‘King Sunny Ade is a muse, a prodigious songster, a creative enigma and a conversationalist musician, whose reach in musical world is limitless. He could single up to the age of 80 due to combination of factors, which include his dexterity, originality, hard work and above all the grace of God.
‘The Juju music exponent has made his mark in the music world as one of the most gifted and prolific singers, as well as song writers with an uncommon consistency in the last five decades. He is one of the music icons on the African continent. He is a gift not only to Nigeria, but also the whole music communities of the world.’
The monarch prayed that God would grant the Juju music maestro many more years in good health, so that he would continue to benefit humanity.