10 THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT KING SUNNY ADE
Born on September 22, 1946, today marks the 69th birthday of
veteran musician, King Sunny Ade. Here are 10 things you didn’t
know about the legend:
KSA’s father was a church minister and organist, while his
mother was a trader.
He left home for the city to pursue his chosen career under the
guise of attending the University of Lagos.
His first experience as an entertainer was with Baba Sala‘s
Federal Rhythm Dandies.s Island Records signed KSA in the
early 80s following the death of Bob Marley and intended
making him the next global star but the contract was short lived
as he refused to ‘Europeanise his music’ as requested by the
label.
KSA released 3 albums (Juju Music-82, Synchro System-83 and
Aura-84) under Island Records.
He is the first Nigerian musician to be nominated for a Grammy
awards and has gone on to be nominated twice.
New York Times described KSA as one of the greatest band
leaders of all times.
One of KSA’s wives, Ajoke Adeniyi Adegeye was a member of
the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2011.
King Sunny Ade made a cameo appearance in the 1983
Hollywood movie,’ Breathless’ which stars Richard Gere.
KSA is one of the first African musicians to collaborate with
American acts. In 1984, he featured Stevie Wonder on his album,
Aura.
He is acclaimed as a musical ‘King’ but KSA was actually born
into a royal house in Ondo town which makes him a prince and
one of those eligible to the throne of Ondo Kingdom.