President Buhari congratulates Sunny Ade on 70th birthday

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated music legend, King Sunny Ade, as he turns 70 on September 22nd, 2016.

Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Femi Adesina said, “President Buhari joins all friends, family and fans of the multi-talented instrumentalist, songwriter and dancer in celebrating his remarkable life, which has been graced with numerous awards for outstanding performances, including nominations for the Grammy.”

As a Nigerian musician, the President believes the Septuagenarian has over the years brought pride to his country by mastering his art against all odds, taking the African musical genre to the global stage, and serving as an inspiration and a mentor to upcoming artistes, he said.

Apart from bringing joy to many hearts and homes through his music, President Buhari also commends King Sunny Ade’s love for humanity, especially the less privileged, by setting up a foundation that caters for the needs of others.

He prays that the almighty God will grant the versatile entertainer longer life, good health and more strength.

King Sunny Adeniyi was born on 22 September 1946, is a Nigerian musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and a pioneer of modern world music.

He has been classed as one of the most influential musicians of all time. Sunny Ade was born to a Nigerian royal family in Ondo. His father was a church organist, while his mother was a trader. Sunny Ade left grammar school in Ondo under the pretense of going to the University of Lagos.

Sunny Ade’s musical sound has evolved from the early days. His career began with Moses Olaiya’s Federal Rhythm Dandies, a highlife band. He left to form a new band, The Green Spots, in 1967. Over the years, for various reasons ranging from changes in his music to business concerns, Sunny Ade’s band changed its name several times, first to African Beats and then to Golden Mercury.