Born on September 22, 1946, today marks the 70th birthday of veteran musician, King Sunny Ade.
Here are 10 things you didn’t know about the legend…
1. Who his parents were
KSA’s father was a church minister and organist, while his mother was a trader.
2. What he had to do at the beginning
He left home for the city to pursue his chosen career under the guise of attending the University of Lagos.
3. 1st experience in entertainment
His first experience as an entertainer was with Baba Sala‘s Federal Rhythm Dandies.
4. The Grammys
He is the first Nigerian musician to be nominated for a Grammy award and went on get a second nomination soon after.
5. KSA and Island Records
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 three albums (Juju Music in 1982, Syncro System in 1983 and Aura in ’84) under Island Records.
6. What New York Times said about him
New York Times described KSA as one of the greatest band leaders of all times.
7. His collaborations
KSA is one of the first African musicians to collaborate with American acts. In 1984, he featured Stevie Wonder on his album, Aura.
8. Working in Hollywood
King Sunny Ade made a cameo appearance in the 1983 Hollywood movie,’ Breathless’ which stars Richard Gere.
9. Government ties
One of KSA’s wives, Ajoke Adeniyi Adegeye was a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2011.
10. He really is royalty
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.
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