President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated legendary Nigerian musician, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade, on his 80th birthday, describing him as an icon of Nigerian and African music and a distinguished cultural ambassador.
In a birthday message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the music legend for transforming juju music into a globally recognised Nigerian cultural treasure.
The President said King Sunny Ade’s eight-decade journey had been marked by musical excellence, creativity, discipline and a commitment to Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“Through your extraordinary talent, creativity, discipline and enduring passion, you transformed juju music into a globally recognised Nigerian cultural treasure,” Tinubu said.
He noted that the musician’s distinctive sound, masterful use of the guitar, talking drums and other traditional instruments, as well as his innovative approach to music, had earned him a distinguished place in the history of African arts and entertainment.
According to Tinubu, King Sunny Ade’s music had taken the richness of Nigerian culture to audiences across the world, making him one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainers.
The President also praised the music icon for his role in projecting Nigeria’s cultural identity beyond the country’s borders.
“Beyond your musical accomplishments, you have remained a proud ambassador of Nigeria, demonstrating through your career that our cultural heritage can transcend borders and speak powerfully to people everywhere,” he said.
Tinubu said King Sunny Ade’s contribution to the Nigerian creative industry had inspired generations of musicians and other practitioners.
He added that the musician’s works had gone beyond entertainment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural identity, celebrating its traditions and projecting the country’s beauty and diversity to the international community.
The President said the Federal Government recognised the contributions of Nigeria’s cultural icons, adding that King Sunny Ade’s 80th birthday was an opportunity to celebrate his enduring legacy.
“At 80, you embody excellence, perseverance and service to the arts. Your achievements remind us that talent, when combined with dedication and commitment to one’s heritage, can become an enduring national legacy,” Tinubu said.
He expressed gratitude to God for granting the musician the grace to attain the milestone and prayed for his continued good health, wisdom and fulfilment.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Nigeria, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. May Almighty God bless you with good health, wisdom and many more fulfilling years,” the President said.
