Six things you should know about King Sunny Ade as he clocks 70
By Oluwakemi
Today is the 70th birthday of King of Juju Music, King Sunny Ade and here’s are six things you should know about the man, whose musical career has spanned several decades and will go on for more, if his energy level is anything to go by.
1. King Sunny Ade was hailed by American critics in 1982 as the next Bob Marley.
2. His first single, was titled “Challenge Cup,” which celebrated then local football team’s championship and it was a national hit.
3. By 1967 he had formed his own band, the Green Spots. He has changed the name of his band, several times over the years. They went by the name, African Beats and then Golden Mercury.
4. His 1998 released album Odu was nominated for the Grammys.
5. KSA is one of the first African musicians to collaborate with American acts. In 1984, he featured Stevie Wonder on his album, Aura, while he was with Island records. It was also his last album with the record label.
6. This year, the minister of enjoyment floated his own radio station, M & C Radio in his home state, Ondo state.