The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) have paid glowing tributes to legendary musician Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Adé, on the occasion of his 79th birthday.
In separate statements, leaders of the two associations lauded the Juju icon for his enduring contributions to African music.
National President of PMAN, Pretty Okafor, described King Sunny Adé as a living legend whose music has consistently promoted peace and unity. He highlighted the maestro’s humility, talent, and dedication, noting that these qualities continue to inspire generations of artistes across Africa and beyond.
“King Sunny Adé is a legend who has lived through his age in peace and harmony. He is humble and dedicated, and we still have much to learn from his character and work ethic. As a former PMAN president, he continues to support and motivate us,” Okafor said.
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National Secretary of AGN, Abubakar Yakubu, hailed Adé as an ambassador of African music whose timeless tunes transcend generations. “His voice, body, soul everything about him is music. His journey in Nigerian music is a blueprint for younger generations. On behalf of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, I wish the legendary King Sunny Adé a happy 79th birthday,” Yakubu added, urging upcoming artistes to draw inspiration from his life and achievements.
Born on September 22, 1946, in Ondo State, Sunday Adegeye is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, widely regarded as one of the first African pop musicians to gain international acclaim. His 1980 album Syncro System earned him a Grammy nomination, making him the first Nigerian to achieve the honour.
Over the decades, King Sunny Adé has received numerous accolades, including induction into the Hard Rock Café Hall of Fame in 2016 and The Headies Hall of Fame in 2021, solidifying his legacy as one of Africa’s most influential musicians.
