President Bola Tinubu has described veteran musician King Sunny Ade as a cultural ambassador whose talent and creativity transformed juju music into a globally recognised Nigerian cultural treasure.
Tinubu made the remarks while celebrating the music legend, whose real name is Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, on his 80th birthday.
In a statement issued by the State House on Tuesday, the President said Sunny Ade’s eight-decade career had helped project Nigeria’s cultural heritage to audiences around the world.
Tinubu praised the musician’s distinctive use of guitars, talking drums and other traditional instruments, as well as his innovative musical style and stage performances.
“Through your extraordinary talent, creativity, discipline and enduring passion, you transformed juju music into a globally recognised Nigerian cultural treasure,” Tinubu said.
The President said Sunny Ade’s influence extended beyond entertainment, noting that his music had helped preserve Nigerian cultural identity, celebrate traditions and showcase the country’s diversity internationally.
He described the musician as one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainers and said his career had demonstrated that Nigerian cultural heritage could transcend borders and connect with audiences worldwide.
Tinubu also credited Sunny Ade with inspiring successive generations of musicians and practitioners in Nigeria’s creative industry.
“Your remarkable contributions to the Nigerian creative industry have inspired generations of musicians and practitioners. Your music has not only entertained, but it has also preserved our cultural identity, celebrated our traditions and projected the beauty and diversity of our country to the world,” he said.
The President said Sunny Ade’s 80th birthday was an opportunity to recognise his enduring contribution to Nigerian arts and entertainment.
“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 added.
He congratulated the music icon on behalf of his family, the Federal Government and Nigerians, and wished him good health, wisdom and many more fulfilling years.
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