By Ghazali Ibrahim
Legendary Nigerian juju musician, King Sunny Ade (KSA), turned 79 on Monday, September 22, 2025, marking nearly six decades of groundbreaking contributions to music both in Nigeria and on the global stage.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential musical figures, KSA not only pioneered modern juju music but also broke boundaries internationally.
In 1983, he debuted in Hollywood with ‘Breathless’ and however made history by featuring as a guest artiste in the Hollywood film ‘OC and Stiggs’ in 1986 where he also earned credit for the movie’s music score. His Hollywood portfolio includes appearances in ‘Breathless’ and ‘One More Saturday Night’, showcasing his versatility beyond the music stage.
King Sunny Ade also holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian musician to be nominated for a Grammy Award. His ‘Synchro System’ album earned a nomination in 1983 in the ‘Best Ethnic/Traditional Folk Recording’ category.
He received a second Grammy nomination in 1999 for ‘Odu’ in the ‘Best World Music Album’ category, further cementing his legacy as a global music ambassador.
As he marks his 79th birthday, tributes continue to pour in from fans and industry stakeholders celebrating a man whose artistry and cultural influence have spanned generations and continents.
