22nd September, 2016
Nigerians have continued to shower encomiums on the King of Juju music, Sunny Ade (KSA) as he turns 70.
Upcoming artistes, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday, described him as a cultural legend.
Elizabeth Oyovwe, a gospel artist told NAN that she had always regarded KSA a “godfather’’ in the music industry because of his maturity both in style and trend.
“I always play the videos of Pa Sunny Ade to enlighten my intellect on the cultural touch whenever I was planning a show and even in the composition of my songs.
“I cherish the cultural touch he sustains in his music and he maintains it even outside the country,’’ she said.
According to her, Sunny Ade should be named “Pride of Nigerian culture’’ as the leading projector of the nation’s cultural heritage to the world.
Speaking on her latest work, “Gallant of Praise’’, Oyovwe stated that the album featured four ethnic cultures, Hausa, Edo, Igbo and Yoruba in both the lyrics and the video.
The upcoming artist noted that it was her own way of promoting Nigeria’s rich culture and tradition to the outside world.
Similarly, a comedian Emmanuel Idemudia, popularly known as “Paparazzi’’ said that Sunny Ade’s works would remain timeless because of the wisdom in his lyrics.
“The songs of the Juju music icon is an ever active lyric that will remain relevant even decades after, unlike our contemporary songs by our young artistes.
“Though his songs are seen by many as songs for the matured minds, it is a challenge for the computer age musicians, as most young artistes drift towards alien entertainment.
“We need to redirect our youths to our cultural songs and performances like that of King Sunny Ade which is in line with programmes such as “Village Headmaster”, “Tales by moonlight”, “Winds of Destiny” and lots more.
“The media industry should promote more of these cultural and epic works in Nollywood and national screens,” he said
Paula Mbah said that the Juju music exponent was her cultural role model that inspired her in compositions and stage performances.
“King Sunny Ade has raised my moral in learning how to play local drums and other traditional musical instruments during my stage performances.
“In fact, as a woman, I play the talking drum which is a major point of admiration from my fans,” Mbah added.
Meanwhile, another upcoming artiste, Otunba has urged the government to honour Sunny Ade for his cultural contributions to the entertainment industry.
“I see King Sunny Ade as a model that showcases the rich cultural heritage of our great country,” he said.