Juju music maestro King Sunny Ade (KSA) has revealed that his relationship with the late singer Onyeka Onwenu was beyond work.
KSA stated this in an interview with QEDNG on Tuesday when he and veteran reggae singer Orits Wiliki led the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) on a condolence visit to the bereaved family.
“I can’t explain that, you know if you were given the news of a loved one that you know has to do with your life and also your work,” he said.
“She is not just an ordinary woman, she is someone who will sit down with you and say, like she used to say, ‘Can I chip in some advice?’ and her advice is always very correct.”
Reflecting on their musical collaboration, he said, “She does more than I do because when it comes to music that the two people have to do together, she used to do more than I do.
“She would just tap me, ‘Sunny let’s take it this way,’ and it’s always good.”
KSA highlighted her dedication and drive, saying, “When it comes to a request from far away that has to do with music, she is the first person to say ‘This thing we must do it, Sunny let’s do it. You know this work we want to do is not only for us, not only for our nation but the whole world.'”
Addressing the long-standing rumour of a romantic relationship with Onyeka, the Juju music star said it was a gimmick to promote their song ‘Wait for Me.’
“That was a gimmick we did when we wanted to launch ‘Wait for Me,'” he clarified.
KSA and Onyeka’s ‘Wait for Me’ was released in 1989.
After its release, rumour of a relationship between them circulated, which neither of them addressed until 2016.
In a press parley on his 70th birthday, KSA clarified that there was nothing between him and Onyeka, explaining that the song was to promote healthy relationships among the youth.
