Music legend King Sunny Ade clocked 75 on Wednesday, a day after his wife Risikat Adegeye was reported dead.
Mrs. Adegeye who was a former chairmanship aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday.
Congratulating him on his birthday, President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, described the veteran as a cultural icon who has boosted the image of the country in a positive light.
Part of the statement read: “President Muhammadu Buhari joins the entertainment industry in Nigeria and world over, particularly performing artistes, in celebrating with legendary juju singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye aka King Sunny Ade on his 75th birthday, September 22, 2021.
“President Buhari believes King Sunny Ade’s several nominations for the Grammy, being the first Nigerian for such recognition, brought the spotlight on Nigeria’s multi-talented artistes, creating opportunities for many nominations and an eventual win that further boosted the country’s image among comity of nations.
“The President notes the focus, discipline, business and administrative savvy that the guitarist and dancer introduced into the music industry in Nigeria, encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship by setting up a foundation to cater for budding talents.”
The Osun-born juju singer is regarded as one of the first African pop musicians to gain international success and has been called one of the most influential musicians of all time.
