President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated legendary Nigerian juju musician Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade, as the music icon marks his 80th birthday.

In a birthday message issued on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Tinubu praised the veteran artiste for his decades-long contribution to Nigerian music and culture.

The President described Sunny Ade as a major figure in Nigerian and African music, noting that his career had helped take the country’s cultural heritage to audiences beyond Nigeria.

According to Tinubu, the musician’s talent, creativity, discipline and dedication played an important role in transforming juju music into a recognised Nigerian cultural export.

Tinubu Praises Sunny Ade’s Musical Legacy

The President highlighted Sunny Ade’s distinctive musical style, particularly his combination of guitars, talking drums and other traditional instruments.

Tinubu also referenced the performer’s energetic stage presentation and innovative approach to music, saying these qualities had contributed to his lasting place in African arts and entertainment.

He noted that Sunny Ade’s influence went beyond entertaining audiences, saying the musician had helped preserve Nigerian cultural identity and showcase the country’s traditions and diversity internationally.

Tinubu further described the veteran artiste as an important cultural ambassador whose career demonstrated that Nigerian heritage could resonate with audiences across national boundaries.

Contribution to Nigeria’s Creative Industry

The President also acknowledged Sunny Ade’s influence on successive generations of musicians and other creative professionals.

Tinubu said the musician’s work had contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s creative industry while helping to maintain public interest in indigenous musical traditions.

He said Sunny Ade’s eight-decade journey represented a combination of talent, perseverance and commitment to cultural heritage.

The President added that the musician’s achievements provided an example of how dedication to one’s craft and cultural roots could create a lasting legacy.

Sunny Ade’s International Recognition

Born on September 22, 1946, King Sunny Ade began his professional music career in the 1960s and later formed the Green Spots band in 1967.

His music gained significant international attention in the 1980s following the release of albums including Juju Music and Synchro System. The latter earned a Grammy nomination in 1984, making Sunny Ade the first Nigerian artiste to receive a Grammy nomination.

His career has been closely associated with the development and international spread of modern juju music, blending Yoruba musical traditions with guitars, percussion, talking drums and other contemporary sounds.

President Wishes Music Legend Well

As part of his birthday message, Tinubu expressed appreciation for Sunny Ade’s contribution to Nigerian arts and entertainment.

He congratulated the octogenarian on reaching the milestone and prayed for continued good health, wisdom and many more years.

The President said the veteran musician’s career had established him as an enduring figure in Nigeria’s cultural history.

The 80th birthday celebration comes after decades in which Sunny Ade has remained one of the country’s most prominent musical figures and one of the artistes associated with taking indigenous Nigerian music to international audiences.