Tinubu celebrates King Sunny Ade at 80, hails musical excellence

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated legendary Nigerian musician, Chief Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade, on his 80th birthday.

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Tinubu, in a statement issued by the State House on Tuesday, described the juju music maestro as an icon of Nigerian and African music and praised his contributions to the country’s creative industry.

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The President said Ade had demonstrated musical excellence and cultural ambassadorship throughout his eight decades, while bringing joy to millions of people across generations.

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He said, “For eight decades, you have exemplified musical excellence and cultural ambassadorship, enriching our nation and bringing joy to millions across generations. Through your extraordinary talent, creativity, discipline and enduring passion, you transformed juju music into a globally recognised Nigerian cultural treasure.”

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Tinubu noted that Ade had taken Nigerian culture to audiences across the world through his music and distinctive artistic style.

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He said, “As one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainers, you have brought the richness of our culture to audiences worldwide. Your distinctive sound, masterful blend of guitar, talking drums and other traditional instruments, mesmerising dance steps, and innovative approach to music have earned you a distinguished place in the history of African arts and entertainment.”

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The President also described the musician as a proud ambassador of Nigeria whose career had demonstrated the ability of the country’s cultural heritage to transcend borders.

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He said, “Beyond your musical accomplishments, you have remained a proud ambassador of Nigeria, demonstrating through your career that our cultural heritage can transcend borders and speak powerfully to people everywhere.”

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Tinubu said Ade’s contributions had inspired generations of musicians and practitioners in Nigeria’s creative industry.

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He added, “Your remarkable contributions to the Nigerian creative industry have inspired generations of musicians and practitioners. Your music has not only entertained, but it has also preserved our cultural identity, celebrated our traditions and projected the beauty and diversity of our country to the world.”

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The President said he recognised the contributions of Nigeria’s cultural icons and expressed gratitude to God for the life and achievements of the octogenarian musician.

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He stated, “As President, I deeply recognise and celebrate the immense contributions of our cultural icons. On this important milestone, I am especially grateful to God for the grace He has given you.”

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Tinubu said Ade’s 80th birthday represented a milestone that reflected excellence, perseverance and service to the arts.

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He said, “At 80, you embody excellence, perseverance and service to the arts. Your achievements remind us that talent, when combined with dedication and commitment to one’s heritage, can become an enduring national legacy.”

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The President, while congratulating the musician on behalf of his family, the Federal Government and Nigerians, prayed for his continued good health and fulfilment.

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He said, “On behalf of my family, the Government and the people of Nigeria, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. May Almighty God bless you with good health, wisdom and many more fulfilling years.”

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Tinubu signed the statement as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on September 22, 2026.

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