By Dare Adeniran
King of World Beat, Prince Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), has described his 70th birthday as the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
The legendary juju musician, who was preparing to celebrate his 70th birthday on Thursday, September 22, 2016, spoke about the milestone during a chat with TrendscopeNewsOnline.
According to KSA, although he had celebrated his birthday every year with friends and family, his 70th birthday was different because of the significance attached to the milestone.
“Every year we normally meet for my birthday but this one is different, unique and fantastic, and I believe that this is the beginning of my new life,” he said.
KSA Clears Air on Onyeka Onwenu Rumour
KSA also addressed the longstanding speculation surrounding his relationship with veteran singer Onyeka Onwenu following their collaboration on the popular song Wait for Me about three decades earlier.
The song, which focused on discouraging young people from engaging in irresponsible sexual relationships and unwanted pregnancy, generated considerable public interest at the time.
KSA explained that the chemistry between him and Onwenu in the song was part of the creative concept and should not be interpreted as evidence of a romantic relationship.
“At that time we did the song to guide kids against unwanted pregnancy, if I remember very well it was organised by Hopskins University of America,” he said.
“So we recorded the song as call and response. It was a pure gimmick and the fans bought it. It led to a lot of rumours that made the song big.”
KSA maintained that his relationship with Onwenu was strictly professional and based on mutual respect.
“But in reality, Onyeka is my colleague, my sister and a good woman. I never had a crush on her. We play together on stage every time,” he added.
KSA’s 70th Birthday Celebration
A series of activities had been planned to mark the landmark birthday, with the celebration scheduled to extend across several weeks and locations.
The programme officially commenced on Thursday, September 1, 2016, with a special prayer session for KSA led by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. The session was followed by Holy Communion with the revered cleric.
On Wednesday, September 21, a Gospel Music Night was scheduled to hold in Ondo, where gospel artistes were expected to perform in honour of the celebrant and usher him into his 70th birthday.
September 22, the actual birthday, was planned to begin with a special early-morning prayer involving members of the celebrant’s family.
A church service was also scheduled to take place at KSA’s residence, with friends and associates expected to join the family.
The celebration was expected to continue with a special gathering involving his children and grandchildren, who would honour him as their father and family patriarch.
Charity and Family Events
On September 23, KSA was scheduled to visit motherless babies’ homes and correctional facilities as part of the birthday activities, alongside other charitable engagements.
The following day, September 24, was set aside for a special celebration involving members of his immediate family.
The birthday train was then expected to move to Ile-Ife on September 28, where the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, alongside Apreel 1 Event Management, was scheduled to host KSA.
The Ile-Ife programme was expected to begin with a lecture at a university campus, with eminent Nigerians billed to participate. A dinner was subsequently scheduled to take place at Enu-Owa within the Ooni’s palace.
More Celebrations Planned
The celebrations were expected to continue into October, with several concerts and activities planned in Nigeria and beyond.
A special concert was scheduled to hold in Ibadan, bringing together musicians from different generations and genres, including juju, hip-hop and traditional music, to celebrate the legendary musician.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God was also expected to honour KSA, with 70 children billed to perform during the celebration.
Professional and industry associations, including the Freelance Independent Broadcasters of Nigeria (FIBAN) and the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), were also expected to organise activities in honour of the veteran musician.
A book launch was among the other activities planned as part of the extended birthday celebration.
Another event was scheduled for South Africa, further extending the international dimension of the celebrations.
Stevie Wonder May Join Celebration
Organisers were also exploring the possibility of having American music legend Stevland Hardaway Morris, popularly known as Stevie Wonder, attend the celebration in Nigeria.
KSA and Stevie Wonder had previously collaborated musically, and efforts were reportedly being made to determine whether the American musician could make an appearance at the Nigerian celebration.
The grand finale was expected to feature a major concert involving musicians from different parts of Africa. The event was to be packaged by a South African organisation, although the final date had not been fixed at the time.
For KSA, however, beyond the concerts, honours and elaborate celebrations, turning 70 represented something more profound — the beginning of what he described as a new life.
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