PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated music legend, King Sunny Ade, as he turns 70 today.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja, on Wednesday, Buhari joined friends, family and fans of the instrumentalist, songwriter and dancer in celebrating his remarkable life, which had been graced by numerous awards for outstanding performances, including nominations for the Grammy.
It said as a Nigerian musician, the president believed the Septuagenarian had, over the years, brought pride to his country by mastering his art against all odds, taking the African musical genre to the global stage and serving as an inspiration and mentor to up and coming artistes.
Also, the immediate past governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, said the legendary juju musician had been described as one of the greatest musicians Nigeria had ever known.
In his congratulatory message to the king of world beats on the occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary, issued by his media officer, Ayo Giwa, the governor said “with a career spanning over five decades and unparalleled honours, awards and encomiums garnered both locally and internationally, KSA, as fondly called, remains one of the most influential musicians of all time.
Chief Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, in his own words, described KSA as one of the most gifted artistes in the world.
Obey told the News of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, in Lagos, that KSA had contributed to the development of the industry in the country.
“On this occasion, I am thanking God for his life and celebrate him as one of the most gifted artistes in the country and the world,’’ Obey said.
In the same vein, Chief Tony Okoroji, chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), said KSA inspired him and many people with his wonderful music.
Okoroji added that the veteran musician still looked very fit, even as he turned 70, describing this as an intriguing character for a man of that age.
For Jide Kosoko, a veteran actor, KSA is a father, because he had greatly supported his career and encouraged him in the movie industry.
“KSA is my mentor. He has advised me over the years and provided me with materials that have really come in handy in getting me to where I am today,’’ he said.
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