For legendary juju musician, Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye popularly known as King Sunny Ade, it is recognition time, as he would bag an award during the 3-in-1 event organised in memory of the late entertainment editor, Olu Makinde, who died a decade ago.
A statement issued by Ambassador Yemi Farounbi-led Planning Committee, revealed that Sunny Ade would receive a Lifetime Achievement Award during the launch of Makinde’s biography authored by Tade, his journalist son.
The ace juju artiste will be honoured alongside top personalities like the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (III), late Arisekola Alao-Azeez, late Adeseun Ogundoyin, and late Akanni Aluko – all to be conferred with post-humous awards.
The book, ‘Olu Makinde: Master of His Game’, which will be launched at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, contains details of how a music competition organised in 1977 completely altered the trajectory of King Sunny Ade’s life.
Speaking in 2012 during the 35th anniversary of Sunny Ade’s reign as King of Juju Music, Makinde said three things that confirmed him as the people’s choice were good songs, constant praising of God in his albums, and fans’ loyalty. “God has kept him (KSA) on top. His fan base is massive. He must have had over 100 million fans all over the world before the advent of social media. He is a likeable person, even though he has his own flaws like everyone else,” he stated.
Barrister Gbenga Makinde, secretary of the committee, noted that Dr Badmus Olagoke will be the Chief Launcher of the book, while Engr (Dr) Dotun Sanusi is the Chairman of the Day.
Commenting on the honour to be bestowed on King Sunny Ade at the event, he said: “He (KSA) deserves even the highest honour a country can bestow on an individual, because my father said he and Fela have done more image laundering for Nigeria than many others. We will do this with the hope that the government would consider honouring both artistes.”