Sunny Ade: Music Industry Needs Surgery

King Sunny Ade, Juju music legend, recently clocked 68 and had a small reception for close family and friends in his palatial Ondo country home. The King of World Beats took time off to speak to FUNSHO AROGUNDADE about his life, music and state of the Nigerian music industry

How do you feel turning 68?

I feel great and I thank God for making me see another year. It gives me an awesome feeling that between my last birthday and now, I had no cause to visit hospital to complain of any ailment. Also the music has not stopped for a bit. I thank and appreciate Almighty God.

In spite of your busy schedule, you still look very fit

I have no choice than to be very fit. Performing on stage for hours back-to-back almost every day is an exercise on its own. Besides, in my home here, I have a swimming pool, squash court, basketball court and tennis court. I also play golf. We now have a golf course very close to us, in Idanre. The golf course in Akure has been taken over by the Army. All these keep me fit and trim.

Do you go on holiday at all?

I do ask for it but you people would not allow me to have one. But I am planning to have one soon.

•King Sunny Ade


What about medical check-up?

I normally go for medical check-up abroad twice in a year. But in the last one year I have not done that. But any time I feel funny, I always put a call to my doctor over there.

You will be 70 in two years. [We] learnt you are planning something grand to celebrate that landmark.

First and foremost, we need to commit our lives into God’s hands to spare us beyond that time. I am used to planning my things very well and always ensuring that everything is put in a right perspective. Definitely, I will celebrate when the time comes, but to tell you the plans now will not be appropriate.

Page: 1 2 3 4