King Sunny Adé, whose real name is Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, is a legendary figure known as the “King of Jùjú Music.” He revolutionized African pop music with his innovative use of the pedal steel guitar. Born and raised in a royal family in Nigeria, he began his professional music career in the 1960s, influenced by artists such as Tunde Nightingale and Bobby Benson.
After performing with the Federal Rhythm Dandies, he went on to lead his own band for decades, during which he famously collaborated with stars like Stevie Wonder. Notably, his 1983 album “System” earned him Nigeria’s first Grammy nomination and positioned him as one of the first African pop musicians to achieve international success. Today, he is hailed as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
