FUNKE OSAE-BROWN
Thirty years ago, foremost King of Juju music, King Sunny Ade, was in search of a new guitar. He left the rehearsal hall in search of one. He would later see a guitar that caught his fancy and he spoke to the guitar thus: “you guitar, any music I play with you must sell out.” One of his band boys who was with him questioned the rationale behind his speaking to a guitar. KSA told him not to bother. Unknown to him, the guitar heeded his gentle plea, nay command, as the guitar was one of the major musical instruments used in the production of his 1980s hit song, ‘Synchro System’.
It is not surprising that KSA was inducted to the Hard Rock Hall of Fame which has previously honoured top musicians around world like Elton John, late Witney Houston, Late Michael Jackson among others. KSA is the first Nigeria musician to be so honoured.
The event which held at the Hard Rock Café, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday, was an opportunity to also celebrate with KSA as he clocks 70 years old, 50 years on stage and 40 years of being crowned King Sunny Ade, this year.
At the event, a guitar, a Fender Telecaster, which he bought from Victor Olaiya for one pound, nine shillings was donated to the Hard Rock Café music memorabilia collection. “I am reluctantly giving this to Hard Rock Café Hall of Fame, this is my baby,” he said jokingly kissing the guitar and holding it close to himself as a mother would a child.
His citation was read by Terfa -Tilley Gyado communication manager Temple Management Company (TMC), the music promotion outfit that put the event together. Many celebrities like Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Bovi, Omotunde Lolo of Wazobia FM were at the event to celebrate KSA.
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