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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZADE, King Sunny(b Sunday Adeniyi, '46, Oshogbo, Ondo State, Nigeria) Singer-composer, guitarist. Son of Methodist church organist. Joined comedy group in Ibadan as teenager; drifted to Lagos, joined Moses Alaiya and his Rhythm Dandies, a popular highlife band; but in '64 inspired by the music of I. K. Dairo he joined legendary juju pioneer Tunde Nightingale. Formed own band the Green Spots '66; had first hit 'Challenge Cup' (football song), first LP Alanu Loluwa on Song label '67. After twelve LPs on that label '67- -74 contract disputes led to forming his own Sunny Alade Records linked with Decca in London; changed name of band to African Beats, the style characterized by tight vocal harmony and exquisite guitar work, but with no reluctance to introduce new sounds to trad. ensemble: Demola Adepoju joined '77, one of the first Africans to play steel guitar. Since '74 over 40 LPs each added to Ade's stature as a leading exponent of juju, lyrics often concerned with Nigerian social problems; many records were available outside Nigeria, backed by tours of Europe, Japan, USA. Albums incl. E Kilo F'Omo Ode '74, The Late General Ramat Mohammed '76, Synchro Chapter I '77, The Golden Mercury Of Africa '78, The Royal Sound '79. Linked with UK Island label '82 in attempt to crack international market: LPs Juju Music, Synchro System '83 (incl. remixes as well as new tracks), Aura '84 promoted on tours; though the first two charted on Mango label in USA sales were not up to Island's hopes and they dropped him '84. Dissension in band after Japanese tour '84; formed new band the Golden Mercury, back to domestic market with albums Explosion, Togetherness, Gratitude, Otito, regaining title 'Minister of Enjoyment'. Owned and operated the Ariya Club in Lagos; compilation Vintage Sunny Ade distributed in UK; toured USA '87; further albums incl. E Dide (Get Up) on Mesa, Live At The Hollywood Palace on I.R.S., Live Live Juju on Rykodisc, The Return Of The Juju King on Mercury (compiles '86--8 tracks). |