Fielding questions from journalists recently on the preparations for the celebration of his 70th birthday, King Sunny Ade has touched on several things as they affect his long career. One of those is on the issue of whether he harbours any fear, having come this far in life.
“The only fear I used to have is; I don’t know when God will say stop giving your fans what I have. But that has stopped because God does his things in his own way,” he revealed.
One of the turning points of his career own the family planning campaign duet, Wait For Me, he did with fellow veteran, Onyeka Onwenu. The success the song garnered came with its downside. However, KSA took advantage of the opportunity to dispel the age long rumour that he had an affair with Onyeka Onwenu.
Comparing the music of yesteryear with today’s music, he said. “Yesteryears have come to stay.”
“For the new generation that is coming now the difference, I’m proud to say is that I’m playing indigenous music. What they are playing today is computer music. It doesn’t mean I cannot use computer, but I have to be very careful of what I use it for. Any music that sells well, the world buys it and it is a glorious thing for Nigeria but let me be clear, anything you cannot dictate for your hand to do, you cannot control.”
Unknown to many, his career as an entertainer started as with a travelling theatre troupe lead by Chief Moses Adejumo Olaiya, popularly known as Baba Sala. On Baba Sala insistence, he dropped the life of a minstrel and took up that of a singer.
He extols the sage in so many words; “Baba Sala is my boss and he will continue to be my boss for life. I owe him that gratitude for life. I was playing percussion in his band and he was playing guitar and a couple of instruments. I was in charge of the music in the drama section, playing conga. He actually prompted me to go into music with a proviso that I should go and if after nine months, I found it tough, I should come back. He told me, go and try and that if does not work, come back.”
However, entering the grand age of the septuagenarians, one would like to know whether he has reached the height of his achievements of whether he still has other plans.
“Let me say it clearly to you, I am not God. I can only say what I think I can do but he alone can say what I will do,” said KSA.
Being showcased alongside globally recognised artistes like The Beatle’s is no easy feat and the artiste says that it is like a crowning point of his career. This is evident in his guitar being put on display at the Music Instrument Museum, Phoenix, Arizona.
“My guitar and costume were donated to the Musical Instruments Museum in Arizona about four years ago. I have never seen a museum as big as that with pictures of myself that I have never seen before. The Nigerian Corner is a beehive of visitors. I had the privilege of playing before a huge audience comprising musicologists and musicians. I had the audience to sing along with me.”
Only recently KSA scored a victory in the N500million copyright suit filed against African Songs and its subsidiary, Take Your Choice Records (TYC). And for him, it was a victory well deserved.
“The case was won by me and they were told to pay me N500million but they are yet to do that. The next thing I saw was an appeal to we are still waiting to know what will happen next. I also hope I get back my master tapes.”
As one who belongs to another generation, KSA refuses to join the bandwagon to condemn today’s music because, as he puts it, Nigerian music is Nigerian music.
“There are good musicians in this country today. Because you are part of them, you are part of the entertainment industry. I used to say to those I mentor, we have made some mistakes. Please check what we have done wrong, remove it. Replace it with good ones. Return it to us, then we will have better music. Our ancestors too made some mistakes which we corrected,” he said.
On the quality of music being churned out today, he says; “Before you can say one particular music has quality, it depends on what you use to play it. I would say music is always there. It is for the producer to find that particular sound that would please the listeners. As for equipments; in Nigeria today, you can count how many studios we have. You can also count how many equipments they have. I’ve talked about the compositions. Those things influence them.”
However, he says, he has no particular preference when it comes to present day artistes as they all come with their unique sounds.
“I love all of them because they have different styles. You cannot compare them to each other. You can only group them under hip-hop. Even in juju music, we have different styles. As long as they are doing something unique, I’m ok with it,” he says.
With his gait and presence of mind for a man his age, one would agree that the King is not too old to take a new wife but he says that is not in his agenda, for now. In his words, it would be out place to make such move at his age.
“Are you praying for me or cursing me. If you see some of my grandchildren, you will think they are my wives. Taking a new wife now, I don’t know. It is not on my agenda at the moment. By the grace of God, during my 70th birthday concert, the world will see my children and grandchildren singing and dancing to my songs on stage.”
Year after year, KSA’s birthday has been celebrated in grand style but this year’s celebration is unique in that, not only does he clock the golden age of 70, the celebration has been extended to run throughout the month. The activities which started on September 1 with a special prayer by the General Overseer of the Redeem Christian Church of God, EA Adeboye. Other activities slated include a gospel music night, special prayers, family celebration, a book launch and a host of others. The events will culminate in a grand finale where musicians from all over the world will gather to do him homage.
Born September 22, 1946 KSA is a Nigerian musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and a pioneer of modern world music who has been classed as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
BIG STORY
“Our Stories Deserve The World Stage” — Dapo Opayinka On Nollywood, Diaspora Filmmaking, And Cultural Legacy
UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor, MC, and filmmaker, Dapo Opayinka, speaks on his journey from theatre to the big screen, building bridges through storytelling, and what’s next for African narratives in global cinema.
Dapo, you’ve had quite a journey from theatre to film, from Nigeria to the UK. Let’s start with how it all began. What drew you into acting?
Dapo: (Smiling) Ah, where do I start? I think storytelling has always lived inside me. I was that kid who would mimic characters from films or make up my own scenes with cousins during family gatherings. But professionally, it really kicked off at the London Drama School. That place sharpened me. The stage gave me discipline, and theatre? It gave me soul.
Your roles span Yoruba tragedies, British-Nigerian productions, and Nollywood cinema. How do you navigate these different worlds?
Dapo: Honestly, I don’t separate them. They’re all part of me. Being bilingual and bicultural isn’t a balancing act; it’s more like a fusion. Whether I’m Mallam Gaskiya in Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again or Gbonka in The Gods Are Not to Blame, I bring a bit of both worlds to every character. That’s the magic.
One of your standout performances was as Etieno, a Kenyan freedom fighter. What did that role mean to you?
Dapo: That one was special. Etieno wasn’t just a character; he was a symbol. Playing him in Darkest Hour to Victory pushed me emotionally. I had to tap into the spirit of resilience, of struggle; and the African story of fighting for dignity. That role reminded me why I act.
You’ve made quite the transition into Nollywood with titles like Basira in London and Sista Sista. What’s that experience been like?
Dapo: Oh, Nollywood! It’s a whirlwind; but in the best way. It’s vibrant, demanding, and beautiful. Basira in London was hilarious to shoot. And Sista Sista… that one connected deeply with diaspora realities. However, the first movie I ever acted in was Captivated by Toyin Moore. Nollywood is evolving, and I’m grateful to be part of the shift that bridges tradition with modern diaspora stories.
Interviewer: And you’re not just acting; you’re producing also?
Dapo: Yep! I’ve produced four indie films; The Actor, The Passport, Amuwa, and Apeje. Each one is a passion project. They’re stories that reflect our struggles, humour, love… all in our voice. I’m now working on The Telepath, and it’s shaping up to be my boldest yet. Let’s just say… I’m going sci-fi with an African twist.
Ireke was privately screened at Cannes recently. Tell us about that.
Dapo: That was surreal. Cannes is every filmmaker’s dream, and to have Ireke: Rise of The Maroons shown there; even privately, was humbling. It’s a love letter to heritage and identity. The film is a historical drama blended with romance, and it tells a powerful and thought-provoking story about ancestral resistance.
Set in the Bight of Benin and Colonial Jamaica in the 17th century, it follows the uprising of African captives who were unjustly enslaved and forced into brutal labour. But they fought back. The film connects West African cultural roots—like Igbo camouflage and Yoruba resilience—with the legacy of the Maroons in Jamaica. Even Queen Nanny’s origins spark that playful Nigeria-Ghana rivalry!
We’re releasing nationwide in the UK and Nigeria on 25th July, and I honestly can’t wait for audiences to experience it. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and despite the tight budget, it’s a cinematic journey that celebrates the resilience of our people and the bond between Africa and the Caribbean. It’s what African cinema should be—global, grounded, and unapologetically ours.
You’ve also built a name as a charismatic MC. How did that side of you emerge?
Dapo: (Laughs) That came naturally. I love people. I love culture. Being an MC at diasporic events allows me to celebrate us—our weddings, festivals, even protests. It’s about connection. Plus, Yoruba proverbs? Always a hit!
What’s your ultimate goal as an actor?
Dapo: I want to tell our authentic story and promote the richness of our culture. I believe our stories; if told well, are universal. My goal is to connect the African experience with real human emotions that cross language, border, and race. Simple.
You once said, “Our stories deserve the world stage.” How close are we to that reality?
Dapo: We’re closer than we think. Platforms are opening up. Audiences are curious. What we need now is to keep telling the truth—our truth—with quality and pride. The world is watching. It’s our time.
Dapo, thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
Dapo: Thank you! And to every young creative out there: keep pushing. Your voice matters.
BIG STORY
Dapo Opayinka: UK-Based Bilingual Nollywood Actor Bridging Cultures Through Stage And Screen
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