While Nigerians regard jùjú maestro, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, known professionally as King Sunny Adé, as a legendary musical ambassador, a master innovator of Jùjú music, and a warm, humble cultural icon, they have expressed fear that his kind may not be replicated.

At 80, Nigerians eulogies the musical king who stands out through his unique mix of traditional Yoruba rhythms, innovative Western instruments like the pedal steel guitar, and high-energy, standing stage performances.

Speaking on the impact of King Sunny Day, creative genius, Sola Olumuyiwa, said: “King Sunny Ade is my best artiste. His music is impactful. He’s still agile at 80. He’s a role model I look up to in many ways.

Speaking also, Martins Eje, said: “King Sunny Ade has stayed and relevant for decades, he’s a living legend, an icon and master in the music industry. Many musicians that came after him are no more because they fade with time. His music educates and gives nostalgia of what we experienced in the past.

In what young artistes can learn from him, he said: “Consistency is his hallmark and young artistes can learn that; the voice is still retained and maintained but young artistes now are more vulgar and explicit. I wish him a long life and continue to reap the fruits of his labour.

There are two juju musicians that have stayed relevant since they started their career, they are King Sunny Ade and Chief Ebenezer Obey, others. We can’t do without his music while I was young, no party without King Sunny Ade or his song. I lived in Ebute Metta, I knew him when I was young, I knew his manager then.

“I don’t think we have any other artiste that can meet up with the standard set by King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey,” he said.

“Young artistes have a lot to learn from him; King Sunny Ade grows stronger in instrumental. They don’t just have expensive cameras or go into studios to produce beats, they work. I don’t think the new musician can operate on his level or embrace his standard. Sunny Ade can play guitar with his eyes closed. His music cuts across tradition and religion that his music is played in the church.

Advising young artistes, the 65-year-old man, said: “Younger artistes should learn instruments; I am not against the use of digital in music production but they crack when it comes to real performance. King Sunny Ade is old and I’m afraid his type may not be replicated.

“Young musicians fall half way.

Tony Joseph, for those of us that listened to King Sunny Ade when we were very young get the full meaning of life unlike what the youths are playing now. If you listen to the likes of King Sunny Ade, Orlando Owoh, Shina Peters, you will find out that there is a deep meaning of music, you learn more.

“Unlike the music of Davido and Wizkid who are making noise without passing any message, King Sunny Ade’s music will remain relevant after his departure. I only hope that King Sunny Ade has raised men that will step into his shoes, and, that’s my fear. King Sunny’s songs are my good company when I’m driving. I’m still young at 43 but their music remains part of the way to enjoy life. You appreciate being a Nigerian listening to his songs.

On what young artistes can learn from him, he said: “Young artistes need to sit down and learn. I’m an architect and I know that no one can be a good architect without being creative so, young artistes need to be creative. You cannot be a good musician if you cannot sit down and think. Instead of buying music from people to produce, sit down and think. Music is spiritual, God gives the wisdom so, you need to sit down and think, then you will get results.