Often called “The African Bob Marley” legendary singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and master African musician King Sunny Adé and his African Beats—a cadre of 17 musicians and singers and a rotation of 5 dancers—return to New York for their first tour of the United States in 7 years. Over the course of a four decade career releasing more than 120 albums Ade is widely considered one of the most influential musicians of all-time. Adé is a pioneer of modern world music yet has remained dependably loyal to the Juju Music tradition, an electrified version of traditional, acoustic Yoruban music, with added breadth and inclusiveness that crosses ethnic distinction. His 1982 album entitled Juju Music, released by Chris Blackwell’s Island records gained him a world-wide following. Adé’s lush and groove-driven sound mixes massed African percussion with chanting vocals and guitar lines into a hypnotic dance party—unambiguously emblematic of his Nigerian nickname “Minister of Enjoyment.”
“Sunny Ade is Afro-pop royalty, his huge band sending out waves of percussion to support the leader’s keening vocals and supple, spidery guitar playing.” — Chicago Tribune
This concert is co-presented by World Music Institute and 92nd Street Y. (Image: Sunny Ade)