Born to a Nigerian royal family in Ondo, Ade left grammar school to pursue his career, which began with Moses Olaiya’s Federal Rhythm Dandies, a highlife band. He left to form The Green Spots in 1967. He formed a record label in 1974, fed up with being exploited by a major label. Beginning with Juju Music, Ade began gaining a wide following as Mango Records, a subsidiary of Island Records, released his albums. He was soon billed as the African Bob Marley, and headlined concerts in the US. Soon after, Nigerian imports (mostly pirated copies) of his massive back catalog began flooding the Western market. Island, concerned about sales and Adé’s refusal to include more English in his repertoire, cut him loose after his third LP, 1984’s Aura.
By the end of the 1980s, Ade’s star began to dim, and his albums sold less, though he continued to garner critical acclaim and widespread popularity in Africa. 1998’s Odu, a collection of traditional Yoruba songs, was nominated for a Grammy Award. He has also become one of the most powerful people in Nigeria, running multiple companies in several industries.
Mo Ti Mo
King Sunny Ade Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oni bu ore
Adi ro'mo laisi eni ji
Idi re ta fi pe oruko ni
Ode Maxwell
O fun wa lady D
O fun wa lady D
O fun wa lady D
Owa lady D
Pelu omo Maxwell o
O fun wa lady D
The lyrics of King Sunny Ade's song "Mo Ti Mo" are in the Yoruba language and express gratitude to God for the blessings He has bestowed upon the singer. The first line translates to "God is our rock, our refuge," emphasizing the reliance on God's protection and guidance. The next line says, "He is gracious," affirming God's benevolence towards humanity. The third line states, "He created me without any assistance," reflecting the self-sufficiency and uniqueness of individuals.
The fourth line, "He gave me the name of Ode Maxwell," references the singer's given name, possibly indicating his identity and origins. The chorus, "He gave us Lady D, with Maxwell's child," suggests God's gift of a child to the singer and his partner through Lady D. The repetition of "O fun wa Lady D" in the song emphasizes the happiness and gratitude associated with this gift.
Line by Line Meaning
Oluwa la Apata abo wa
God is our rock of refuge
Oni bu ore
He is a friend indeed
Adi ro'mo laisi eni ji
He shelters me, there's no one like him
Idi re ta fi pe oruko ni
His actions show that he bears the name
Ode Maxwell
Maxwell's brother
O fun wa lady D
He gave us Lady D
O wa lady D
He brought Lady D
O fun wa lady D
He gave us Lady D
Owa lady D
He is with Lady D
Pelu omo Maxwell o
With Maxwell's son
O fun wa lady D
He gave us Lady D
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: king Sunny Ade
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bolajiemmanueladebajo9236
Nigeria has great talents. King SUNNY Ade is a legend in the class of Chief Ebenezer Obey, Fela, Orlando Owoh,, etc
@Cxded
No be lie bro¡
@tundeoyewole5447
This is a man I've been following since I was a Toddler and till today.Pls don't compare K S A with any musician in Nigeria.IF you mentioned Fela, I'll say that KSA is not in his category.Fela is a musician who criticise government policies whether good or bad.A good social critics but he never sent his Children to a college or University . He failed as a father to give his Children moral value.He lived a loose life......Live on KSA.
@jenniferinneh4148
Sunny Ade will forever remain the greatest.
@akinsadeleke4850
I don't know what to say honestly than to say God bless you and your entire family abundantly, thanks for the music
@yomiotus
Happy birthday to the King of World beats...learnt you clocked 69 years few days ago, may you live long than your forefathers Amen
@xsweet1x
i love this, i remember when i was around 7 and my dad use to play this.......
@awereoladipupo4304
I always love this song from the time of my childhood
@thechichichanel
Mehnnnnnn, thank you for sharing this classic gem and giving us the historical back story. Deeply Appreciate.💖
@viokand
Thank you, my all time favorite Sunny Ade's hit.