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.
Sunny Ti De
King Sunny Ade Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
E simi ariwo
E ba simi agbaja
E ja k'a tu keke sile
K'awa fi'jo be
The lyrics to King Sunny Ade's song "Sunny Ti De" can be interpreted as follows. "Sunny ti de" means "Sunny has arrived" or "Sunny is here." The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the excitement and anticipation surrounding Sunny's arrival. The subsequent lyrics elaborate on the atmosphere that accompanies his presence. "E simi ariwo" suggests that there is a quietness or calmness in the environment, possibly indicating that people become still and attentive in Sunny's presence. "E ba simi agbaja" translates to "come close and listen attentively." This invites the listeners to pay attention and be fully present.
The following lines, "E ja k'a tu keke sile, k'awa fi'jo be," mean "let us put aside our worries, let us rejoice." This can be interpreted as an invitation to forget one's troubles and join in the celebration or festivities. It encourages people to let loose, have fun, and enjoy the moment.
Overall, the lyrics of "Sunny Ti De" convey the excitement and joy that King Sunny Ade brings with his arrival. They express the desire for a peaceful and attentive atmosphere, inviting listeners to set aside their worries and join in the celebration.
Line by Line Meaning
Sunny ti de, o ti de se
Sunny has arrived, he has come
E simi ariwo
He brings the sound
E ba simi agbaja
He encourages the weak
E ja k'a tu keke sile
He dances and shakes the ground
K'awa fi'jo be
Let us all rejoice
Contributed by Adam H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@yetundemakanju8386
Thank Thee ALMIGHTY GOD For His Everlasting Mercies endures with us forever AMEN!!!
Listening to this evergreen music at this period year 2024, I remember rocking with the beautiful song in the 70s. Thank You LORD !
@yetundemakanju8386
The hottest of all ! Alujo po !
@bayogeorge-lawal3114
O boy! This is rhythm at its best. Sunny Ade is really King.
@Olailori1
Flawless, Flexibility and Masterpiece 100%. May the Lord Bless You For This Instant Classic.
@terryo4936
Bless you sir
@akpeters2004
KSA KING OF WORLD BEAT
@jamessmith8049
Prince Adekunle - ‘Dele Akande brought me here
@olawrence3526
just listen to the sound of years back as if just released, ride on baba KSA, BEST MUSIC FROM THE BEST MUSICIAN
@olawrence3526
BABA O ! KO SOMO NA JOOOOR