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.
Synchro System
King Sunny Ade Lyrics
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Synchro System
A gbe tana danu, a tun gbe tun tun de
Ijo tun tun, Ilu tun tun
Orin tun tun, la ti owo Sunny alade
To ba fe jo synchro system, shey oun gbo
B′obati l'aya o, ko koju si Sunny alade
Ani ko duro loju kan
Boba duro loju kan
Lati oke ori e
Titi lo fi de ibadi
Ki yen duro wam wam wam wam
Amo sha lati ibadi e
Titi lofi de isale nikan soso
Ko ma sise
Synchro system ni kema jo
Synchro system ni kema jo
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Hmm hmm hmm, hmm hmm hmm
Synchro system ni kema jo
A tun de, a gbe tun tun de se
A tun de, a tun gbe tun tun de
Iyen ni synchro system ema jo
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Synchro system ni kema jo
Synchro system ema jo
Synchro system ni kema jo
A gbe tana danu, a tun gbe tun tun de
Synchro system te ri yen
Komu wahala dani rara
Ko koju si baby yen, ki baby yen ko koju si e
B′oba l'aya o
Tabi to ba ti loko
Ko koju si Sunny alade
Lati ibadi e
Titi lo fi de isale nikan soso ko ma sise
Easy easy ko ma yi lo o
Synchro system ni kema jo
Ah ah ah, ah ah ah
Synchro system ni kema jo
The song "Synchro System" by King Sunny Ade is a celebration of the Nigerian music culture and way of life. The song opens with "A gbe tana danu, a tun gbe tun tun de," which translates to "We've just arrived and we're ready to party." The lyrics describe the excitement of a new day in the city with new people, new music, and new experiences. The singer encourages people to dance to the synchro system and enjoy the moment. The synchro system is the rhythm of the music that brings people together to dance, and it symbolizes the unity of the community.
The lyrics are in Yoruba, which is one of the major languages spoken in Nigeria. The song is a fusion of traditional African rhythms and modern Western instruments, which reflects the influence of both cultures on Nigerian music. King Sunny Ade's signature guitar sound and talking drum beats are prominent in the song, which creates a vibrant and dynamic feel. The song represents a celebration of life and the joy of living it to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
A gbe tana danu, a tun gbe tun tun de
We have started here and we will continue to build it up gradually
Ijo tun tun, Ilu tun tun
The dance is new and the city is new
Orin tun tun, la ti owo Sunny alade
The music is new and belongs to King Sunny Ade
To ba fe jo synchro system, shey oun gbo
If you want to dance to the synchro system, do you hear me?
Ko koju si baby e, ki baby eh ko koju si e
Don't be shy, my baby, don't be shy
B′obati l'aya o, ko koju si Sunny alade
We are all alive, no need to be shy of King Sunny Ade
Ani ko duro loju kan
I am not waiting for anyone
Boba duro loju kan
I will not wait for anyone
Lati oke ori e
From the top of the hill
Titi lo fi de ibadi
Until it gets to the bottom
Ki yen duro wam wam wam wam
Let it stay there, and repeat the rhythm
Amo sha lati ibadi e
Until it finally gets to its destination
Titi lofi de isale nikan soso
Until it gets to the only market
Ko ma sise
It will not tire out
Synchro system ni kema jo
The synchro system says we should dance
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh
Hmm hmm hmm, hmm hmm hmm
Hmm hmm hmm, hmm hmm hmm
A tun de, a gbe tun tun de se
We will continue to build it up
Iyen ni synchro system ema jo
This is the synchro system, let's dance to it
Komu wahala dani rara
There is no problem, don't worry at all
B′oba l'aya o
We are all alive
Tabi to ba ti loko
Even if you are stranded
Lati ibadi e
Until it finally gets to its destination
Easy easy ko ma yi lo o
Take it easy, don't get carried away
Ah ah ah, ah ah ah
Ah ah ah, ah ah ah
Writer(s): Ade
Contributed by James W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@patrickogrady9549
Peter Gabriel lead me to King Sunny 30 years ago. Loaned it out from a library in Hamilton . Great to find it again! Enjoying it.
@brainfreeze1925
My future brother-in-law introduced my to King Sunny Ade and this is the album I bought way back then. I still have it and the music still makes me want to dance.
@Roy_Al_Blak202
Petey Pablo - I Told Y'all
@anyabongo1331
This was my first Afro-beat record circa 1983 but then I went to see Fela for free, in Central Park that summer with the guys on my job...Shot out to Finley Photo...back in the day...
@SuperChannel777
Such a hypnotic entrancing sound!!!
@Happysundaze
Wonder who- if anyone- has got my copy of this album now, I 'lost' it when I emigrated back in the late 80s, definitely regret that now. These guys were incredible live, you don't get the full power on record.
@bdmatzek5060
My copy is up in Whitehorse, YK, Canada. I miss playing it too!
@abudubalogun4905
Sunny Ade, the master guitarist. ❤️❤️❤️
@devencadriel2361
I haven't heard this since the fifth and sixth grade.
@hemi969
Nice to hear this again. Early 80s.