| Friday, April 11, 2025 | | AFROPOP WORLDWIDE | | King Sunny Ade: A Look Back | |
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THE KING OF JÙJÚ MUSIC King Sunny Ade was the catalyst that inspired what would become Afropop Worldwide. His landmark 1982-83 American tour introduced countless listeners to African music through an intoxicating blend of traditional percussion, sophisticated guitar arrangements, and pedal steel—all elevated by graceful choreography and the Chairman's magnetic presence.
In this definitive retrospective, we journey to Lagos to explore KSA's formative years in the 1960s-70s through conversations with key figures from that era.
Featuring insights from an exclusive three-hour interview with the maestro himself and highlights from an intimate acoustic performance at New York's Joe's Pub, this episode illuminates how KSA's musical innovations transformed global perceptions of African music. Produced by Sean Barlow. | |
ESSENTIAL LISTENING Defining Albums from the King of Jùjú |  | | Juju Music (1982) Island Records | Learn more The album that introduced King Sunny Ade to Western audiences, produced by Martin Meissonnier. Its hypnotic grooves and layered percussion redefined what global audiences understood as African music, earning comparisons to Bob Marley for its crossover appeal. | | |  | | Synchro System (1983) Island Records | Learn more A landmark album that earned King Sunny Ade his first Grammy nomination. The title track became an international hit, showcasing his innovative approach to traditional jùjú music with interlocking guitar patterns and sophisticated pedal effects. | | |  | | The Return of the Juju King (1990) Rykodisc | Learn more After a brief hiatus from international releases, this album reintroduced King Sunny Ade to global audiences with more traditional Yoruba compositions. The record balances spiritual themes with dance-oriented grooves, highlighting his status as both entertainer and cultural guardian. | | |  | | Seven Degrees North (2009) Mesa/Bluemoon | Learn more A contemporary masterpiece that seamlessly blends traditional jùjú with modern production techniques. The album demonstrates King Sunny Ade's continued evolution while maintaining the essence of his musical heritage, cementing his legacy for new generations of listeners. | | | |
| | | My music is for dancing, but I also want people to listen. I have a message. I want people to be happy. I want to show Africa in a different light—not wars, not famine, but joy. KING SUNNY ADE Nigerian Jùjú Master & Cultural Ambassador | | |
NEW PUBLICATIONS Featured Articles & Research |  | | TRIBUTE Amadou Bagayoko Dies at 70 The guitar virtuoso who formed Amadou & Mariam with his wife in the 1980s leaves behind a transformative legacy, bridging Malian blues traditions with contemporary global sounds while overcoming personal challenges. READ MORE | |  | | ARTIST PROFILE Bia Ferreira: Sowing Seeds of Love Brazilian musician Bia Ferreira blends Afro-Brazilian traditions with contemporary sounds, crafting a powerful musical activism that speaks to both ancestral wisdom and modern social justice movements. READ MORE | | | |
 | | SPECIAL FEATURE Princeton in Africa Celebrates 25 Years For a quarter century, Princeton in Africa has connected talented graduates with service opportunities across the continent. Their April 23rd anniversary gala in New York City will feature special musical performances and celebrate the program's impact on cross-cultural understanding and sustainable development. READ MORE | | | |
| AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION What's your favorite King Sunny Ade album? Share your perspective in our weekly cultural survey. | |
FEATURED PERFORMANCE Don't Miss This Special Event | | | Paquito D'Rivera: Celebrating 70+ Years Rose Theater (JALC), Manhattan The legendary Cuban saxophonist and clarinetist celebrates over seven decades of musical innovation with this special performance. Known for his virtuosic blend of jazz, classical, and Latin traditions, Paquito D'Rivera continues to electrify audiences worldwide. Shows at 7:30 PM both nights. | | |
CALENDAR Upcoming Performances & Events | | APR 12 | Orchestre Moto LIVE 367 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn DETAILS | | | APR 23 | Princeton in Africa 25th Anniversary Gala Mandarin Oriental, NYC DETAILS | | | | APR 25 | Vieux Farka Touré Brooklyn Bowl DETAILS | | | APR 27 | Youssou N'Dour Live Kings Theatre, Brooklyn DETAILS | | | | MAY 17 | DanceAfrica: Tribute to the Ancestors TBD (Near BAM), Brooklyn DETAILS | | | MAY 23-29 | DanceAfrica: FilmAfrica BAM Rose Cinemas, Brooklyn DETAILS | | | |
| AFROPOP WORLDWIDE | | Connecting global audiences to the music, stories, and creativity of Africa and the diaspora since 1988. | | |
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