KSA in UI

KING SUNNY ADE VISITS UI

A distinguished personality colloquium organised by the Institute of African Studies in honour of Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA) was held on 14 February, 2013, at the Conference Centre. The occasion has left an indelible mark on the Institute, the University of Ibadan and also the Vice Chancellor, who said he had looked forward to meeting KSA right from his secondary school days. The Vice Chancellor made this remark when the ace musician paid a courtesy call on him in his office. Thereafter, KSA proceeded to the venue of the event, where the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) represented the Vice Chancellor. The event was attended by various chieftains, among whom were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; the Afaaji of Faaji, Oba Moshood Olawale Olaleke; the Onigbaye of Igbaye, Oba Morounfade Ogunlola; the Amuludun of Oyo, Oloye Yemi Ogunyemi; and the Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi.

KSA flanked by some of the principal officers of the University

The Vice Chancellor, Professor I.F. Adewole, KSA, the Registrar, Olujimi Olukoya and the DVC (Administration)  Professor A.O Sanya

Various papers giving insights on the man and his music were presented at the conference. Oloye Lekan Alabi presented the first paper on "The KSA I Know" where he described KSA as a humorous, humble, godly and philosophical teetotaler. Professor Tunji Vidal presented a paper titled, "Understanding African Music" in which he mentioned that an understanding of African music is an understanding of African way of life as seen in the music of KSA. In his own paper titled, "A Conflict Manager's Reading of KSA", Professor Albert of the Institute of African Studies highlighted what he referred to as KSA's conflict resolution strategies. He said that in the face of adversity and competition, KSA, as reflected in his music, reverts to confrontation only when strategic withdrawal and joint problem solving options fail in resolving conflicts. Dr. Sola Olorunyomi, also of the Institute of African Studies spoke on "Ijinle through Pop" and he portrayed KSA as writing danceable songs which espouse the Yoruba ideals. He also commended KSA his skillful use of drums and other cultural elements to compose songs in a contemporary parlance. The last paper was presented by Dr. Kayode Samuel who is also a faculty member in the Institute of African Studies. His paper was titled, "The Ecumenical KSA" and it celebrated the efforts of KSA as a uniting force among local musicians and as an "African music missionary". It also touched on the ability of KSA to excite his audience, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds. 

King Sunny Ade was given a Distinguished Personality Award by the Institute and the Ooni of Ife, Professor Tunji Vidal, Oloye Lekan Alabi and Prince Tunde Odunlade were awarded as well. To round off the occasion, KSA gave a live performance where he thrilled his audience with his unique dance steps.