The KING still got it, at 62 [Review and Opinion]

Somehow the misconception still lingers that young Nigerian people don’t buy into “old” Nigerian music (Perhaps I should use the word “Classic”, because good music never gets old). So when the invitation to have a close look at the legendary King Sunny Ade was thrown at us, we knew we had a lot to prove.

The venue was Nazareth High School, Brooklyn, New York on Saturday 27th of July, 2009. As at 12am, the venue was still reminiscent of a desert rally field but putting in mind that “WE” usually don’t “START ON TIME” it was an understandable situation.

Growing up and listening to K.S.A was a pleasure, unfortunately for most young Nigerians the opportunity to see him live was not always there. Bearing that fact in mind, it’s quite natural for our team to want to get up close and personal with the Nigerian Juju Music King. We were hoping to give him a bit of the Amebor.com flair that has been ruling the air waves of recent. Unfortunately, our request was turned down by an adamant manager who failed to recognize our need to interview the King. We think our plight would have been understood by someone who has an idea what the King meant to Nigerians. And to think that our website (without charging a cent) is helping promote the other shows on K.S.A tour line up even makes the attitude of K.S.A’s management very disrespectful to say the least.

With a declined interview in the coffers, we got down to what we do best, covering events and shedding light on it for our loveable fans. By 2a.m the venue was getting busy, although we must say that by all standards we expected more people. Come on, it’s K.S.A in New York! We were left with the feeling that the event was not properly promoted.

When K.S.A finally got on stage we were reminded why the man is regarded as a legend in his own right. At 62, I am not sure one will meet a better dancer in his genre of music. Sunny was at his best, giving us tunes that bought back memories of child hood, steps that guaranteed applause from the audience and an arrangement of music that underlines the man’s creativity.

With an electric atmosphere been slowly generated, we took the opportunity to snap pictures of a vibrant set of people. We also had video shots of the King doing his well rehearsed dance steps. Although we expected certain things from a show of this magnitude, the talent of the King was undeniable. He got us dancing while working, a feat not some many artists can boast of. Long Live the King, Long live King Sunny Ade.

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