Emperor Ademola Adegeye is a son of the living legend, King Sunny Ade (KSA) and is also following in his musical footsteps. In this interview by ROTIMI IGE, he told Friday Treat about his journey so far as the son of a legend, why he decided to also do music, among other issues.

Tell us a bit about yourself and growing up as an offspring of the legend that is KSA?

My father named me ‘Emperor’ at birth and he is the only one who calls me that name, so I just added Adé to Emperor like King Sunny Adé as my stage name.

Growing up, I knew very early as a toddler that my father was a celebrity and he sometimes allowed me on his stage performances back then at NTA Christmas eve shows. I would sing, dance and he would spray a lot of money on me. Nevertheless, I never let it get to my head because of the core values imbibed in us as a family. Till date, I still hold back to let people know I am King Sunny Adé’s son but after my works and value are realised, it is traced back to my roots. Growing up was easy for me and I knew who I was. I had a good relationship with my parents because my father knew how to give us family time. We also understood the nature of his work and there was a good balance.

Why did you decide to take up music like him?

As a royal blood line of Juju music, God and music have been the anchor of my life since I was a toddler. It has been the driving force behind my dreams of becoming a musician. While I pursued other endeavours in life, music has remained the true passion that brings me immeasurable joy. Whenever I perform, I am fulfilled beyond measure, not primarily seeking anything in return other than witnessing the happiness on my audience’s faces; this was never the same story with other walks of life that I put my hands on.

Music is not just a hobby; it is an integral part of my soul and identity. It fuels my creative spirit and allows me to express myself in ways words cannot capture.

What kind of music do you do and is it in anyway different from what KSA does?

I sing Juju music majorly, the difference is just the modern elements I add to it. But, as a versatile musician, I sing a couple of other global music genres with elements of African roots.

How do you intend to infuse the sounds of present day into his sound to make it relatable to youths of today?

As a Juju musician, embracing modern sounds will create a captivating fusion that resonates with today’s youth. I will achieve this by blending traditional elements with contemporary music styles. it will bridge the generation gap and appeal to a broader audience. Emphasising vibrant rhythms, incorporate popular instruments and infuse relatable themes in my lyrics which will explain Juju roots to the present generation. This will connect with the younger generation (the Gen Zs), while preserving the essence of juju music’s cultural heritage.

What, in your experience, would you say was the greatest influence on you and your music?

The significance of honour in Juju music is a core value and it has shaped my character and interactions with my clients, audience, fans and loved ones. Embracing honor, creatives and good character allows musicians to stay relevant in the industry and achieve consistent results, by actively listening to feedback and embodying discipline, and then musicians can produce music that resonates with their audience and maintains the integrity of the Juju music tradition. It’s essential to continually uphold these values to create a positive impact and connect with listeners on a deeper level. This is my experience and it has influenced me and my music.

Are you also a recording artiste, or just a band owner?

I am both and many more. About the band, I have two bands; an all-male band and a first of its kind all-female band in Juju music.

What are your plans for the future?

I have a multitude of exciting plans for my future career, and I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of what lies ahead. One of my most ambitious aspirations is to collaborate with a wide array of Nigerian music acts, aiming to bridge the gap between various genres and unite our musical heritage. Already, some of these collaborations are in the works, and I eagerly anticipate the harmonious fusion of sounds that will emerge from these partnerships.

Additionally, I’m thrilled to announce that my own collection of music will soon be unveiled to the world. This collection will be a reflection of my dedication to preserving the essence of juju music while infusing it with modern influences, creating a unique and captivating musical experience for my audience.

Another significant dimension of my plans involves organising major concerts that will showcase Nigeria’s musical brilliance to the global stage. By drawing from our rich African roots and embracing the vibrant rhythms of juju music, these concerts will serve as a platform to celebrate and promote our cultural heritage on an international scale.

Furthermore, an extraordinary highlight of my journey as a Juju musician is the exceptional collaboration with none other than my esteemed father, King Sunny Ade. Together, we are working on projects that pay homage to the traditional foundations of Juju music, while also exploring innovative ways to resonate with contemporary audiences.

In the pursuit of these dreams, I am fueled by an unwavering passion for my art, a commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Juju music, and an insatiable drive to make a positive impact through my music. With the support of my family, mentors, and fans, I am excited to take this musical voyage, leaving an indelible mark on the world of juju music and beyond. Together, we will embrace the timeless allure of African rhythms and melodies, spreading the spirit of juju music to every corner of the globe.

How do you aim to sustain KSA’s legacy?

To sustain King Sunny Ade’s legacy, we must first know the place of God who alone can make it possible and then we must embrace the principles that have been integral to his success and enduring impact on the music industry. These principles can be expressed by preserving the cultural heritage of Juju music, embracing innovation, be dedicated to one’s craft, be excellent in performance, maintain good character and humility, mentoring the coming generations, ensure global outreach and adequate community engagement. Incorporating these elements into our music will contribute to sustaining King Sunny Ade’s legacy. Remember, sustainability is not just about preserving the past; it is about building on it, nurturing it, and passing it on to future generations to keep the flame of juju music burning brightly. Including a firm commitment to our craft, the blessings of discipline, and the guidance of our Creator, we will honour the legacy of King Sunny Ade.

What challenges do you currently face?

Allow me to mention only one because my Dad will say when you face challenges and come out well, you are like the gold that passes through fire, it comes out better

So I weather my storms.

One is the Collaboration in this present generation can be challenging.. Money has become our focal point and many would say am born rich and my dad should everything for me, but believe Value is more important than money.

I believe we can do great things together without bringing my Dad into the picture and when we do great things together then bringing King Sunny Ade to the picture makes it the cherry on the cake.

Asides KSA, do you have any other musical mentors?

Yes I do, and I will mention a few : My fathers Cheif Commander Ebenezer Obey, I.k Dairo , Akin shuga, Otunba Wale Ayuba , k1 de ultimate, The Kuti(s), Micheal Jackson.. a Musician Never dies when his music is playing…. More reason why I mentioned some of my mentors who have left us..

Tell us a bit about your fashion sense…?

As a Juju Musician with deep-rooted African heritage, I meticulously infuse my fashion sense with elements that resonate with my cultural origins. In every outfit, whether it is derived from foreign influences or crafted locally, I strive to ensure that my African roots resound prominently and eloquently.

Drawing inspiration from Juju music and vibrant diversity that encompasses the African continent which transcends mere clothing but showcases transformative artworks of my origins.

Embracing this artistic spectacle, I radiate a charismatic allure that captivates the senses of those who witness my presence. My ensemble choices encompass a splendid array of immaculately tailored garments, with love for glitters, uniquely accessoried traditional jewelry, intricate headpieces, and artisanal footwear that epitomize the depth and richness of African craftsmanship.

My Fashion sense expresses a remarkable sartorial identity that celebrates the African cultural legacy while effortlessly resonating with a global audience.

Ultimately, my fashion sense is a manifestation of my artistic expression and cultural heritage, a visually eloquent representation of African roots and Vogue, It is through my carefully curated fashion  that I invite the world to embrace the beauty, diversity, and sophistication of Africa’s traditions seamlessly interwoven with contemporary style.

What musical instruments do you play?

As a versatile Juju Musician, I am proficient in playing a wide range of instruments including the guitar, Hawaiian pedal steel guitar, xylophone, calabash beads (sekere), violin, mouth harmonica, talking drum, African thighs drum, agogo, flute, and omele bata drum (the small talking drum) etc

I have passion for music and my dedication is  to mastering these instruments. It’s the unique blend of traditional African rhythms and modern influences that I strive to incorporate into my music, creating a distinct sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.

For example: I would describe the calabash beads (sekere) as a rhythmic powerhouse..

My commitment is to preserve and promote the rich heritage of African music and its cultural significance. I strive to bridge traditional African rhythms with contemporary influences to create a sound that reflects the diversity and evolution of our musical traditions.

Overall, my unique blend of instruments and musical styles allows me to create a captivating and authentic experience for my audience. I am passionate about sharing my love for music , dance and the stories it can tell, and I hope to inspire and entertain listeners all over the world, through the power of sound and rhythm in modern Juju music.