Photos: King Sunny Ade becomes first Nigerian musician to join Hard Rock's iconic memorabilia collection

Grammy Award-nominated icon, Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade, is now officially the first Nigerian musician to donate pieces from his personal reserve to Hard Rock’s world-famous memorabilia collection.

On Wednesday, November 30, 2016, the Juju maestro donated a vintage Fender Guitar and other personal items including an album cover and a pair of shoes at Hard Rock Cafe Lagos.

“I’m thrilled to be the first Nigerian musician to donate personal items to Hard Rock’s world-famous collection and to be showcased alongside other legendary artists,” said King Sunny Ade. “For me, this is more than just a ceremony; it’s anopportunity to pass on a cultural legacy and inspire new generations of musicians around the globe.”

King Sunny Ade’s donated personal items will join more than 81,000 pieces of music memorabilia that Hard Rock has acquired over its 45-year history. Other iconic pieces include Madonna’s wedding dress from “Like a Virgin,” John Lennon’s wireframe tinted glasses, Jim Morrison’s famous brown leather pants, and many more.

“It’s a great honor to be able to pay homage to the rich and historic musical roots in Lagos with a memorabilia donation from King Sunny Ade,” said Sanjay Mathani, CEO of Hard Rock Cafe Lagos. “Hard Rock embraces all genres of music,and we are proud to support such a talented and influential artist.”

The first-of-its-kind donation was brokered by leading talent agency and event management company, Temple Management Company, who are also putting together the highly-publicized grand concert for King Sunny Ade tagged “Sunny On Sunday” scheduled for Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Federal palace Hotel in Lagos.

“Celebrating King Sunny Ade is something of a national assignment for us at Temple Management Company that must be carried out,” said Terfa Tilley-Gyado, Director of Communications, Temple Management. “An induction into the Hard Rock’s famous memorabilia collection is just one of such responsibilities that will culminate at a grand concert that Nigerians have never witnessed come December 11,” he added.

The concert tagged Sunny On Sunday will hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos and will feature Awilo Logomba, Onyeka Onwenu, Sir Shina Peters, Darey, Omawumi, Terry Apala, Jeff and Tyson Noir.

Celebrities at the event include Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Iyanya, Peter Psquare Okoye, Bovi, Korede Bello, Olisa Adibua, Kunle Afolayan, Di’Ja, Bolanle Olukani and Inidinma Okogie among others. For additional details, please contact Femi Salawu on 08062775076 and Lala Alakija 09092157986.