Sonny Okosuns was a Nigerian music legend who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene. He was a singer, composer, and guitarist who won the hearts of many with his music. Born on the 1st of January, 1947, in Enugu, Sonny Okosuns was the last child in a family of six children.
Early Life
Sonny Okosuns was born to a Nigerian father and a Ghanaian mother. His father was an army officer, and his mother was a trader. Unfortunately, Sonny lost both parents by the time he was five years old, and he had to be raised by his older siblings.
As a young boy, Suny Okosuns had a keen interest in music, and he would often sing and dance to entertain himself.
Education
Sonny Okosuns attended Ojo Primary School before proceeding to St. Gregory’s College, Lagos. After his secondary education, he went on to study Business Administration at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
Music Career
Sonny Okosuns started his music career in the late 1960s as a member of a band called The Postmen. The band was made up of Sonny Okosuns, Blackman Akeeb Kareem, and Akin Euba. The Postmen played a fusion of African and Western music, and they were popular in Nigeria at the time.
After The Postmen disbanded, Sonny Okosuns formed a new band called The Ozziddi Band. The band played Afrobeat music and was influenced by the music of Fela Kuti. The Ozziddi Band went on to become one of the most popular bands in Nigeria in the 1970s. They played at major events and festivals in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, and they released several hit songs.
Sonny Okosuns also had a solo career and released several albums. He was known for his socially conscious lyrics and his music addressed issues such as poverty, corruption, and inequality. Some of his popular songs include “Fire in Soweto,” “I Go Shout Plenty,” and “Which Way Nigeria.”
Discography
| Album | Year |
|---|---|
| African Soldier | 1983 |
| Songs of Praise | 1986 |
| Ozziddi | 1977 |
| A Sound of Time | 1979 |
To listen to Sonny Okosuns’ music, check out Boomplay.
Personal Life
Sonny Okosuns was married to Gloria Okosuns, and they had four children together. He was a devout Christian and his music reflected his faith.
Cars and House
Sonny Okosuns owned several cars, including a Mercedes Benz and a Range Rover. He also had a house in Lagos, Nigeria.
Net Worth
Sonny Okosuns’ net worth is difficult to estimate, but it is believed to be in the millions of dollars. His net worth in different currencies is as follows:
- USD: $3 million
- NGN: ₦1.2 billion
- CAD: $4 million
- GHS: ₵16 million
- KES: KSh 300 million
- ZAR: R42 million
- UGX: USh 11 billion
- INR: ₹220 crore
Sonny Okosuns passed away on the 24th of May, 2008, but his music lives on, and he remains one of Nigeria’s greatest musical icons.
For more information, visit Sonny Okosuns’ Wikipedia page and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.