We recently connected with Legendary Suni and have shared our conversation below.

Legendary , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I come from a family that has a deep appreciation for music, especially my father, who had a profound love for what I call real music. It was like a daily morning ritual for him; you could tell his mood just by the tunes he played. I grew up surrounded by the classics, and every night when he returned from work, he’d bring home cassettes, and we’d gather to watch music videos together. I was always fascinated by how artists could produce such soothing melodies. I was particularly captivated by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. As a kid, I would spend my pocket money on songbooks to learn lyrics and try to sing like him. Over time, this transformed from a hobby into a passion.

Eventually, I became the choir boy at church, receiving compliments from family and friends who encouraged me to try out for the choir. This experience taught me the fundamentals of music, even though I didn’t initially know terms like pitch, falsetto, riffs, and scales. Being a choir boy expanded my understanding of music. Throughout my academic years and into university, I met my first producer, 2Jay, who appreciated my style and motivated me to create my own record. This led to the birth of “My Muse.” I also recorded my first cover, a pidgin version of John Legend’s “All of Me,” which gained significant attention nationwide. Hearing my song on the radio was surreal, especially since I had never visited a radio station before. I began receiving inquiries about my performance rates for events, which was unexpected since I had never considered music as a viable career path—growing up, it was always about becoming a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or pilot. The overwhelming support from fans, many of whom could sing my song word for word without knowing what I looked like, was mind-blowing. I even had to convince a stranger at an event that the song they were singing backstage was mine.

In my second year of school, I participated in a talent contest, “Coke Studio West Africa,” and emerged as the winner. This opportunity marked a significant turning point, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the music industry and view it as a legitimate career path.

Legendary , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Sunny Eke, known professionally as “Legendary Suni,” is a remarkable Afro-soul artist from the eastern part of Nigeria, specifically Ebem Ohafia in Abia State. His contributions to the music industry have made significant impact, as he began his journey by nurturing his passion for music at a young age. Starting with cover performances, he gradually honed his unique sound.

His creative works beautifully blend soulful melodies with contemporary rhythms, resonating deeply with his audience. By 2014, he was already shining brightly as the winner of the Coke Studio West Africa contest, sharing the stage with incredible talents like Patoranking, Tekno, and Selebobo. Additionally, he emerged as the winner of the “Dare2dream” talent contest for two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015.

Legendary Suni’s collaborations with outstanding artists across Africa are truly inspiring, which includes; Kenya’s Bensoul, Uganda’s Lillian Mbabazi, And Nigeria’s Mr. 2Kay, DanDizzy, Magnito, imanse, 1da Banton and more. As a performer, he has headlined shows alongside music legends like 2Baba, Timaya, Ayra Starr, Timi Dakolo, Ric Hassani, Davido, to mention but a few, showcasing his undeniable talent. Since debuting his own headline show, “The Vibes Concert,” in 2016, he continued to bring global musical acts to the stage each year up until 2019. After Covid, he relocated to Lagos city to further pursue his career.

What truly distinguishes Legendary Suni is his profound ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level through his heartfelt lyrics and captivating performances. His music often mirrors personal experiences while exploring universal themes, making it both relatable and inspiring. Suni’s unique style blends traditional influences with contemporary elements, resulting in a refreshing sound that resonates with fans.

Also, his impeccable sense of style and outlook have rightfully earned him the titles of “Classic Man” and “King of Soul.” His talent for delivering elegant performances, all while exuding stylistic flair, has led to collaborations with prominent fashion brands worldwide.

I take great pride in my authenticity and unwavering dedication to my craft. In a vast industry where it’s easy to lose oneself, I remain committed to staying original while evolving with the market. My mission is clear: to create music that not only entertains but also uplifts and inspires my listeners.

One of the most profound experiences I’ve had was when a listener called in on the radio after hearing my song “Hold On.” He shared that he was on the verge of committing suicide, and hearing that song lifted his spirit and gave him a new sense of hope. This moment is one of my greatest accomplishments; knowing that my music has the power to change lives is simply unbelievable. Now that I know it’s possible, I’m never stopping.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want to convey that my brand is founded on passion, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. I aspire to cultivate a community of “Sunisiders” who share a profound love for music and support one another in our artistic journeys.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think society can do a lot to support artists and creatives, but three of the most important aspects for me are providing more concrete platforms to aid creatives financially, promoting arts education in schools, and the impact of art on culture and the society.

Offering more funding and grants for artistic projects allows artists to focus on their work without financial stress.

As a graduate of religion & culture, It’s super important to include and integrate arts education into school curriculums, as this nurtures creativity from a young age, ensuring that future generations of artists and creatives are encouraged and supported. This approach not only empowers individuals but also creates more job opportunities.

Lastly, recognizing and valuing the impact of art on culture and society can lead to greater appreciation and support for creative endeavors. By prioritizing these areas, we can truly create a thriving creative ecosystem.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to express myself and connect with others through my work. When you create something that resonates with people, it can be incredibly fulfilling to see how your art impacts their lives. Additionally, being able to pay my bills and support my family through my art is a huge motivator, making the journey even more meaningful. The opportunity to explore my passions and continually grow as an artist can also be deeply satisfying.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.legendarysuni.com
• Instagram: legendarysuni
• Facebook: legendarysuni
• Twitter: legendarysuni
• Youtube: legendarysuni
• Soundcloud: legendarysuni

Image Credits

Rowlandzy
John Eke
Wildshotz