Sonny Okosun (January 1, 1947 in Enugu, Nigeria[1] – May 24, 2008 in Washington DC) was a musician from Nigeria. His surname is sometimes spelled Okosuns and first name Sunny. He was one of the leading Nigerian musicians from the late 70's to mid 80's.[2]
His first band, The Postmen, was formed in Enugu in 1965.[1] In 1969 he joined Melody Maestros, a band led by Victor Uwaifo.[3] From 1972 to 1974 he led a group known as Paperback Limited and then formed a new band, Ozziddi.[4][3] From then on, he released several albums either with Ozziddi, or solo recordings.[4]
His 1977 song, "Fire in Soweto", became a major international hit.[4] He featured in the anti-apartheid album Sun City, and his song "Highlife" was in the soundtrack of 1986 film Something Wild.[2] His mainstream success started to fade in the late 1980s, but he continued his career as a gospel musician under the name Evangelist Sonny Okosun.[4]
He died aged 61 of colon cancer on May 24, 2008 at Howard University Hospital, Washington DC.[5] His musical styles ranged included reggae, highlife, Afro-funk and gospel among others.[4] He made music in Edo language, Igbo language, Yoruba language and English.[6]