“How are you?” It’s a question often asked but rarely answered with the kind of depth Sunny Eke Awa, better known by his stage name, Legendary Suni, brings to everything he does. Heartfelt and sincere, the answer offers a glimpse into a man whose music flows from a place of authenticity and deep connection. From his breakout cover of John Legend’s All of Me to the bold reintroduction of himself through Suniverse, Legendary Suni has spent 15 years crafting melodies, sounds, and moments that truly resonate.
In this conversation, the Nigerian Afro Soul maestro reflects on the highs of performing alongside Davido at Flyfest 2024, the patience and perseverance it took to get there, and the soulful journey that has defined his 15 transformative years in music. He opens up about the beautiful chaos of life as an independent artist and what drives him to keep pushing. Beyond the accolades, Legendary Suni is a storyteller, a humanitarian, and a firm believer in music’s power to unite and inspire. As he says, music, like life, is best when it’s real, raw, and unapologetically human.
FAB: First of all, let’s start with something simple but important, which we sometimes neglect. How are you doing?
Legendary Suni: Thank you so much for that very wonderful, thoughtful question. How am I doing? I think I’m fine. I think for the first time in years, I get to celebrate Christmas with my family. Nothing beats that, so I think I’m good. Family is everything at the end of it all.
FAB: Speaking of family, Afropop-Family, you were the opening act for Flyfest 2024, performing alongside big names like Davido. What was that experience like for you?
Legendary Suni: It was absolutely phenomenal! I’ve been pitching for Flyfest for about four years now, and getting that email saying, “Hi, Suni, you’ve been selected to open for Davido,” felt so surreal. I remember being overwhelmed with excitement; it was a moment I couldn’t get over. Performing on that stage and delivering a phenomenal performance was just incredible. It was truly a dream come true because, personally, I love Davido, 001.
Being on that platform and showcasing my talent to the world was an amazing experience. It was a beautiful moment that I’ll cherish forever.
FAB: Nice. So you waited for four years. What was it like waiting four years for something that you hold so dearly?
Legendary Suni: Well, the thing is, I can be a very patient person. Every year, I tell myself, “Just apply for it,” hoping that one day, they’ll say, “Okay, let’s give this a try.” And I guess this year (2024) turned out to be that year. But you know what? I’ll definitely apply again next year.
Legendary Suni Reflects on 15 Years in Music and Afro Soul’s Future
FAB: Speaking about patience and investing in the journey, your story is so inspiring, from covering John Legend’s All of Me to becoming one of Nigeria’s most celebrated Afro Soul artists. Do you ever look back at those early days and think, “Whoa, I’ve come so far—15 whole years”?
Legendary Suni: Yes, it’s been quite a journey. Covering John Legend’s “All of Me” was definitely a big boost for me because that’s where everything really started. When I put out that cover, the song travelled farther than I did at the time. I had people playing it on the radio even though I had never been to a radio station before. People were singing the cover word for word, and I hadn’t even performed at any major event outside of campus. It was such a surreal experience being thrown into fame without really knowing what direction to take. But “All of Me” taught me so many lessons and brought a lot of attention, both nationally and internationally. It was a defining moment for me.
Legendary Suni: Well, at that point, I didn’t even have a stage name, because you know when you’re just doing something out of pure love? Let me say, that was my era of passion. I wasn’t thinking about branding or the business side of things. I just wanted to make music I could enjoy listening to, and that’s all I cared about. Then the craziest thing happened—people started singing the song. Imagine walking around campus and hearing someone singing your song word for word.
I remember this one show in 2014; there was a group of dancers backstage performing, and I could hear them singing the song joyfully, correcting each other when they got the lyrics wrong. I was tempted to tell them, “That’s my song,” but I thought, let me surprise everyone when I perform later. That feeling—hearing people love and connect with something you created—is indescribable.
But looking back, I didn’t know much about the music business then. I didn’t know I needed a manager. I didn’t even know about uploading songs for streaming. It was the CD era, and we called it “waxing.” You’d print CDs, take them to local retailers, and hustle to sell them just to make back your money. It was hardcore and very grassroots, but I’m grateful for it. If all those experiences had happened in today’s digital age, my journey might have been completely different. Still, I appreciate that I came from that era because it taught me the street way. It shaped who I am today.
FAB: Have you ever had an experience where you did a song, and then you’re popular, but there’s no money coming in?
Legendary Suni: Yes, I do. One experience that stands out was when I wrote a series of songs for a company. They handed me a contract, and without much understanding, I just signed it thinking it was all straightforward. Little did I know that by signing, I had essentially handed over all the rights to those songs. They went on to make a lot of money from the project, and I was left just watching as my work gained attention without any benefits coming to me. I remember googling the project and realizing how big it had become. It was later, when someone with experience reviewed the contract, that they pointed out how much I had given away. It was a hard lesson for me, but a valuable one. That kind of mistake? It can’t happen now.
FAB: That’s a sad story! You’ve been on this journey for over 15 years—what’s been the motivation for you to stay true to your sound, despite the temptation to chase commercial viability?
Most especially considering how much the industry has shifted with the rise of commercial sounds. People have even suggested that artists should “dumb things down” to meet the mainstream audience.
Legendary Suni: Music is a language, and just like any language, it’s about communication. If you’re not communicating in the right way, your audience won’t understand you. For me, music has to have quality—the lyrics, the composition, the rhythm, and the melody all need to come together to form that universal language. If a song isn’t authentic or original in that sense, then it’s not for me.
That said, I don’t box myself into just being an Afro soul artist. If you listen to my catalogue, you’ll hear how much I experiment with different genres. I love trying out new things and pushing boundaries in music. I’m all about experimenting, but at the same time, you need to have an identity. A person without an identity is like a candle in the wind, right? You need to belong somewhere. For me, I belong to the Afrosoul world. But if you throw me into the American music scene, for example, I’ll still deliver. So yes, while I diversify and experiment, I know where I come from and what I represent.
FAB: Now, let’s talk about collaborations. Have you ever had a collaboration that, looking back, you might regret or wish you had approached differently?
Legendary Suni: I’m very selective when it comes to collaborations because, as I mentioned, the content of the music is what truly matters to me. It’s not just about the vibe; I want my music to be timeless. I want people to listen and think, “This is an evergreen sound,” something that remains enjoyable even a decade later. That’s the essence of music. However, sometimes in the music business, you have to collaborate with certain artists to help elevate your career. These collaborations are often more about pushing you to the next level than the content itself, although the music still has to be good.
I haven’t had any negative experiences with collaborations because I’m very intentional about who I work with. Out of the six or seven collaborations I’ve done—both with international and Nigerian artists—they’ve all been strategic and aligned with my goals.
FAB: You’ve really expanded your reach across other African countries, collaborating with artists like Kenya’s Bensoul, Uganda’s Lillian Mbabazi, DanDizzy, and Magnito, as well as 1da Banton. How do you choose your collaborators? What factors influence your choice of artists to work with?
Legendary Suni: My first collaboration was with Mr 2kay on the track “Falling.” At the time, he was the biggest artist in the South, and I had just finished my second concert. I needed to make a statement, letting people in Port Harcourt and beyond know that Legendary Suni was here to stay and that we were aiming to take our music global. “Falling” became one of my biggest hits and helped establish that presence. After that, listeners wanted to hear more from me. They had already experienced the soul and R&B side of my music, so they were curious about what else I could offer. That’s when I connected with DanDizzy, a freestyle rapper.
We collaborated on the track “For You,” which combined R&B and freestyle rap, creating a hybrid sound. It was all about blending genres and experimenting with new ideas. In 2022, I released my debut EP, Hybrid, and featured artists like 1da Banton and Imanse. 1da Banton, a prominent Afrobeat artist, contributed immensely to the project’s success, helping us reach over 500,000 streams in the first month and 3 million streams within two months. That collaboration gave the project a major push, allowing it to transcend beyond just my solo efforts.
I also featured Imanse, a talented female artist, to bring some balance to the EP. She had just returned to Nigeria and was eager to collaborate, and our connection at an event led to a great collaboration. In October, I dropped Suniverse, my most recent project, where I featured Magnito for a hip-hop track. It was a challenge, as I had to step into a completely different genre, and Magnito’s style was the perfect fit to bring that track to life.
My collaborations outside of Nigeria have been more focused on my humanitarian work. I wanted to partner with artists who share my values of peace, charity, and giving back to society. Through that, I connected with artists like Lilian Mbabazi from Kenya and Bensoul, among others. Every collaboration I’ve done has been very strategic, from the music itself to the message I want to convey.
The Making of Suniverse
FAB: What’s the story behind the Suniverse?
Legendary Suni: I used to go by the name Suni Vibes when I did my debut concert, but it just didn’t feel like it represented me fully. Everyone was saying “Vibes” this and “Vibes” that, but I wanted something more personal. So, the way I spell “Suni” is S-U-N-I, and if you remove the first “S” from “Suniverse,” you get “Universe.” I wanted a name that truly resonated with me. So, Suniverse became a rebrand, and what better way to rebrand than through music? I decided to release a whole project to introduce the world to the “Suniverse.” In this space, there’s good music. So, Suniverse was essentially a way to re-establish myself and my identity.
FAB: “Afro Soul” means different things to different people. For you, as an artist, what does Afro Soul truly mean to you?
Legendary Suni: Afro Soul, for me, is about hybrid music—blending various elements to create something truly unique. It’s the fusion of African rhythms and soul music. Soul music has always been a huge influence on me, with role models like Michael Jackson and Luther Vandross, who taught me the essence of quality music. But I’m also deeply rooted in my African heritage, so I strive to incorporate that into my sound. Afro Soul is my way of merging these two worlds—soul and African vibes—into a cohesive, authentic musical expression.
FAB: You mentioned earlier how much December attracted international attention to Nigeria, and you had some interesting thoughts on that. What do you think is responsible for the influx of international artists coming to Nigeria now?
Legendary Suni: Music is one of the fastest-growing tourism exports, and it really boosts tourism in a major way. Nigeria, as a whole, has been performing incredibly well in the entertainment scene. People are drawn to greatness, and the world is watching Nigeria because we’re doing well. And right now, Afrobeats has transcended beyond what we know it and how we know it. And seeing the world resonate to Afrobeat is just beautiful.
So, of course, you see people coming around to have a taste of what it feels like to dip your hand in the mother’s pot. People now want to experience Afrobeat the way it’s meant to be experienced—in Africa. So when you hear Afrobeat in places like Tennessee, India, or Asia, you can understand why people would want to come to the source, to feel that authentic vibe. If I were in their shoes, I would fly in too. And when they do, they make up a huge part of the audience at shows. They’re all here, enjoying themselves, and it’s incredible to witness. It’s just beautiful to see how African music, particularly Afrobeat, is uniting the world.
FAB: You mentioned the large international crowd attending shows in Nigeria, which is great to see. But on the flip side, there’s a lot of talk about the challenges of organizing shows here—some say it’s difficult to get people to attend, while others point to issues like the high cost of organizing events, lack of resources, and venues. It’s also been mentioned that corporate sponsorships are the only way to make shows work here. What’s your experience been like when it comes to organizing a show in Nigeria, if you’ve had any?
Legendary Suni: I’ve been involved in the events business for quite a while now, having been back in Nigeria since 2016. I held my first concert that year and continued for three years until 2019, even launching my mixtape during that time. Putting on a show in Nigeria is definitely not easy.
When I released Suniverse, my most recent project, I also hosted a concert here in Lagos. As I mentioned, organizing a show in Lagos can be quite challenging. But when you have people who truly believe in what you’re doing, they will show up for you, no matter where the show is being held. It’s about the connection with the fans. Even though we may have complaints about venue spaces and other resources, if the fans are invested, they will make the effort to support you.
That said, it would be great if we had more venues that were safe, spacious, and capable of holding large audiences. For example, look at Chris Brown’s sold-out show in South Africa—that was his most successful show globally, and it happened right here in Africa. If we had more venues like that across Africa, it would do wonders for elevating African artists in the global market. But for now, we’ll just have to keep working with what we have and make it work.
What’s Next for Legendary Suni
Legendary Suni: I don’t think I’ve ever read anything online that truly shook me. Honestly, I focus on the positive side of social media. I’m not the type to dwell on negative comments. If I come across something negative, I just think, “Blessings to you, bro,” and move on. I’m not here for negativity.
That said, I do see the occasional comment, like, “You look too nice for a fast rising artist,” or “You dress too much; pipe it down.” People always have opinions, and that’s okay. I’m open to constructive criticism because it means they’re paying attention. If someone says, “You dress too much,” at least they’re noticing I’m doing something right. So far, I haven’t seen anything that qualifies as a really bad review about me. And honestly, I hope I don’t see any in the future. Never miss a beat in fashion, arts, beauty, and lifestyle, follow FAB L’Style Magazine.
FAB: If you see any, how are you going to react to it?
Legendary Suni: I will swipe.
FAB: I love that positive energy. So, what’s next for Legendary Suni? Should we be on the lookout for any upcoming projects from you?
Legendary Suni: Right now, I’m still focused on promoting the Suniverse project. Being an independent artist in Nigeria means I have to work a bit harder—what an artist like Davido might accomplish in a month, I’ll take five months to do, simply because we don’t have the big budget for promotions. We rely on time and strategy.
Currently, I’m working on promoting Suniverse, and I’ve just shot two music videos for the EP. I’m also planning future projects and will continue pushing out more content while doing promotions. In addition, I’m very open to collaborations. My journey with collaborations began in 2018, and it’s something I’m still open to because they help push Suniverse to a wider audience globally. As for 2025, there’s no intentional plan yet, but it’s all about moving forward and building on what’s already started.
FAB: This is my final question for this segment. Looking beyond the music, the awards, and the accolades, what do you envision your legacy will be in the next 50 years? How do you hope to be remembered?
Legendary Suni: I would love for people to remember me as a humanitarian, someone who genuinely cares for others. I believe we are nothing without our brothers and sisters, and that’s how I see the world. Everything we do should serve a purpose, whether it’s through music, art, or any other form of expression—it’s all about positively impacting lives. I want to be remembered for making a difference, for changing lives for the better. It’s not about the accolades; it’s about the legacy of having done something meaningful. Even if I weren’t making music, I believe I would still be doing something that impacts others and brings about change, because that’s truly what we’re here for.
Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle with Legendary Suni
FAB: What’s your go-to hack for making an outfit look effortlessly polished?
Legendary Suni: First off, it has to be black. I’m actually on a mission to discover and own like 20 shades of black—I’m already on number 16. I love free pants; I even complimented yours earlier. I’m all about outfits that are easy to wear—something you can just throw on and still look stylish while staying comfortable. I don’t want to feel restricted, like I’m in a tight bespoke jacket. I prefer something versatile, so I can dash off to the stage, visit the market, go to the cinema, or have lunch—all in the same outfit and still maintain the same vibe. And as they say, black doesn’t crack.
FAB: Is there a particular fragrance that, when you perceive it, immediately grabs your attention and makes you go, “Wow, this is it”?
Legendary Suni: Well, I used to be a big fan of Bleu De Chanel, but now I think I’m completely sold on Afnan products. Those Dubai people really know how to create great scents. Their fragrances have this unique touch, and honestly, I vibe with them a lot. I also enjoy experimenting—I’m not fixed on just one particular fragrance. If I perceive something interesting, I might feel like mixing it with another to create a unique blend. I love having different vibes for different times, so you’ll rarely find me sticking to just one perfume or fragrance all the time. I like to keep it fresh and dynamic.
FAB: Do you have a workout routine or anything you do to stay active?
Legendary Suni: Yes, for me, fitness has a lot to do with food. I know for most people, it’s the opposite, but mine is reversed. Once I eat the right kind of food, I feel fit—very fit. Honestly, I don’t think anyone has guessed my age correctly, and that’s because of how I’ve been living my life. I like it that way because I feel like I’m aging backward. So, yes, I eat a lot, and I enjoy it. But would I advise someone else to try my routine? Definitely not! I have a friend who said she eats only once a day, and I’m convinced I’d faint if I ever tried that. I eat four or five times a day, and if I wake up at 3 a.m. from a bad dream, I’ll eat something just to shake it off. Food is life. I’m here to eat, and I’m loving it.
FAB: So food is your weapon. It’s also your amour.
Legendary Suni: Yes, absolutely. Don’t invite me to any meeting without food. I don’t care about the drinks; it has to be food. Once I’m done eating, I’ll take water. But first, food—always food. That’s my cheat code, and I’m sharing it with you now. If you’re planning a meeting without food, let’s just do a Google Meet instead. Don’t expect me to dress up, put on my nice black outfit, and show up to a meeting with nothing to eat. That’s not going to work. I love food. I’m on a whole different frequency when it comes to that, and I’m sure my brother will back me up on this. So, take note—food is the way to my heart.
#FABFiveFastZone
FAB: What food should taste better than its appearance?
Legendary Suni: No comments.
FAB: Your all-time dream vacation?
Legendary Suni: Greece.
FAB: If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted in this life, what would it be?
Legendary Suni: To pass through walls
FAB: Which would be the smartest animal if they could talk?
Legendary Suni: Ants.
FAB: If you could be a Hollywood celebrity, who would you like to be?
Legendary Suni: Dwayne Johnson
