President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated renowned songwriter, producer, instrumentalist, and singer, Bongos Ikwue, on his 80th birthday.

The President in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina on Sunday in Abuja, joined family, friends, and fans all over the world to celebrate with ”the iconic performer, whose voice keeps serenading for more than 40 years”.

According to Buhari, the multi-talented artist holds a special place in Nigeria’s music history, starting out with the “Cubana Boys’’, “UniBello Brothers” and “Bongos Ikwue and the Groovies’’.

He added that the artist had released songs that remained evergreen, like “Still Searching’’, “Amen”, “What’s Gonna Be Is Gonna Be’’ and “Crockrow at Dawn’’, with philosophical messages that touched on love, kindness, loyalty, unity, peace, and togetherness as the songwriter and musician turned an octogenarian,

The President lauded Ikwue for his staying power on the stage, with such poetic and soulful recent hits as “Inale’’ that had been produced as a movie.

He said this had been spicing up the Nollywood industry with Idoma folklore, and a duet with younger musician, Innocent Idibia, aka 2face, that attracted many views and reviews on apps and tubes, engaging the social media for long period.

He saluted Ikwue’s success on and off stage, running his interior design and hospitality business, ”draws from his deep love for God, country, and humanity”.

According to him, Ikwue’s choice of themes for music cut across religions, cultures, and educational backgrounds, creating a global appeal that will influence many generations.

The President prayed that the music maestro would continue to enjoy good health and more inspiration for sonorous tunes.