Helen Folasade Adu, known as Sade, is a legendary Nigerian-British singer whose smooth blend of jazz, soul, and funk has captivated audiences worldwide. As the frontwoman of the iconic band Sade, she has achieved immense success with timeless hits and a unique sound that continues to influence artists across genres.
Helen Folasade Adu, known professionally as Sade, is a Nigerian-British singer and the lead vocalist of the iconic band Sade. Born on January 16, 1959, in Ibadan, British Nigeria, she moved to England at four years old. As a teenager, Sade developed interests in singing, fashion design, and modeling.
In the early 1980s, Sade began her music career as a backup singer for the band Pride. It was during this time she formed a songwriting partnership with Pride's guitarist/saxophonist, Stuart Matthewman. Sade, along with Matthewman, keyboardist Andrew Hale, and bassist Paul Denman, split from Pride in 1983 to form the band Sade.
The band Sade officially formed in London in 1982 and signed with Epic Records in October 1983. Sade Adu signed as a solo artist, while her band members joined as her contractors, marking the beginning of their unique sound and widespread acclaim.
Sade's debut album, "Diamond Life," released on July 16, 1984, was a massive success, reaching number two in the UK Album Chart and eventually selling over 1.2 million copies in the UK. It won the Brit Award for Best British Album in 1985 and performed well internationally.
The band is renowned for their distinctive sound, which blends jazz, funk, soul, and sophisti-pop. Sade's music draws influences from American soul artists of the 70s, including Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, Bill Withers, and the Jackson 5.
Throughout their career, Sade has released several successful albums:- "Diamond Life" (1984)- "Promise" (1985)- "Stronger Than Pride" (1988)- "Love Deluxe" (1992)- "Lovers Rock" (2000)- "Soldier of Love" (2010)
Sade has garnered numerous accolades, including:- Grammy for Best New Artist in 1986- Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album for "Lovers Rock" in 2002
The band has achieved over 75 million record sales worldwide. Her voice has been described as a "grainy contralto full of air," reflecting a deeply soulful and jazzy essence.
Sade's music has influenced many artists, particularly within the hip-hop and neo-soul genres. Artists such as Rakim, Talib Kweli, Missy Elliott, Kanye West, Erykah Badu, Janet Jackson, and Lauryn Hill have cited her as a significant influence. She has also contributed significantly to the 90s neo-soul genre.
Known for her privacy and selectivity in public appearances, Sade has maintained a mysterious persona that, combined with her unique beauty, contributes to her enduring success in the music industry.
In recognition of her contributions, Sade was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2002 and was promoted to Commander in the 2017 Birthday Honours. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Sade at No. 51 on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
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