This day (January 16, 1959), in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, is born Helen Folasade Adu known as Sade Adu or simply Sade an English singer-songwriter, lead vocalist of the British band Sade.
Tracklist :
1 . Mr Wrong (1983)
2 . Cherry Pie (The Tube, 1984)
3 . Is It a Crime (The Old Grey Whistle Test, 1985)
4 . The Sweetest Taboo
5 . Paradise (1988)
6 . Interview 1992
7 . No Ordinary Love (Top Of The Pops, 1992)
8 . Love is Stronger than Pride (Live in San Diego)
9 . Smooth Operator
10 . By Your Side
11 . Backstage (2001)
12 . Nothing Can Come Between Us
13 . Soldier of Love (Jonathan Ross, 2010)
14 . Stronger Than Pride (w/ Alicia Keys, 2010)
15 . Cherish the Day (2011)
16 . Your Face Sounds Familiar (2013)
Tracklist :
Smooth Operator . By Your Side . No Ordinary Love . Your Love Is King . The Sweetest Taboo . Hang On to Your Love . Kiss Of Life . Cherish the Day . Paradise . Soldier of Love .
Early Life and Family
Sade Adu, born Helen Folasade Adu on January 16, 1959, in Ibadan, Nigeria, grows up with a name that means “crowned with wealth” in Yoruba.
Her father, Adebisi Adu, is a Nigerian economics professor, and her mother, Anne Hayes, is an English district nurse.
When Sade is four, her parents divorce, and she moves to Essex, England, with her mother and brother, Banji.
Raised by her grandparents in East Essex, she describes herself as a countryside person, enjoying freedom and simple pleasures like bike rides and gardening.
At 11, she moves to Holland-on-Sea, a coastal town, which she likes less than her earlier rural life.
Education and Early Career
Her introduction to music comes through her father’s jazz and soul records, inspiring her with artists like Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye.
Initially passionate about fashion design, she attends St. Martin’s College of Art and Design in London, supporting herself as a waitress, bicycle messenger, and reluctant model.
After earning her fashion degree, she briefly works in men’s fashion before her career shifts toward music.
Music Career Beginnings
Sade starts as a background singer for the funk-jazz band Pride, where she meets saxophonist Stuart Matthewman, her future collaborator.
Their co-written song “Smooth Operator” gains attention, and record labels push to sign her as a solo artist.
Sade insists on including her bandmates—Matthewman, Andrew Hale, and Paul Spencer Denman—in the deal with Epic Records, cementing their dynamic as a unified group.
Formation of the Band Sade
The band Sade is born, blending soul, jazz, and funk with a DIY attitude and a commitment to playing their own instruments.
Although not formally trained, their chemistry and mutual respect create a unique sound that defies technical perfection.
“Diamond Life” and Breakthrough
The debut album *Diamond Life* (1984) is completed in just six weeks, with Sade refusing to compromise its integrity by sending tracks for U.S. remixes.
Featuring hits like “Your Love Is King” and “Smooth Operator,” the album becomes a global sensation, selling over 10 million copies by 1985 and earning the Brit Award for Best British Album.
Its minimalist and soulful approach contrasts with the synth-heavy pop of the 1980s, making it a standout success.
“Promise” and Continued Success
Her second album, *Promise* (1985), draws inspiration from a hopeful letter her father wrote during his battle with cancer.
The album’s hit single “The Sweetest Taboo” remains on the U.S. charts for six months, and the record itself tops the Billboard 200 for two weeks.
The band wins a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1986.
Touring and Fame
Despite her dislike for television and video promotion, Sade loves touring, considering live performances the purest connection with her audience.
She becomes one of the best-selling artists in history, maintaining commercial and critical success across decades.
“Stronger Than Pride” and Personal Life
The third album, *Stronger Than Pride* (1988), continues her success, featuring her favorite song, “Paradise.”
Despite rumors about her personal life, Sade remains private and grounded, describing herself as a “country girl at heart.”
Her marriage to Spanish filmmaker Carlos Pliego ends in 1995, with her music reflecting her personal experiences of love and heartbreak.
“Love Deluxe,” Hiatus, and “Lovers Rock”
The fourth album, *Love Deluxe* (1992), includes iconic tracks like “No Ordinary Love” and “Cherish the Day.”
After a hiatus, during which she becomes a mother, Sade releases *Lovers Rock* (2000), a Grammy-winning album with a softer, reggae-inflected sound.
Her refusal to follow trends keeps her music timeless and deeply personal.
Hiatuses and Return
Sade takes long breaks from the spotlight, valuing family and life experiences over constant production.
In 2010, she releases *Soldier of Love,* her most recent album, which tops the Billboard 200.
Living quietly on a farm in England, she balances her artistic pursuits with a peaceful personal life.
Musical Style and Impact
Sade’s music blends jazz, soul, and funk, marked by her deep, unique voice and minimalist arrangements.
Her work influences genres like Lovers Rock and artists such as MF Doom, Drake, and Chino Moreno.
Her lyrics, often autobiographical, explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-empowerment with a rare elegance and authenticity.
Personal Traits and Views
Sade is loyal to her bandmates and fiercely values her privacy, living a life removed from the pressures of fame.
Her sense of style, both in music and personal presentation, embodies timeless elegance and quiet strength.
She believes in honesty, love, and maintaining authenticity in both life and art.
Legacy
Sade’s influence spans generations, with over 50 million records sold worldwide and a reputation as one of the most impactful and enduring artists in modern music.
Her ability to remain relevant while staying true to her unique sound cements her status as a global icon of sophistication and artistry.
Photo : Julio Lopes