Sade The Voice of Elegant Soul
Who hasn’t, at some point, listened to a song by Sade and been enveloped by her smooth and seductive voice?
Sade is one of the most recognized and admired artists in soul music, boasting a career spanning over 35 years, during which she has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
Her style, elegant and sophisticated, blends influences from jazz, R&B, pop, and African music,
creating a unique and personal sound.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Sade, born as Helen Folasade Adu on January 16, 1959, in Ibadan, Nigeria, emerged from a Nigerian father and an English mother. The family relocated to London when she was four years old. Growing up surrounded by music, her father being a music teacher and her mother a jazz enthusiast and nurse, Sade began singing in the church choir and playing the guitar as a child. However, it wasn’t until university that she considered a professional career in music.
Studying fashion design at the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, Sade formed her first band, Pride, with fellow musicians she met during this time. They began performing in small venues and festivals, attracting attention for Sade’s exotic beauty and captivating voice. One of the songs she performed with Pride, «Smooth Operator,» later became one of her major hits.
In 1983, Sade decided to embark on a solo career, taking three members of Pride—saxophonist Stuart Matthewman, bassist Paul Denman, and keyboardist Andrew Hale—with her.
Together, they formed the band Sade, signing a contract with Epic Records. The following year, they released their debut album, «Diamond Life,» which garnered critical acclaim and widespread popularity.
The album featured classics like
«Your Love Is King,»
«Hang On To Your Love,» and
«Smooth Operator.»
Rising Success and International Fame
Under the title «Promise» in 1985, Sade released her second album.
It maintained the high level of quality and success of the first, featuring songs like
«The Sweetest Taboo,»
«Is It A Crime,» and
«Never As Good As The First Time.»
Sade solidified her international fame with a world tour that took her across Europe, America, and Asia.
Her elegant and minimalist image, with her tied-back hair and simple dresses, became a fashion icon.
In 1988, Sade published her third album, «Stronger Than Pride,» showcasing an evolution toward a more mature and sophisticated sound.
The album featured collaborations with percussionist Martin Ditcham and trumpeter Gordon Matthewman, who joined the band.
Notable tracks include
«Paradise,»
«Nothing Can Come Between Us,» and
«Love Is Stronger Than Pride.»
Continued Success and Personal Pause
Sade’s fourth album was a patiently awaited release in 1992, titled «Love Deluxe.» The album was another commercial and artistic success, featuring tracks like
«No Ordinary Love,»
«Cherish The Day,» and
«Kiss Of Life.»
Once again, Sade demonstrated her ability to create sensual and immersive atmospheres with her voice and music.
Following the release of «Love Deluxe,» Sade took an extended break from music to focus on her personal life. She married Spanish director Carlos Pliego and welcomed a son, Ila Adu. During this period, she only released a compilation titled «The Best Of Sade» in 1994, which included two new tracks:
«Please Send Me Someone To Love» and
«Like A Tattoo.»
In the year 2000, Sade made a musical comeback with her fifth album, «Lovers Rock.» The album marked a shift towards a more acoustic and intimate sound, influenced by reggae and folk. It received positive reviews and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album. Standout songs include
«By Your Side,»
«Paradise,»
«King Of Sorrow,» and
«Somebody Already Broke My Heart.»
Recent Years and Legacy
Sade’s sixth and, so far, latest album was released in 2010, titled «Soldier Of Love.»
The album was another commercial and critical success, showcasing a darker and more dramatic side of the artist. Notable tracks include
«Soldier Of Love,»
«Babyfather,» and
«The Moon And The Sky.»
Since then, Sade has not released any new albums, although she has collaborated on some soundtracks, such as composing the theme «Flower Of The Universe» for the 2018 film «A Wrinkle In Time.»
She has also undertaken sporadic tours, including the 2011 tour to present «Soldier Of Love,» marking her first tour in ten years.
Sade remains a unique and irreplaceable artist who has maintained her essence and quality over the years.
Her voice and music are a benchmark for elegant and sophisticated soul that transcends trends.
Undoubtedly, Sade is one of the great ladies of music.