Helen Folasade Adu CBE (Yoruba: Fọláṣadé Adú), known professionally as Sade Adu or simply Sade (SHAH-day or shah-DAY), is a Nigerian-born British singer, known as the lead vocalist of her band Sade.
One of the most successful British female artists in history, she is often recognised as an influence on contemporary music. Her success in the music industry was recognised with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2002, and she was made Commander in the 2017 Birthday Honours.
In July 1985, Sade was among the performers at the Live Aid charity concert at Wembley Stadium, and the next year, she appeared in the film Absolute Beginners. The band released their third album (Stronger Than Pride) in 1988, and a fourth album (Love Deluxe) in 1992. The band went on hiatus in 1996 after the birth of Sade's child.
After eight years without an album, the band reunited in 1999 and released Lovers Rock in 2000. The album departed from the jazz-inspired inflections of their previous work, featuring mellower sounds. The band produced no more music until the release of Soldier of Love, ten years later. Since then, they have released two songs, "Flower of the Universe" for the soundtrack of Disney's A Wrinkle in Time, and "The Big Unknown", part of the soundtrack of Steve McQueen's film Widows.
In 1986, she became the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy Award when she was named Best New Artist. In 2023, Sade was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Sade became a 2024 nominee for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
-Wikipedia
Birth Name: Helen Folasade Adu
Born: 16 January 1959 (age 65)
From: Ibadan, British Nigeria
Spouse(s): Carlos Pliego (m. 1989; div. 1995)
Ian Watts (m. 2007)
Genre(s):
Soul,
sophisti-pop,
smooth jazz,
quiet storm
Instrument(s):
Vocals
Occupation(s):
Singer,
songwriter
Active From: 1982-present
Awards:
Grammy Award 1986, Songwriters Hall of Fame 2023, 2024 nominee for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame