Where is Sade?

Helen Folasade Adu

more commonly known to her fans as Sade, was born in January 16th, 1959 in Ibadan Nigeria. Her father was a Nigerian teacher and mother an English nurse. Sade’s parents separated when she was four. Together with her mother they would then move Great Hawkesley in North London.

Sade

is a hypnotic performer that puts a calm spell over her listeners. She has a alluring sway and calm soothing style that have her fans craving for more. When you surf the internet and try to find current information on the vocalist, you will not find much. Fan letters and websites are full of comments begging for her return.

On my about page on this Blog I mention putting my guitars on my wall for arts sake. I am not a musician and never will be, but I have a confession. When I listen to Sade, at the right moment when no one is around, I tune up the guitar and play along. I’m not sure what it is, but it seems to be the only moments where I sound like I can really play. Wishful thinking? Of course! Maybe I just want to say that I can play with Sade.

As a teenager Sade studied Fashion design at St. Martins Art College in London while working as a waitress and bike messenger. She was inspired musically through her love of Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Gil Scott-Heron, Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. It was these influences that motivated her to spend most of her free time singing. Her melodic passion would rapidly overtake her fashion career interests. After going to an audition she soon found herself performing as one of three vocalists in an upcoming jazz-funk group known as Pride.

In 1984 Pride eventually became known as Sade, and the singer would begin to hone her song writing craft. Her former Pride members would continue to stay with her and contribute by bringing their instrumental and compositional talents to build an additional structure to Sade’s song writing skills. They would form a team that would continue to play and write together for the next decade

All this talent and skill would come together with her debut album Diamond Life in 1984. That song along with Smooth Operator, Your Love is King and Hang On to Your Love would all top the charts. Sade was then nominated for a Grammy and won the best new artists category. Diamond Life spent 81 weeks on Billboard’s album charts. The album is still the all-time best-selling debut by a British female singer. She even made a brief film debut in Julien Temple’s Absolute Beginners, performing the song Killer Blow, which she co-wrote. Sade was a star!

Her follow up album Promise in 1985 would show that Sade was not going to be forgotten. The album reached No. 1 on the U.S. Pop and R&B charts, and contained top charting hits like The Sweetest Taboo, Never As Good As the First Time, Jezebel and one of my personal favourites Is It A Crime. The album further established her as a musical force.

Sade never craved the spotlight. She was by no means fond of all the attention and preferred to associate with friends rather than bask in the spotlight of inquisitive and demanding journalists. Sade took 3 years away from the limelight before she came out with self produced and arranged album Stronger than Pride in 1988. Then after a 4 year exile she came out with Love Deluxe in 1992. This would bring us the hit No Ordinary Love made popular with the help of the movie Indecent Proposal. The album would remain on the charts for 90 weeks. The Best of Sade in 1994 would showcase the last decade of one of popular music’s most treasured vocalists. Her last album Lovers Rock was released in 2000. To date, Sade has sold over 27 million albums worldwide.

With the exception of a brief performance at the Voices for Darfur charity concert at The Royal Albert Hall in London in 2004, her departure from the music industry is going on almost 8 years. They are so many people who are anxiously waiting for some type of comeback album. For the time being it will be a mystery as to when she may rise again. In the meantime, I continue to dust my collective guitars and hope for the day when a new project will come about. At that point I can restring a few of the guitars and send the family off so I can continue my dream of playing along side that amazing cool sultry voice.

Do you have a favourite Sade song or moment? Where were you when Sade tunes were playing on the radio? I confessed my Sade moment. How about you readers? Is it a Crime? I know you want to!

I have updated this post… You can view the new article and post comments if you like, by clicking here.

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Dan
Dan
15 years ago

I can’t listen to Sade without crying! Very embarrassing while on a BA flight recently. “Is it a Crime?” is very special, and “Pearls” took ages to grow on me but now, it too is a favourite. So many artists like her are currently playing smaller venues around London that respect the music – like the Jazz Cafe, Ronnie Scotts, or The Pigalle Club. It would be amazing to hear her at one of these more intimate venues, even if tickets were a bit more. Lets face it Wembley just isn’t Sade! I’d love to just tell her just how fabulous she is, what a talent, and how she’s loved by so many. And just how grateful we all are for her gift! I wonder if her record label/publicist would know more? Or if each fan puts in £50 whether a thousand fans could persuade her to play a special at Ronnie’s!!! 🙂
Dan

KNZ
KNZ
14 years ago

I would do anything to see Sade in concert, she is the symbol of love to me.
She doesn’t even have to sing just show up
Please come back!!!

Glories
Glories
14 years ago

According to Le Parisien Sade is recording a new album. It sould be out in November 2009.

http://www.leparisien.fr/abo-loisirs-et-spectacles/sade-sait-se-faire-attendre-30-03-2009-459603.php

Intox?? I really hope it’s true…

KC
KC
14 years ago

Merci for the update.

Looking forward to it – maybe she’ll be on tour with the new album as well…

K.

Roberto
Roberto
14 years ago

When i think to Sade, i think about the sensations of the best Concert i’ve ever listen to. It was in Milan in 1993. It was absolutely Magic. Her music is smooth, deep, calm , warm and sensual. I hope to see and listen to her again.
Looking forward to hear from you Sade.
I really miss you.

Weronika
Weronika
14 years ago

I love Sade very much! I’m from Poland and i wrote about Sade 1 month ago, and i watched and heard her songs, and I think she is amazing! She has smooth and sexy voice.I have only 14 years old,but i don’t like popular songs like a Lady gaga.I like listening ‘Smooth operator’,’Love is stronger than pride’ and ‘Your love is king’.When i asked my father ‘Do you like Sade?’ he gave me her disc with best of Sade. I always listen Sade, every day, every morning and she has really big talent,and beautiful voice.I have a big big hope,she will record any songs, and great albums.

Melissa
Melissa
14 years ago

I absolutely love Sade’s music and am wondering, like everyone, what she’s doing and if we’ll hear some new music out of her. I have a concert she did on DVD and several CD’s and they are all great, I never get tired of listening to her..she is timeless! Please come back to us Sade!!!

Brittney Lynch
Brittney Lynch
14 years ago

I was not born when sade first came out but i love her and brandy they both the same rapsy smooth voice.

Nona
Nona
14 years ago

Sade! Please make some more!!! We Miss you!
xoxo from U.A.E.

Tina
Tina
14 years ago

Sade is an absolute inspiration to many and captivates us with her soul in her music.. Would Love to have the opportunity to see sing live….

Jill
14 years ago

Sade is a one of a kind singer, who has helped me through many a tough time. I saw her live in Boston in 92 at the Wibur Theatre. I was listening to her today in the car on way to work, and have played my guitar to her many songs. I just love her and miss her…Sade, come back, please….

Eduardo R M
Eduardo R M
14 years ago

All,
The list of us wishing to see this “once in a lifetime” artist is endless. If we can gather enough signatures from people around the world and post that list into the world wide web,, Its very likely that it will encourage sade to step back in..

If are really fans as you say.. Let’s just do it/
My email account is moczambrano@hotmail.com
Cheers all

K. Brown
K. Brown
14 years ago

In a world full of chaos, it would be nice to bring some tranquility back… SADE please come back and soothe us!
I would love to take my “honey” to see you and share my great love for you with him. A once in a lifetime experience that we would never forget…

K. Democh
K. Democh
14 years ago

With so many nights away from home, attending college. I find myself replaying many of your songs, because they remind of home and especially my mother, many nights would we be in the kitchen, singing the lyrics to your songs.. i would love to take her to a concert of yours … it would completely make our lives 100% more fulfilled…

Vaniece Shaffer
14 years ago

Listening to Sade gives brings me so much joy. I could be feeling down & all of a sudden Sade comes on I’m not mad any more. I have this feeling sometimes I feel like shes my mom. Shes like one to me, & her fans. Its like nature she abandoned us, but now she’s back. Shes like mother nature, a seductive and sexy mother nature. She brings her fans much joy, light, and happiness.

Kevin Parker
Kevin Parker
14 years ago

I just recently travelled to Tokyo to my brother Shannon & Misa’s wedding. At the wedding reception I was moved by the fact that they chose Sade’s music to play in the background. It was an honor and a tribute specifically to me as I introduced my brother to this great singer back in the late 1980’s.

Long live, the soulful, sultry, incomparable “Sade”!

Kevin

Pam
Pam
14 years ago

Sade, please come back in concert. You can show the younger generation what real music is all about. I’m your biggest fan, give us atleast one more concert. I even have my 2yr old and 6yr old listening to your music.

Hope All Is Well,
Pam

Leandro Cesar
Leandro Cesar
14 years ago

Hello…
I recently discovered this blog. I don’t know much about music
I just know i like Sade very much and it’s a real shame that she disappeared out of the musical world.
Hope to see her soon.
I’m from Portugal, so Sade if you ever come to Europe please come here.
If you don’t show up anymore, i hope you have a Great Happy life.

Leandro César

toodark
toodark
14 years ago

sade is back in the studio working on her album…its due in november…im so thankful….she is absolutely amazing..and her music seems to touch my soul….only she can do that…so very gifted

Hugo
Hugo
14 years ago

Is that true? Is a new record on the way? God what a happiness… Greetings from Caracas, Venezuela

Dee
Dee
14 years ago

I miss her so much and its great to see a blog with so many people showing their love and support of Sade.

“By your side” was the song played at my wedding for the first dance with my (now) ex husband. I don’t think I’d be able to listen to that song now without crying
.
When I was pregnant with our child before we got married, he went “away” for 2 years. Anyway, I recorded the lyrics on tape and sent it to him to show him my support. That was the reason why I thought it fitting to have “By Your Side” played on wedding day Valentines Day 2004.

That song amongst others such as “No ordinary love” gets me EVERY time. God Bless Sade, I’m choking up as I write this…. So hope you come back, you’re concert would be sold out within minutes!
Its funny but, my son is 9 this year and I sang this tune in my head and in my living room/shower etc so many times while I was pregnant with him…..

Much Love, Miss you, we all do xxxxx

Barbara
Barbara
14 years ago

Sade, When are you coming to Oklahoma City on a concert. You queen of Jazz.

Stargazer Shah
Stargazer Shah
14 years ago

Hi all,
Sade was my inspiration since I was a teenager.. n that was 20 yrs back, n still she inspires me with her musics. I recently met a girl who’s krazy about Sade, especially the song By Your Side. That song really blew both of us away, n I feel more love for this girl because of the song. Hey, what can I say, it’s No Ordinary Love. 🙂

Anyway, I wonder if anyone has any idea if Sade will be performing in Asia.. Malaysia/Singapore/Thailand, becuz I’m from Malaysia.

Cheers y’all!

Kim Mona Henry
Kim Mona Henry
14 years ago

I LOVE HER VOICE, MUSIC AND SHE SO BEAUTIFUL, I LOVE HER MUSIC BECAUSE SHE SINGS ABOUT TRUST, FAITH, TOGETHERNESS, SUPPORT AND POSITIVETY IF I WAS A MAN I WILL OF WANTED TO MARRY HER!

AGAIN SHE SOUNDS SO BEAUTIFUL! AND MUSIC LYRICS IS VERY MEANINGFUL AND INSPIRATIONAL!

Stargazer Shah
Stargazer Shah
14 years ago

Sade, ni hoi pintoh? Mana kau Sade? Yapadee Sade?

esther
esther
14 years ago

Sade, please, come back to the music…I”ve heard about your new album…Its true?
I have two children Nardos 2yr old and Ibai 5yr old listening to your music and they know who you are…. please come back to Barcelona..I was in your concert in 1986 at Studio 54!

cisco
cisco
14 years ago

Please come back!!
We need you!

Jonell Aponte
Jonell Aponte
14 years ago

Sade,
Please keep feeding our souls.
We miss and love you!
May the lord bless you and yours.

Jonell

Viet
Viet
14 years ago

Dear Helen FolaSADE Adu,

I am glad GOD created this earth in 7 days. I am also thankful GOD blessed us with Jesus Christ as well. But until Jesus’ 2nd Coming, I will be grateful that GOD has allowed me to have these 2 ears as well as my pair of eyes along with a heart to FEEL your music which you’ve SPOILED us all with. I hope wherever you are that The LORD has kept you at peace with His warm embrace. Please know we’re all ADDICTED to your LOVE!!! There is NONE like you so PLEASE come back to The States when you’re ready to SPOIL us rotten again!!

You’re the dopest female artist to grace planet Earth!!

For I know my GOD exists when He laid both of His hands on you Sade!!!

GOD Bless you Folasade & your entire family tree!!!

🙂

V

Avan Dane
Avan Dane
14 years ago

I just found this information on Wikepedia….

Recently, Sade’s record label has announced that she will be releasing a new CD in November 2009. It would be her first installment in 9 years.

I hope it’s true

miamyamoe
miamyamoe
14 years ago

ALBUM NEWS:

FEB 8th 2010

You can see the album cover on http://www.concreteloop.com

AND IT LOOKS GREAT!!!!

miamyamoe
miamyamoe
14 years ago

The album is called Soldier of Love!!! she looks fantastic from what you can see of her!!! can’t wait!!!

Andy
Andy
14 years ago

Sounfile is on sade.com ..check it out..epic

Meade
Meade
14 years ago

I fell in love with Sade the first time I heard her voice. I have been a DJ since the early 80’s,and always play her music in my sets. I think my favorites (it’s so hard to pick when you like all of her songs) would be Never as Good As the First Time,Nothing Can Come Between Us,and The Sweetest Taboo (especially the 12″instrumental) When Lovers Rock came out I was getting divorced, I listened to that album every day for about 6 months. I still miss her, but Sade’s voice makes me tingle more than she did. ;}

Lilly
Lilly
14 years ago

I AM SO HAPPY SHE IS BACK HER MUSIC IS DIVINE , I LOVE SADE

shannon
shannon
14 years ago

The first time I heard about a Sade song was when I was trying to sand a piece of wood in woodshop class, 10th grade, and this annoying kid was repeating over and over “Smooth Operator!” I wanted to slap him, but later when I heard the song on the radio I was blown away. I immediately went out and bought her album, it was the only music I played at home that my mother would not tell me to turn down. I even caught my mother singing along several times. I left home soon after and it seemed as though Sade was there to help me grow up and get through the difficult times. If I were forced at gunpoint, with a knife in my neck, to pick a favorite, I might say “Is it a Crime”. But there are so many great Sade songs that it is unfair to force a person to choose just one. Also, you can not forget the instrumentals when you listen. Musically these songs are just PHENOMENAL! There was something magical in the water back in the early eighties that brought these people together. Many in this forum have said it before, today’s music does not hold a candle to what they created. And regarding Sade’s voice, her imperfection is perfection! I am so sick of studio recorded, no mistake, only to be repeated in concert by lip singing songs! And I defy anyone to show me a more moving live performer. “Cherish the Day” sung live is incredible.

So Sade, I am off to buy the new album. I know it will not disappoint. You could recite the alphabet and I would want a copy! I hope you and yours are well. And if you decide to stay away again, we will respect your privacy and cherish the music you have already given us. It is everlasting.

Bridgett
Bridgett
14 years ago

sade will be touring europe in march, 2010 and usa in april and may 2010. Hallelujah!

Robert
13 years ago

Sade is awesome. Hope she comes to NY soon.

Can’t wait to get my hands on some O.A.R. Concert Tickets and see O.A.R. live in NY!
Find O.A.R. Tour Dates here too.

Alma
Alma
11 years ago

I’ve seen her in person years ago (I think a couple times) and just ADORED her! PLease come back Sade – You’re one CLASS act!!!