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.
I am really woundering about where Sade Adu is..There is no homepage-no nothing to say thank you..her music in these days is more present than anything else that they play on the radio…and she knows that perhapst..where is Sade?…Where is Sade?….
Its a bit of a mystery … There are still links available with her record company, so thats a good thing. if I hear anything I will make a comment on this post. Thanks for your comments.
She has moved back to Jamaica. The Father to her child is in Jamaica still and she has moved back to Jamaica. Mystery Solved, Hope this helped. Pastor Chalice
Thanks for the information.
Of course the next question everyone is going to ask is when can we expect to hear some new music?
Another one from UK that dropped off the face of the Earth is Tanita Tikaram, who I also liked a great deal.
Thanks for the attaboy on my piece. Dunno if you read my reply, but I was reading your piece on Magic Sam when your post to me showed up in my email. So, back atcha!
Hey Lou,
Thanks for stopping by the blog … Yes I got your reply. Quite ironic indeed …
Looking forward to reading more of your stuff.
Sade’s magical and distinctive voice will alway remain as my favorite. I have been a fan of Sade since the late 80’s and I had the pleasure of seeing her in concert on her Lover’s Rock tour. I can only hope that I will be lucky enough to see her again someday. Her music moves me like no other artist can. I admire her for “laying low” and living her life in a way that makes her happy instead of the constant chaos that living in the limelight brings. It makes me understand that her love for music is just that… a love. It’s something she feels and creates and it’s not for the popularity of her album or for the money. It’s deeper than that for her… and it’s just another reason that I admire her. I search quite often in hopes that I hear of a new album and song by her, but no luck yet. I anticipate her next release.
Hopefully we will all hear something in the very near future. I love her sound too.
Any favourite songs in particular you enjoy?
Thanks for the comments.
I hope that she will release a new album as well, say what happened to the rest of the band?
I like the song called “Kiss of life” It just brings memories on how I met my wife. Good staff I just hope for something new soon…….peace and be good….
I came home 2 hours ago and listened to Terry Lee Brown–in a disco mood–After that I was listening to: Accentus Transkriptionen 2….it was beautiful…Then I checked your blog–Sade`s Kiss of Life!. Everything came slowly down, and I changed the disc !…. You could fly as fast as the speed of light through a
time tunnel and then through a dark hole first class while visiting each sun system, and you still wouldn’t find a voice like Sade’s. I am absolutely sure that god decided: Let there be SADE! Hopefully it rains forever!
Greets! TOM from Recklinghausen
What a talent! It would be great to hear something from her, to know that she is doing well. Singer song writer artists always seem to produce soulful, heart renching music. Sorry she isn’t doing anything in music, I just hope and pray she is happy doing whatever it is she is doing.
Debra
Brooklyn, NY
I am looking for Sade too. In fact I just posted about her being missing in action yesterday. She never really seemed to care much about the limelight or making album after album. To date she only has six albums and one of them is a “best of”. She has sold well over 50 million albums and I just wonder why she has foresaken her fans so to speak.
My Top 10 Sade Songs
1. Cherish the Day (Love Deluxe)
2. Is It A Crime (Promise)
3. Smooth Operator (Diamond Life)
4. Cherry Pie (Diamond Life)
5. Keep Looking (Stronger Than Pride)
6. War of the Hearts (Promise)
7. Haunt Me (Stronger Than Pride)
8. Mr. Wrong (Promise)
9. Paradise (Stronger Than Pride)
10. Feel No Pain (Love Deluxe)
Helen Folasade Adu “Sade” has touched me in so many ways. Her songs and emphasis on her music has literally saved my life. Once in a depression state, her music and her words revived me.
To this day, her words carry me throughout my life, as her songs seem so factual.
One day I might get the chance to just talk to her, to know her.
God Bless Sade
Tony
ATL/Anguilla/Jamaica
I just Google’d “Where is Sade?” and up your post came, link #3. Not so unusual, but what IS funny is that I also like to pick at a guitar once in a while and imagine that I will get good at playing, but that the only times I felt I had some hope at sounding good someday were when I tried to play along to the Love Deluxe album! How weird is that?! I wonder what it is about their music?
Anyway, important point being: “We miss you, Sade! But do as you see fit and we wish you all the best. Much love, us.”
Hi Tom.
That’s what I love so much about blogging: Finding other people with similar interests…
Sade’s music is simple, yet so very soulful to listen and play along to. Thanks so much for you comment. Please visit again!
-tbb
I heard she is going on tour 2008/2009 is this true??
I have read it a couple of times!!
But I haven’t been able to find what places she is going on tour…
please let me know.
I wanna surprise my hubby… and take him to see Sade!!
been thinking about this talented, one of a kind artist
she sure was something special, been out of the
music scene for what seems an eternity, she most
likely is sickened by what passes as musical excellence these days, its no wonder she wants
nothing to do with mass producing hits but it also
is a shame, she has so many fans that just love
her stuff. It would be nice to hear some new stuff
in some form in the future. Loved her voice, I also
loved Tanita Tikaram’s vocals as well, ( someone mentioned Tanita in an earlier comment, different
styles but Tanita burst out in the last 80’s with
such a distinctive voice and great songs as well, miss them both. Its sad to see whats happening to Sade’s
myspace page, so disrespectful but doesn’t surprise
me these days, no class.
Hi everybody… Sade is my number one singer, have all the records and DVDs, love her music… she is my platonic love of all my live… hope the tour became a reality… greetings from Caracas, Venezuela to all of you. (sorry for my english)
Hello Hugo. Glad you stop by … And thank you all for your recent comments on this post…. There sure are alot of rumours regarding a Sade tour. I haven’t heard anything offical regarding a tour of any kind. But if I do, you’ll be the first to know.
Keep up the comments! You just never know who might be paying attention.
Sade – I am not sure what your doing, but you need to get back in tour…I’ve seen so many and been all over…you are something to behold and listen to LIVE!… miss you and hope you are well and come an see your fans.
I miss new material from Sade. I don’t think she needs us as much as we think we need her. I hope that I get a few more new CDs 2 listen 2 and I hope to see her perform live again. I would hate to think 2001 was it! If you have not listened to it recently, treat yourself to “Diamond Life” again. The total album is brilliant. What a talent. “Sade, come back!”
Hello to all Fans of Helen F. Adu!
At first i will say my english is not perfekt, but i want to tell you a short Story.
In December of 1983 i see Shade in the U4 in Vienna, live and from this moment my heart is lost to Sade Adu. I have all Albums also DVD and Bootlegs. Now i want to write a Biography, Sade is 50 years at 2009, and now i hope you can help me: Is there anybody who knows the living adress from Helen F. Adu?? i am thankfull for any tip or answer?
You also can write me an email to info@fotoperspektive.com
Thanks and best reguards from Austria/Vienna
If anyone does have a way of contacting sade please send it to me as well I sing and would love for her to hear the tribute to her I sing….misshoney01us@yahoo.com
Thanks!
If and when sade decides to tour, it will be the most anticipated and overdue tour by such a talented artist
UK
I really enjoyed reading these blogs. The first time I hear Sade was at the tender age of 11, and I’v been captivated ever since. When I think of romance, love, passion and enchantment, she is who I put on. In fact, hands down she is the only artist that I constantly listen to, I might go as far as to say her music is timeless. Her music has a “depth of intrigue”, that reminds me of Marvin Gaye specifically the ” Whats Going On” album. Marvin’s acute awareness of the hurts of the people, is the same keen awareness that I hear is Sade voice and her delivery. She depicts artistry with the sound of her voice. Such an awesome artist, tell her I said so.
I too am looking forward to some new material from Sade, and will do whatever I need to do to get front row seats to any up coming concert.
When she releases a new album I am sure it will be a smashing success.
I hope she reads these blogs and understands that her fans miss her.
Hi guys. Thanks for making this the best blog site of the greatest female artist of my lifetime. I am watching Sade Live on DVD as we speak. This concert was awesome and reminds me of when I saw her in 2003 or 2004 on tour in New Orleans. That was the best $85 I have ever spent. I would do anything to hear her again and for my wife to see her for the first time. Sade, if you read this, we beg you to please give us more. These new artist can’t hold a candle to you and your band.
Thanks everyone for the great comments so far!!! Let’s keep the discussion going. It’s wonderful to hear from all of you.
Manny— Time certainly has a way of slipping by fast. It was probably the Lovers Rock Tour you saw in 2001?
I don’t just love Sade and her music, I have an intimate
connection to her music and sometimes feel that she uses the same words I would when I write my own lyrics. I don’t cry easy but when I hear Like A Tattoo or Pearls, it just impales my heart from the impeccable vocal performance and emotional intensity. I can understand her need to be away from unneccessary spotlight. She is a large portion wiser than most artists today. If ever I was to see this woman in reality, I don’t know if I even could say anything but gaze in total reverance.
The songs that are like pieces of my soul are the following:
1. King Of Sorrow
2. Somebody Already Broke My Heart
3. Is It A Crime?
4. It’s Only Love That Gets You Through
5. No Ordinary Love
Thanks for creating this blog. I had the good fortune of seeing Sade live in Fort Lauderdale a few years ago and I will never forget that magical experience for the rest of my days. I am so happy to be alive to have witnessed such a talent. That group are real musicians, not the crap we hear today. I hope they do another tour soon…I WILL BE THERE!!
I heard she is touring in 2008/2009, fingers crossed.
That sure would be cool if she toured… But there is still no definite positive word that this is for real… Lots of wishful thinking and plenty of rumors… The wait continues …
I don’t know who loves Sade’s music more, me or my husband. I’ve been into her music since I was about 5 0r 6 years old. We are both desperately hoping that she makes an appearance back over in the United States in concert. We will definitely be there, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Hold your breath. Story is she has been working on an album since mid-2008. Top Secret though and all sworn to secrecy. Possible release late (Sept – Dec) 2009.
Great blog though. Keep up the good work
Thanks Linus for your comments…
Lets not get too excited everyone! If that’s the case, lets respect the secrecy and just let things happen naturally please!!! Keep it a place where we can still share our feelings regarding this remarkable artist without it getting out of control.
Hi Sade Fans
I love Sade’s music and her voice so much. Her music is timeless and some sort of bittersweet. Yeah, I know, I don’t have to tell you all. But it is so hard to hold out. I respect her way of life but I’d really appreciate it if there would be any little spark of her musical whereabouts. If Linus is right and she’s really gonna release a new album this year, then this is gonna be a good year :-))
Thanks for the bit of history. I was struck by her music when it first appeared – must know every note of that first record. She is up there with the biggest. other artists whose records i know by heart include. beatles, pete Seeger, doors. donavan, deep purple, Al Stewart, Sparks….. well and then came Sade. 🙂
Since I’m not English born i often then to not grasp the lyrics but her music is so intense – you just get’s carried away.
It just goes to show; It’s the “spirit of the voice” (the vocals) not so much the skill…Sade is not the most skillful singer, but she is a very beautiful and eccentric talent.
I Never Thought I’d See The Day and Haunt Me are my all time favourites….. music to relax to, just before I go to sleep – I’ve been listening to these songs when I go to bed (in the 80’s with big headphones and now, thank gawd, small earpieces lol) for the past 20 odd years. Her voice is so beautiful, just takes the mind off the days stresses….. even if she did do a tour, I bet she wouldn’t come here to sunny Tenerife 🙂 but I live in hope that she might make it to mainland Spain some time…
Today i heard sade playing on my 18 year old brothers ipod. Im 27 and i can still remember where i was at and what i was doing the first time i heard sade. My entire childhood has memories of sade being that my parents were just as fond of her. The idea that one women can create such beautiful music that has touched 3 generations is amazing. First word of SADE in concert… i dont care where or how much,, im there.. screw the recession.
@ Bettie’s Boop:
True that. It’s a “feel music”. Her ethereal voice makes up for some smaller mistakes I heard her make in some songs.
@ Julie:
That’s crazy. Those two songs have become my favorite too, maybe along with Fear and Cherish The Day. Tenerifé… I’d like to see that island again. Been 8 years since the last time.
Hmm… I wonder if my personal muse ever would tour through Germany. Berlin favorably.
Why do singers we truly adore always go unseen & unheard of for years like Sade and Maxwell? Sade knows she has a big fanbase at least she could come out of the cave and be photographed somewhere on earth! Fans would love 2c her even if she doesn’t want to sing right now. I love her voice.
One of my favorite Sade songs is Maureen. Miss her.
Sade, what more really needs to be said? The absolute best. The only artist I would ever pay money to see in person. Her music moves your soul. True Sade fans are all the same, we FEEL the music, rather than simply hear it.
Favorites
1. Bullet Proof Soul… The symbolism in the lyrics is amazing
2. Never though I’d see the day… Haunting
3. Cherish … Timeless
4. King of sorrow… Thinking about the genius of a lyric like “I want to cook you a soup that warms your soul”! chills me to the bone
5. Kiss of life… a great LOVE song
Guilty Pleasure…. No ordinary love, I know it’s a bit over comercialized but the start of the song, that beat is incredible
Been a fan since 1984, Hope to hear more new songs
I remember the first time I played the record. That was in 1985 and I had at this time no idea who it was..And I loved the voice and the music immediately. And still in 2009…
When you listen to e.g. the song ‘Haunt’ maybe some of you can imagine that many of Sades tunes would sound more intimate on acoustic instruments instead of e.g. dancefloor beats. But acoustic music is difficult or even impossible to market these days. I am shure Sade is aware of this.
I will try to arrange some of her songs for my 13 string theorbo concert guitar that I resently made to check that. But of course I would never try to sing her songs for obvious reasons.
Even if I dislike the word “unplugged”, this might be something to encourage Sade to tour again, because it is a more relaxed way to tour around.
If somebody of you readers has contact to her please feel free to ask her.
For me it is more beautiful to enjoy what she already gave us instead of ‘demanding’ something new.
Mike
Hello Mrs. Helen Folasade Adu aka Sade:
We need you to bring back romance to music. Yes it is a crime for you to leave us without you so long. I truly miss your flavor. Even if you don’t do anything new, I would gladly pay well to see you.
Loving you where ever you are
Always your fan
GC
Precious Sade:
Taking care of soul & family comes first, we perfectly understand…
Without your incredible music, your gifted voice and your magical appearance this world has become a bit darker – bring back light soon to us.
…you are being missed.
K.
My dearest,
I keep on wandering on the net like a lost soul for the past 8 years trying to find some news about one of the most wonderful and genuine artist alive… With not much luck…
Waiting is hard but it can be handled better if we knew you were coming back one day… Will you ever?
All my love,
G.