The Life of Sade Adu

Early Life Helen Folasade Adu was born in Ibadan, Nigeria She lived in Banji, England She studied at the prestigious St. Martin’s School of Art

Career Helen joined a group named Pride and toured the U.K. from 1981-1984 After performing her hit jazz single “Smooth Operator” she got signed to Epic Records in 1983 Her band mates and her together comprised the entity known as Sade Transitioning into the American R&B limelight her song “Hang on to your love” became #1 across R&B charts Sade’s album “Smooth Operator” sold 4 million copies in the U.S. In 1986 Sade won a Grammy for best new artist Her “Soldier of love” album and single of 2010 are the most recent to date of her work

Personal Life Sade gave birth to her son Mickailia "Ila" Adu in 1997 Sade was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2002 for services to music

Legacy Dj’s across the world have remixed Sade’s ballads into club classics Beyoncé has recognized Sade, calling her music a "true friend“ She is most noted for her influence of neo soul music, incorporating elements of soul, pop, smooth jazz, and quiet storm Rapper Rakim of Eric B. & Rakim and Talib Kweli have also considered Sade as a notable voice of influence