1. The Life of Sade Adu

2. 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

3. Career
Helen joined a group named Pride and toured the U.K. from
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

4. 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 for services to music

5. 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