Sade

Size: 18x24 Framed

Medium Oil and Acrylic

Sade, born Helen Folasade Adu on January 16, 1959, in Ibadan, is one of the most influential voices in soul, jazz, and R&B. Before music, she studied fashion design at Central Saint Martins and worked as a model and designer. Her singing career began unexpectedly when she filled in as a vocalist for the London band Pride. When record labels sought to sign her as a solo artist, she insisted on bringing her bandmates with her, leading to the formation of the band Sade.

The band has sold more than 75 million records worldwide and produced timeless hits such as Smooth Operator, The Sweetest Taboo, and No Ordinary Love. Sade became the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy Award when the group earned Best New Artist in 1986. Known for her long breaks between albums, she maintained an air of mystery while building a lasting legacy that led to her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was also honored as an OBE in 2002 and a CBE in 2017 for her outstanding contributions to music.

She famously stated, "I only make records when I feel I have something to say," refusing to release music simply to chase commercial trends.