Sade (1959–)

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Sade (1959–)

Nigerian-English singer and songwriter. Name variations: Helen Folasade Adu, Sade Adu (stage name). Born Helen Folasade Adu, Jan 16, 1959, in Ibadan, Nigeria; dau. of Bisi Adu (professor of economics) and Anne Hayes; educated in London; children: (with producer, Bob Morgan) daughter Ila (b. July 1996).

Studied fashion design and modeled briefly before becoming backup singer with British R&B band, Pride; known for husky, soulful voice, formed group Sade in London (1983); released album, Diamond Life (1984), with singles "Your Love Is King" and "Smooth Operator," which became the top-selling debut album of a British female vocalist; performed for Live Aid in Wembley Stadium (1985); released US #1 album, Promise (1985), with hits "The Sweetest Taboo" and "Never as Good as the First Time"; sang for and appeared in the film Absolute Beginners (1986); released successful albums, Love Deluxe (1992) and Lovers Rock (2000); had 6 multiplatinum albums and received 4 Grammy awards. Awarded Order of the British Empire (OBE, 2002).