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Sade: The Life and Music of Sade Adu
Discover the captivating journey of Sade Adu – the Nigerian-British singer, songwriter, and style icon whose voice has defined elegance and emotional depth for over four decades.
The Life and Music of Sade Adu takes you beyond the spotlight, from her childhood in Ibadan and Clacton-on-Sea to the smoky clubs of London and the world’s largest stages. This richly detailed biography explores the woman behind timeless hits like "Smooth Operator," "No Ordinary Love," and "By Your Side" – revealing the resilience, artistry, and quiet strength that made her a global phenomenon.
Drawing from her Nigerian heritage and English upbringing, Sade forged a unique sound – a seamless blend of soul, jazz, pop, and Afrobeat – that transcended trends and touched millions. Across seven studio albums, world tours, and decades of influence, she remained fiercely authentic, shunning fame’s chaos for a life lived on her own terms.
Inside this book, you will
Her early years, family influences, and cultural identity
The formation of the band Sade and the making of Diamond Life
Behind-the-scenes stories from iconic albums like Promise, Stronger Than Pride, and Love Deluxe
The personal challenges, creative evolution, and long hiatuses that shaped her work
Her lasting influence on music, fashion, and culture
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering her music for the first time, The Life and Music of Sade Adu is an intimate portrait of an artist whose voice and vision changed the sound of modern music.
Elegant. Timeless. Unforgettable. This is Sade’s story.
The Life and Music of Sade Adu takes you beyond the spotlight, from her childhood in Ibadan and Clacton-on-Sea to the smoky clubs of London and the world’s largest stages. This richly detailed biography explores the woman behind timeless hits like "Smooth Operator," "No Ordinary Love," and "By Your Side" – revealing the resilience, artistry, and quiet strength that made her a global phenomenon.
Drawing from her Nigerian heritage and English upbringing, Sade forged a unique sound – a seamless blend of soul, jazz, pop, and Afrobeat – that transcended trends and touched millions. Across seven studio albums, world tours, and decades of influence, she remained fiercely authentic, shunning fame’s chaos for a life lived on her own terms.
Inside this book, you will
Her early years, family influences, and cultural identity
The formation of the band Sade and the making of Diamond Life
Behind-the-scenes stories from iconic albums like Promise, Stronger Than Pride, and Love Deluxe
The personal challenges, creative evolution, and long hiatuses that shaped her work
Her lasting influence on music, fashion, and culture
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering her music for the first time, The Life and Music of Sade Adu is an intimate portrait of an artist whose voice and vision changed the sound of modern music.
Elegant. Timeless. Unforgettable. This is Sade’s story.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2025
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January 26, 2026
Short, devoid if images and unrelentingly uncritical, this overview of Sade’s career is sadly superficial and repetitive - whole paragraphs are repeated or paraphrased. While the author makes some valid points about Sade as a performer and an exemplar to others, he fails to relate any anecdotes or details that might bring this music biography to life. I accept that Sade is a deliberately private performer but, if the material isn’t there, the why write the book?
Displaying 1 of 1 review