The Evolution of Sade

The evolution of Sade.

Smooth Operator - Sade's full name is Helen Folasade Adu. She was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Her family moved to London when she was 11 and she later studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

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Smooth Operator - Sade's full name is Helen Folasade Adu. She was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Her family moved to London when she was 11 and she later studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

An Epic Artist - In college, Sade was in a soul band called Pride. Epic Records heard her solo performance of the song "Smooth Operator" and signed her to a solo deal.

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An Epic Artist - In college, Sade was in a soul band called Pride. Epic Records heard her solo performance of the song "Smooth Operator" and signed her to a solo deal.

Sade - The timeless vocalist is also a double nominee. "Soldier of Love" is nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals, while "Babyfather" is nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals.

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Diamond In the Rough - In 1982, members of Pride, Sade Adu, Stuart Matthewman and Paul Spencer Denman, formed the band Sade and released their debut album Diamond Life in 1984.

London - The band hit the road for their first UK tour in 1984 after their album, which spawned hits "Your Love Is King" and "Smooth Operator" was certified 4x platinum.

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London - The band hit the road for their first UK tour in 1984 after their album, which spawned hits "Your Love Is King" and "Smooth Operator" was certified 4x platinum.

No Ordinary Woman - Sade became the first African-born artist to appear in front of a live audience of 75,000 when she performed at the Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in London.

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No Ordinary Woman - Sade became the first African-born artist to appear in front of a live audience of 75,000 when she performed at the Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in London.

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Platinum - Sade's second album "Promise" was certified double platinum. She won the Grammy for Best New Artist.

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Platinum - Sade's second album "Promise" was certified double platinum. She won the Grammy for Best New Artist.

Stronger Than Pride - The 1988 release "Stronger Than Pride" spawned the singles "Paradise," "Nothing Can Come Between Us" and "Love Is Stronger Than Pride."

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Stronger Than Pride - The 1988 release "Stronger Than Pride" spawned the singles "Paradise," "Nothing Can Come Between Us" and "Love Is Stronger Than Pride."

Award Winner - Over the years, Sade has racked up numerous awards. In 1994, her hit "No Ordinary Love" from the fourth album "Love Deluxe" won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group.

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Award Winner - Over the years, Sade has racked up numerous awards. In 1994, her hit "No Ordinary Love" from the fourth album "Love Deluxe" won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group.

Kiss Of Life - "Love Deluxe" was released in 1992 and certified quadruple platinum.

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Kiss Of Life - "Love Deluxe" was released in 1992 and certified quadruple platinum.

Sade - Sade's fifth studio album "Lover's Rock" was released in 2000. It won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.

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Sade - Sade's fifth studio album "Lover's Rock" was released in 2000. It won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.

Soldier of Love - After a ten-year hiatus, Sade returns with her sixth studio album "Soldier of Love."

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Soldier of Love - After a ten-year hiatus, Sade returns with her sixth studio album "Soldier of Love."