Sadé Awele, the Nigerian-born musical visionary, has made a significant impact in the realm of R&B, Afropop, and Afrosoul, and her journey recently reached a new milestone with her win as the 2024 R&B Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Her captivating sound and unique style draw deeply from her rich heritage, combining bold innovation with influences from musical legends like Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Beyoncé, and Lauryn Hill.
Sadé’s story began in Nigeria, where she grew up in a musical home that embraced a variety of genres, including gospel, R&B, jazz, Afro-fusion, and Afrobeats. This vibrant musical environment nurtured her passion for music from a young age. As she listened to songs on repeat, she absorbed the art of storytelling and songwriting, leading her to find her voice and express herself through music.
Her cultural identity is a significant influence on her artistry, stemming from her Igbo and Yoruba heritage. Sadé’s paternal grandfather grew up surrounded by drummers in a home known as “ile dun dun,” highlighting the importance of rhythm and drums in her music. This connection to her roots is woven into her sound, making her work not just a musical expression but also a celebration of her heritage.
Sadé’s talent shone brightly from her school days, where she participated in competitions and represented her school in songwriting and performing arts. Embracing the spotlight with grace and boldness, she established herself as a formidable performer early on.
Over the years, Sadé Awele has garnered recognition for her remarkable contributions to music. In 2020, she was awarded Female Artist of the Year by AFAM and was recently named one of the “Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2023” by CIBWE. Her win as the 2024 R&B Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards further cements her status as a rising star in the industry.
Her single and music video, “Intuition,” has gained acclaim, including recognition at the Atlanta Film Festival. The song also ranked #9 on Canadian online radio (R&B) and #37 in the top 100 songs of 2023 by CBC The Block, showcasing her ability to resonate with audiences across different platforms.
Sadé’s international presence was solidified through a successful European tour in 2023, where she received accolades from fans overseas. She continued to build her audience with a Canadian tour in the spring of 2024, celebrating the release of her latest EP, Intuition, which has been described as “a remarkable display of artistry” by Unorthodox Reviews.
Having shared stages with renowned artists like Grammy winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Sadé Awele is not just a performer; she is a force in the music world. Her performances include the national anthem at the inaugural Black History Month hockey event organized by the NHL at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, and the first-ever Monster Jam event at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.
With her innovative sound and heartfelt lyrics, Sadé Awele continues to captivate audiences, bringing her unique blend of cultural influences to the forefront of the music scene. As she forges ahead in her career, there’s no doubt that Sadé Awele is a name to watch in the years to come.
Sophie