Sade (Adekunle Gold song)

"Sade"
Single by Adekunle Gold
from the album Gold
Language
Released19 December 2014 (2014-12-19)
RecordedMay 2013—November 2014[1]
GenreFolk-pop[2]
Length3:46
LabelIndependent (original)
YBNL Nation (re-release)
SongwriterAdekunle Almoruf Kosoko
ProducerPheelz
Adekunle Gold singles chronology
"Sade"
(2014) 		"Orente"
(2015)
Music video
"Sade" on YouTube

"Sade" (Yoruba pronunciation: [ʃà.dé]) is the debut solo single by Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold. It was originally released on 19 December 2014 independently, and re-released on 5 March 2015 to coincide with his signing to YBNL Nation.[3][4] The re-release was produced by Pheelz, and was re-released for legal reasons.[5] Mainly sung in Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin, "Sade" was the lead single from his debut studio album Gold (2016). It is a highlife cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life".[1]

Background

"Sade" is a highlife cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life," reimagined with Afro-juju and folk influences. Adekunle Gold drew inspiration for the track during a moment of traffic in Lagos in May 2013, when he first heard the original song and began freestyling the hook. By November 2014, he had completed the song and worked with producer Olaitan Dada, who added talking drums to complete its production.[1]

At the time, Adekunle Gold was balancing a career as a graphic designer with aspirations of making music. He had designed logos and artwork for YBNL Nation, the label he would eventually sign with. His work caught the attention of producer Pheelz, who, after hearing "Sade", shared it with YBNL boss Olamide. He re-produced "Sade" in March 2015, for legal reasons. Impressed by the song's soulful and narrative-driven style, Olamide signed Adekunle Gold to YBNL in 2015.[5][6]

Composition

"Sade" is a folk-pop ballad that blends elements of highlife and pop. The song centers on themes of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability, delivered through lyrics in both Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin. Its minimalist production features piano riffs and soft melodies, emphasizing Adekunle Gold's vocals and storytelling. The lines "Omoge dakun gbo temi, jowo ma je ki n lo commit o" and "Je'n gbe e lole, mummy mi reti omo" reflect the mix of personal emotion and cultural expression. The instrumental draws inspiration from One Direction's "Story of My Life," adapted to fit a Nigerian musical style. The track combines traditional influences with a contemporary sound, marking one of Adekunle Gold’s early explorations of his signature blend of folk and pop.[7]

Accolades

Awards and nominations for "Sade"
Organization Year Category Result Ref.
The Headies 2015 Best Alternative Song Won [8]
All Africa Music Awards Revelation of the African Continent [9]
tooXclusive Awards Best R&B Track [10]
Nigerian Music Video Awards Best Soft Rock / Alternative Video [11]
Best Video by a New Artiste Nominated [12]

Release history

Country Date Version Format Label
Various 19 December 2014 Standard Digital download Independent
5 March 2015 Re-release YBNL Nation

References

  1. ^ a b c Nelson C.J. (19 December 2024). "With "Sade," Adekunle Gold Challenged The Nigerian Music Industry". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  2. ^ Emmanuel Esomnofu (1 July 2023). "From Folk to Pop: The awe-inspiring evolution of Adekunle Gold". The Native. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  3. ^ Oluwafemi Adebanjo (19 December 2014). "adekunleGOLD - Sade". NotJustOk. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  4. ^ Ayomide Tayo (20 December 2014). "New Music: Adekunle Gold - Sade". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 27 December 2014. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
  5. ^ a b Gbemiga Ayeni (23 July 2015). "Custodian Interview: Pheelz(YBNL Producer)". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Archived from the original on 18 November 2015. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  6. ^ Yewande Fasan (20 December 2024). "How Pheelz influenced Olamide to sign me – Adekunle Gold". The Nation. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  7. ^ Abioye Damilare Samson (16 December 2024). "Revisiting Adekunle Gold's "Sade" and Its Lasting Impact on Afropop a Decade Later". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  8. ^ "2015 Winners". The Headies. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  9. ^ Yewande Fasan (20 December 2024). "How Pheelz influenced Olamide to sign me – Adekunle Gold". The Nation. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  10. ^ Jim Donnett (15 January 2016). "tooXclusive AWARDS 2015 – WINNERS!". tooXclusive. Archived from the original on 27 February 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2025.
  11. ^ Kehinde Akintoye (12 September 2016). "NMVA Organisers Announce Winners of 2015 Edition". Channels TV. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  12. ^ "2015 Nigerian Music Video Awards throws up interesting matchups". Music in Africa. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
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