Nigerian music sensation Adekunle Gold recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of his breakthrough hit, ‘Sade’, by sharing the heartfelt story behind the song.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the singer took fans down memory lane, revealing the inspiration and journey that shaped the beloved track.
Gold began by emphasizing the importance of authenticity in music. “Artists need to tell stories,” he said. “Say something sincere to you. ‘Sade’ is the story of my life. I create music about myself or based on stories I’ve heard. I believe it’s this honesty that has worked for me.”
The singer recounted the moment of inspiration for ‘Sade.’ It all began during a typical day in Lagos traffic, a familiar struggle for many residents.
Gold, driving his green Honda Accord—affectionately called his “green baby boy”—was listening to the radio when One Direction’s ‘Story of My Life’ came on.
“I thought the song was beautiful,” he shared. “There was a space in the instrumental, and I started to freestyle. It felt like a great melody idea, so I decided to record it.”
Reflecting further, Adekunle Gold explained how ‘Sade’ was born from his desire to craft an EP that would tell deeply personal stories. Before ‘Sade,’ he had written other original songs, including ‘Orente’ and ‘Friend Zone’.
These tracks, he said, were close to his heart, and he decided to keep them for the project. However, he knew ‘Sade’ had something special.
In May 2013, he revisited the freestyle recording and decided to turn it into a full song. “I went online, found the beat, and called my friend, Olaitan Dada. We hit the studio and brought the song to life,” he recalled.
Olaitan’s contribution to the track was pivotal, as he added a talking drum to the bridge. “We wanted to include elements of our culture in the song,” Gold said.
The inclusion of the talking drum gave ‘Sade’ a distinct identity. It blended the universal appeal of a global hit with the richness of Nigerian musical traditions.
This fusion resonated with listeners and set the tone for Adekunle Gold’s career—a seamless blend of storytelling, authenticity, and cultural pride.
‘Sade’ was a defining moment for Adekunle Gold. The song catapulted him into the spotlight, earning him a loyal fan base and opening doors in the music industry.
But its impact went beyond personal success. For many listeners, the track was a relatable story of unrequited love, told with heartfelt sincerity.
The song’s lyrics tell the tale of a man who pours out his love to a woman named Sade, only to face rejection. Its simplicity and raw emotion struck a chord with audiences, making it a timeless favorite.
Looking back, Adekunle Gold credits his commitment to storytelling and staying true to himself for the song’s success. “I just wanted to make music that felt real to me,” he said. “And that’s what I’ve continued to do.”
Over the past decade, Gold has evolved as an artist, but the essence of his music remains the same—sincere storytelling rooted in personal and cultural experiences.
Songs like ‘Orente,’ ‘Pick Up,’ and more recently, tracks from his latest album, continue to showcase his ability to connect with fans through relatable themes and genuine lyrics.
The celebration of ‘Sade’s’ 10th anniversary is a testament to the timeless nature of music created with heart and purpose.
Adekunle Gold’s journey from aspiring artist to international star inspires so many. It reminds us that great art often stems from moments of authenticity and the courage to tell one’s story.
As fans reflect on the impact of ‘Sade,’ it’s clear the song’s legacy is more than just its catchy melody or memorable lyrics.
It reflects Adekunle Gold’s journey, growth, and enduring connection to his audience. As he continues to create, fans can only look forward to more stories told with the same sincerity that made ‘Sade’ a classic.
Read Also: Chioma learned Yoruba for a movie role
