Sade, Love Deluxe Album Cover: Embodying Self-love
How Sade Adu Influenced My Individuality
The first time I saw Sade Adu was in 2000. Her eponymous band’s By Your Side video was a fixture on music channels then. I was mesmerized by the lead singer’s velvety vocals and radiance. She strolled through a field while plucking flowers with majesty. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics wrapped around me like my mother’s warm embrace. I felt loved and protected.
A decade later, Sade Adu became a mystical figure in my world. In 2010, Sade returned after a 10-year hiatus with their sixth album, Soldier Of Love. The album was my gateway to the rest of the band’s catalogue and that is when I became a bonafide Sade fan. At that time, I had just joined university, and Sade became my lodestar as I navigated the thrilling, intimidating transition into adulthood. Her self-assurance was my blueprint for creating a home in myself and defining womanhood on my terms. Through her music, I was introduced to sensuality. I learned how to connect with my body and senses. When the weight of depression threatened to pull me under, her lyrics were a kiss of life. She was both my elder and healer.
When curator and cultural critic Larry Ossei-Mensah revealed that he’d chosen Sade’s Love Deluxe album cover, I was ecstatic! I was excited to explore the links between the image and music of a woman who means so much to me. In our conversation, Larry describes how the Love Deluxe album cover embodies self-love. We also speak about the backstory of photographer Albert Watson capturing this photograph, how this image differs from typical portrayals of Sade Adu, the ‘Sade Aesthetic’ and more!
You can listen to the full conversation here!
Notes from the episode
Larry co-founded ARTNOIR, a platform celebrating the work of creatives of colour. Subscribe to the ARTNOIR newsletter to receive invitations to artist-led + curator-led exhibition tours. If you’re in Miami for Art Basel this year, check out Upon the Divide of Vermillion at the UBS Art Studio. It’s a solo exhibition of works by Peruvian-American artist, Sarah Zapata and is curated by Larry himself! Complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Email: rsvp@artnoir.co
View Albert Watson’s incredible portfolio here. He directed Sade’s Cherish the Day video and has collaborated with many other artists including Jay-Z, DMX, and Aaliyah!
Watch this interview between George Shilling and longtime Sade collaborator Mike Pela. The late record producer and engineer was integral to crafting the band’s sound.
Listen to this short podcast episode where beauty editor Charisse Kenion eloquently articulates why Sade Adu should be credited as one of the originators of the ‘clean girl aesthetic.’ Charisse will feature on an upcoming episode of Kutimba speaking about her favourite album cover!
0yiza says people are getting the ‘Sade Aesthetic’ wrong.
Love,
Siima
As a big Sade fan, I really enjoyed this read! Her music has this timeless quality that feels intimate and soulful, and reading about her artistry or the stories behind her work deepens my appreciation for what she creates. 🤎