# Sade (Adekunle Gold song)

"Sade" (Yoruba pronunciation:) is the debut solo single by Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold. It was originally released on 19 December 2014 through Natialo Productions, and re-released on 5 March 2015 to coincide with his signing to YBNL Nation. The original version was produced by Olaitan Dada, while the re-release was produced by Pheelz. It was re-released for reasons that have not been made public. Mainly sung in Yoruba and English, "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".

## 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.
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 unknown legal reasons. Impressed by the song's soulful and narrative-driven style, Olamide signed Adekunle Gold to YBNL in 2015.

## Composition

"Sade" is a folk-pop ballad that incorporates elements of highlife and pop, reflecting Adekunle Gold’s focus on emotional storytelling. The track features a minimalist arrangement with piano riffs and subtle melodies, aligning with the introspective sound that was becoming prominent in Nigerian music during its release period. The song’s lyrics are a mix of Yoruba and English, exploring themes of unrequited love. Lines such as "Omoge dakun gbo temi, Jowo ma je ki n lo commit o" ("Please don’t make me go commit") and the recurring chorus, "Je’n gbe e lole, Mummy mi reti omo" ("Let me take you home, my mother awaits her child"), highlight the interplay of personal emotions and cultural expectations. The use of familial references adds a layer of context rooted in societal norms. The instrumental composition is inspired by One Direction’s "Story of My Life," reinterpreted to suit a Nigerian sound. The production emphasizes a stripped-down approach, centering the vocals and lyrics. This combination of traditional Nigerian storytelling and contemporary musical elements positions "Sade" within a blend of cultural and modern influences.

## Accolades

Awards and nominations for "Sade" :
| Organization | Year | Category | Result |
| The Headies 2015 | 2015 | Best Alternative Song | Won |
| All Africa Music Awards 2015 | 2015 | Revelation of the African Continent | Won |
| 2015 Nigerian Music Video Awards | 2015 | Best Soft Rock / Alternative Video | Won |
| 2015 Nigerian Music Video Awards | 2015 | Best Video by a New Artiste | Nominated |

## Release history

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