Earlier this summer, I was approached by a member of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)’s Commotion radio team to appear on a special episode discussing the musical legacy of the legendary Helen Folasade Adu, in anticipation of Sade (the band)’s inauguration into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. I was tracked down via a tribute piece I wrote for Afropean.com in honour of Sade’s 60^th birthday, back in 2019. Alongside North American academics, Prof. Mark Neal and Lynnée Denise, I was invited to contribute a Nigerian-British perspective on Sade’s broader cultural impact, as well as to share some personal favourites from Sade’s back catalogue. It was a buoyant exchange to say the least. Alas, with a mere 25 minutes to reflect on a career spanning more than four decades, there simply wasn’t enough time. Lynnée, Mark and I would have gladly spent all day waxing lyrical about Sade. Thanks to Tyrone and the CBC/Commotion team for inviting me. Here’s hoping we’ll reunite for a Part II (III, IV…) if that elusive seventh Sade album ever sees the light of day. Until then, enjoy the conversation:

…And for those itching for some Sade nostalgia – or to discover the music anew – here’s something I made earlier: