Sade Offers Heartfelt Apology to Trans Son in Latest Song
Sade, the legendary soul-pop singer, has made a touching apology to her transgender son, Izaak Adu, through her new single “Young Lion.” This emotional track, released as part of the Red Hot Organization’s upcoming trans-inclusive compilation EP project, Transa: Selects, marks Sade’s return to music after a six-year hiatus. The song features poignant lyrics as Sade expresses regret and asks for forgiveness from her son.
In the heartfelt song, accompanied by a string section, the 65-year-old Nigerian-British singer opens up about the struggles her son has faced, singing, “Young man, it’s been so heavy for you / You must have felt so alone / The anguish and pain / I should’ve known.” She continues, “With such a heavy burden / You had to carry all on your own / Forgive me, son / I should’ve known.”
Izaak Adu, Sade’s only child with reggae music producer Bob Morgan, responded to the song by mentioning that there was nothing needing forgiveness, but the lyrics resonated with him. He affirmed that his mother had always supported him in expressing his true self. Adu, who publicly came out as transgender in 2016, acknowledged the emotional depth of Sade’s apology in the song.
Prior to “Young Lion,” Sade’s last released music was in 2018 with the song “The Big Unknown,” featured in the film “Widows.” Known for her soulful voice, Sade gained fame as the frontwoman of the 80s band, Sade. The band achieved success with hits like “Your Love Is King” and later made a Grammy-winning comeback in 2011 with “The Ultimate Collection.”
In addition to her musical career, Sade recently gained attention from a new generation of fans with the resurgence of her classic hit “Smooth Operator” on platforms like TikTok. This renewed interest in her music led to a significant increase in streaming numbers, showcasing the timeless appeal of Sade’s sound.
The Transa: Selects EP, featuring “Young Lion,” is set to release on November 22, showcasing over 100 artists and three hours of music. This project aims to celebrate and highlight the diverse experiences within the trans community, coinciding with the culmination of Transgender Awareness Week in November.
Sade’s poignant apology to her son through music serves as a reminder of the power of artistic expression in conveying deep emotions and fostering understanding within families and communities. Her return to the music scene with such a heartfelt message reflects the timeless impact of her music and her ability to connect with audiences across generations.