Sade Adu, the Queen of Quiet Storm and the frontperson of Sade — yes, the band is her name — recently released her first single in over six years, “Young Lion,” which appears on the Red Hot compilation TRAИƧA.
TRAИƧA may arguably be one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by the activist and music production non-profit. The compilation is a concept album and spiritual journey across eight chapters and 46 tracks, spotlighting the remarkable talents of some of the most daring and imaginative trans and non-binary artists working today. Throughout the compilation’s runtime, the material softens the edges of the world we know and invokes the powerful dreams of the futures that might one day thunder from its tracks.
So back to “Young Lion,” right? Because presumably that’s what you’re here for. The legendary artist’s imitable vocal is paired with a meditative arrangement of twinkling piano, atmospheric bursts of synths and gently autotuned vocals at the song’s hook. It’s cinematic yet intimate.
Lovingly dedicated to her son Izaak, a trans man, the song seeks forgiveness for the things that its narrator couldn’t possibly see or understand back then but now sees with the uncanny precision of wizened retrospect. But it’s also a sweet reminder — and offering — of deeply unconditional love and support, as well as the desire to see one’s child be wholly themselves and fulfilled.
Directed by Sophie Mueller, the accompanying video features home movie footage of her son Izaak and her through the years. It’s a powerful document of one mother’s unquestioningly unconditional love of her child.
ade Adu has shared a new music video for her song “Young Lion,” taken from TRAИƧA — both out today. The concept album is from storied activist and music production non-profit Red Hot, and the song is Sade’s first in over six years — a loving tribute dedicated to her son, Izaak, a trans man.
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