Sade Adu Returns with New Music, Dedicated to Her Transgender Son
In a highly anticipated move, Nigerian-British singer Sade Adu is set to release new music, marking her first new release in six years. The track, titled "Young Lion," is dedicated to her transgender son, Izaak Theo Adu. The song is part of the Transa benefit album, a project initiated by the nonprofit organization Red Hot to support transgender awareness and spotlight trans and non-binary artists.
"We started talking about all the gifts that trans artists have been giving to the world, and wanted to create a Red Hot project that centered and celebrated those gifts," explained Dust Reid, the project’s creator, in an interview with Variety. Reid collaborated with artist Massima Bell to bring Transa to life.
The album, set to drop on November 22, 2024, features over three-and-a-half hours of music, including a mix of covers and exclusive tracks from renowned artists such as Sam Smith, André 3000, and Kelela. With over 100 contributing artists, the project is structured across eight chapters and 46 songs, paying homage to the eight-stripe rainbow pride flag.
Red Hot, founded in 1989 by Leigh Blake and John Carlin, has produced 20 original projects since 1990, combining music, video, design, and other media to raise awareness and funds in the ongoing fight against HIV and AIDS. The organization’s history boasts a list of notable contributors, including Bilal, Bon Iver, Chance The Rapper, Ledisi, Lauryn Hill, Pete Rock, L.E.S., and SWV.
Transa aims to create a narrative that positions trans and non-binary people as leaders in society, highlighting the deep inner work they do to affirm their identities. The project hopes to inspire a future oriented around values of community, collaboration, care, and healing.
Learn more about the album on the official Red Hot website and get ready to experience the powerful sounds of Transa.
