Sade Set to Release First New Song in 6 Years, Dedicated to Transgender Son

Legendary singer Sade Adu is making a comeback with her first new song in nearly six years, a heartfelt track titled “Young Lion.” This new single is dedicated to her transgender son, Izaak Theo Adu, and will be featured on the upcoming album Transa, a 46-track compilation curated by the activist music collective Red Hot. The album is slated for release on November 22 and aims to highlight the talents of trans and non-binary artists alongside well-known allies.

Sade, renowned for her timeless hit “Smooth Operator,” joins a diverse list of collaborators on Transa. Among the 100 artists contributing to the album are André 3000, Sam Smith, Laura Jane Grace, Devendra Banhart, Fleet Foxes, Moses Sumney, Hunter Schafer, and many others. Transa is described as a “spiritual journey across 8 chapters,” showcasing the voices and creativity of some of today’s most groundbreaking trans and non-binary talents, while raising awareness for HIV/AIDS relief and related causes.

The Red Hot collective, known for raising over R282 million (approximately $15 million) for HIV/AIDS awareness since 1989, has emphasized the deeper significance of the album. In a press statement, they said, “Trans people have always existed, with many different names across time and culture, often as spiritual healers and leaders… The journey taken by trans people – and all peoples who have been oppressed – is a blueprint of possibility. May this be a glimpse of our collective liberation.”

Sade’s personal life is typically kept away from the public eye, but she has been open about supporting her son, Izaak. In 2019, Izaak shared a heartfelt Instagram post thanking his mother for her unwavering support throughout his transition. “Thank you for staying by my side these past 6 months, Mumma. Thank you for fighting with me to complete the man I am. I love you so much, Queen of queens.”

Though Sade hasn’t released a full-length album since 2010’s Soldier of Love, her musical contributions remain influential. Her last songs, “Flower of the Universe” from the A Wrinkle in Time soundtrack (2018) and “The Big Unknown” from Widows (2018), left fans eager for more.

With Young Lion, Sade not only marks her return but also sheds light on a deeply personal journey, while contributing to a larger movement that celebrates trans and non-binary artists worldwide. The upcoming album Transa promises to be a powerful testament to resilience, expression, and the ever-expanding boundaries of creativity.