Sade Adu to Release New Song “Young Lion” on Transgender Awareness Compilation Album

Sade Adu, the iconic singer-songwriter, is making a comeback after six years with a special project that hits close to home. The British-Nigerian artist will be contributing the track “Young Lion” to the compilation album “Transa,” which aims to promote transgender and nonbinary awareness.

The project holds personal significance for Sade, as her only child, Izaak, underwent a gender transition. The emotional track is dedicated to Izaak, who now lives as a transgender man, with lyrics that reflect the challenges and loneliness he may have faced during his journey.

Model and transgender activist Massima Bell praised Sade’s contribution, calling it incredibly powerful to hear a legendary musician share her experience as a parent of a trans child. The album, produced by Red Hot, will feature over 100 artists, including André 3000, Moses Sumney, and Sam Smith, among others.

The first single from the album is a cover of the Prince classic “I Would Die 4 U,” created by former Prince and the Revolution members Wendy & Lisa with singer-songwriter Lauren Auder. Set to be released on Nov. 22, the album consists of 46 tracks and eight chapters, paying homage to the original eight stripes of the Pride flag.

Executive director of Red Hot, Dust Reid, expressed the hope that the album will encourage everyone to explore their gender identity and embrace values of community, collaboration, care, and healing. The project aims to elevate the voices of trans and non-binary individuals as leaders in society, highlighting the importance of self-affirmation and acceptance.