Sade Adu's Spouses & Relationships: A Deep Dive!

Scottie Beier 23 May 2025

Ever wondered about the heart behind the velvet voice? Sade Adu's journey through love and relationships is as captivating as her music, a tapestry woven with passion, artistry, and enduring commitment. From fleeting affairs to lasting partnerships, her personal life has both mirrored and fueled her iconic sound.

Helen Folasade Adu, globally recognized as Sade, isn't just a voice; she's an enigma. Born on January 16, 1959, in Ibadan, Nigeria, her life is a fusion of cultures, experiences, and profound artistic expression. Her father, Adebisi Adu, was a Nigerian economics lecturer, while her mother, Anne Hayes, was an English district nurse. They met in London while Adebisi studied at the London School of Economics (LSE), and soon after marrying in 1955, they relocated to Nigeria. However, their union wasn't destined to last. When Sade was just four years old, her parents separated, leading her mother to return to England with Sade and her elder brother.

Sade Adu: Biographical and Professional Information
Full Name	Helen Folasade Adu
Stage Name	Sade
Date of Birth	January 16, 1959
Place of Birth	Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Nationality	British-Nigerian
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Actress
Genre	Soul, Jazz, R&B, Quiet Storm
Instruments	Vocals
Years Active	1982–present
Label	Epic Records
Parents	Adebisi Adu (Father), Anne Hayes (Mother)
Spouse(s)	Carlos Scolo Pliego (m. 1989; div. 1995)
Partner(s)	Ian Watts (since 2007), Robert Elms, Bob Morgan
Children	Izaak Theo Adu
Awards	Grammy Award for Best New Artist (1986), Brit Award for Best British Album (1985 - Diamond Life), American Music Award for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist (1993)
Associated Acts	Sade (band), Pride
Official Website	Sade Official Website

Sade's journey into music began in the early 1980s. Before she captivated the world with her solo project, she honed her skills with the funk band Pride. However, it was her decision to form the band Sade, alongside Stuart Matthewman, Andrew Hale, and Paul Spencer Denman, that would catapult her to international fame. Her unique blend of soul, jazz, and R&B struck a chord with audiences worldwide, leading to the sale of over 50 million albums. Her early relationships, though often tumultuous, served as a powerful muse. These experiences provided the raw, authentic emotion that resonated so deeply with her listeners, establishing her as a genuine voice in the music industry.

The 1980s were a period of exploration and passion for Sade, both musically and personally. During this time, she had a notable affair with Robert Elms, an English writer and broadcaster. Their relationship, though impactful, was relatively short-lived. The complexities of love and life in the spotlight were already beginning to shape her perspective, adding layers to her artistic expression.

In 1989, Sade embarked on a new chapter when she married Carlos Scolo Pliego, a Spanish film director. Their union was a fusion of artistry and cultures, bringing together the worlds of music and cinema. The marriage, however, wasn't destined to last forever, and they divorced in 1995. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, their time together left an undeniable mark on both their lives. It's even speculated that the melancholy undertones of her early '90s album were influenced by their relationship, suggesting Scolo Pliego served as a muse in his own right.

The late 1990s saw Sade seeking solace and new beginnings in the Caribbean. She moved to Jamaica to live with Bob Morgan, a Jamaican music producer. While their time together resulted in the birth of her only child, Izaak Theo Adu, their romantic relationship eventually ended. The arrival of Izaak in 1996 was a pivotal moment in Sade's life. As her only child, Izaak holds a special place in her heart and has grown up immersed in the world of music and art. A photo of Sade Adu and her son, Izaak Theo Adu, captures the depth of their bond and the importance of family in her life.

While details of Sade's relationships remain largely private, it's clear that they have significantly influenced her life and music. One relationship that has stood the test of time is her partnership with Ian Watts. Sade and Ian Watts met in the late 1980s through a mutual friend and soon began dating. While some sources mistakenly indicate they married in 1989, this is incorrect. Sade was married to Carlos Scolo Pliego at that time. It wasn't until much later that her path intertwined with Watts again.

Since 2007, Sade has been in a committed relationship with Ian Watts, a former Royal Marine. The couple has managed to maintain a low profile, cherishing their privacy away from the glare of the media. Despite the unconventional nature of their relationship, their bond appears to be strong and enduring. While some reports have suggested marriage, it seems Sade has no intention of walking down the aisle again. Instead, she and Watts have chosen to build a life together based on mutual respect, love, and shared values.

Ian Watts' role in Sade’s life extends beyond a romantic partnership. He has been a pillar of support, providing encouragement and stability throughout her career. Many credit Watts as being a source of inspiration for Sade’s music, and their long-lasting relationship proves that enduring love is possible, even amidst the pressures of fame. Ian watts and sade are still together and have managed to keep a relatively low profile in the media.

Sade's zodiac sign is Capricorn, a sign often associated with ambition, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. These traits are evident in her dedication to her craft and her commitment to maintaining a private personal life. She is a member of several notable lists, including Women Rock Singers, Grammy Award Winners, and 1959 Births, solidifying her place as an icon in the music industry.

Beyond her romantic relationships, Sade's connection to her band members has also played a crucial role in her success. She is best known as the lead vocalist of the band Sade, alongside Stuart Matthewman, Andrew Hale, and Paul Spencer Denman. Together, they have released numerous popular singles, including "Soldier of Love" and "Lovers Rock," earning multiple awards and critical acclaim. The band's unique sound, a blend of soul, jazz, and R&B, has captivated audiences worldwide.

Sade has consistently maintained a relatively private personal life, shielding her relationships from excessive media scrutiny. This commitment to privacy reflects her desire to protect her loved ones and maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the demands of fame. While she has been open about her past relationships, she has always been careful to maintain a respectful distance, ensuring that her personal life does not overshadow her artistic achievements.

Sade's influence extends beyond her music. She is known for her sophisticated style, her unwavering commitment to her artistic vision, and her dedication to her family. She has also been a vocal supporter of her son, Izaak Theo Adu, who came out as transgender in 2016. Sade has been supportive of izaak’s journey, reflecting her compassionate nature.

Helen Folasade Adu, or Sade Adu, as she is widely known, remains an icon of music and style. Her journey through love, loss, and enduring commitment has shaped her into the artist and woman she is today. From her early relationships to her current partnership with Ian Watts, Sade's personal life has been a source of inspiration, resilience, and profound artistic expression. Her story is a testament to the power of love, the importance of family, and the enduring legacy of a true musical legend. Sade's early relationships were a catalyst for her success. They provided rich material for her songwriting, and this authenticity helped her connect with a wide audience. It's a little confusing, but you'll catch up.

Carlos scola pliego and singer sade adu were married for six years, from 1989 to 1995. Sade adu was madly in love with carlos scola pliego. Carlos scola pliego and sade adu's love story began after they first crossed paths in spain.

Adu’s gorgeous, velvety vocals complement the band’s blend of soul and. Sade was born helen folasade adu on january 16, 1959, in ibadan, nigeria. The iconic british singer sade married spanish filmmaker carlos scola in 1989. Their marriage was a blend of artistic passion and cultural diversity. Carlos scola pliego is the only man who has married british nigerian singer sade. The filmmaker is suspected to be the source of some of the melancholy on her early '90s album.

Helen folosade adu was born in ibadan, nigeria, 41 years ago and raised in colchester, essex, an unremarkable english backwater, after her mother separated from her nigerian father when sade was four. Helen folasade adu was born on 16 january 1959 in ibadan, oyo state, nigeria. Her middle name, folasade, means crowned with wealth in yoruba. They met in london, married in 1955, and moved to nigeria. Exploring the personal life of sade ahead of her song’s release.

Sade was married to carlos scola pliego. Sade’s only child is izaak theo adu. Helen folasade adu, professionally known as sade, was born in ibadan, oyo state, nigeria on january 16, 1959. Her father adebisi adu, a nigerian lecturer of economics, and her mother anne hayes, a district nurse, had met. The arrival of izaak theo adu. In 1996, sade and bob morgan celebrated the birth of their son, izaak theo adu. As their only child together, izaak holds a special place in their lives and has grown up surrounded by the music industry and artistic influences. Photo of sade adu and her son, izaak theo adu.source:. Shakeshaft, who credits sade’s music as being a major part of the soundtrack of her.

What is ian watts’ role in sade’s career? Ian watts has been involved in sade’s career by providing support and encouragement. Since 2007, she has been in a relationship with ian watts. Though unconventional, the ceremony was everything a wedding should be. Sade has been dating her former royal marine boyfriend, watts, since 2007. Looks like the your love is king singer has no intention of getting married. Are there any recent updates or developments in ian watts and sade’s personal lives?

Her father was a nigerian lecturer in economics of yoruba, and her mother is an english, district nurse. At the start of her music career in the early 1980s, sade, whose real name is helen folasade adu, was in a relationship with. Sade adu, whose real name is helen folasade adu, was born on january 16, 1959, in ibadan, nigeria. Her journey to stardom began in the 1980s, when she became the lead singer of the band sade. Known for her unique blend of soul, jazz, and r&b, sade has sold over 50 million albums worldwide. The couple has been together for many years, and their relationship has been a source of inspiration for sade’s music. Ian watts has been a supportive and loving partner to sade adu, and their marriage has stood the test of time.

Later, sade performed with the funk band pride, but she soon quit to join the group that would later bear her name, together with stuart matthewman, andrew hale, and paul spencer denman. Ian watts and sade are still married and have managed to keep a relatively low profile in the media. Their relationship seems to be strong and enduring despite the challenges of fame.