Sadé Awele

Our global theme for August is 'NOMAD' and we are delighted to host Nigerian-born, Vancouver-based artist and engineer, Sadé Awele.

Recently named R&B Artist of the Year at the 2024 Western Canadian Music Awards, Awele blends Afrosoul, Afropop, and R&B into a sound that’s as intentional as it is captivating. Gracing stages from Road to the Junos to festivals across Canada and Europe, Awele balances her creative pursuits with a background in engineering, bringing both precision and passion to her music. Her dual path reflects a rare ability to bridge structure and soul—crafting songs that resonate with depth, groove, and authenticity. With melodies that linger and lyrics that speak to the heart, Sadé infuses every performance with cultural richness and emotional power. She’s the kind of artist who turns reflection into rhythm, and heartbreak into healing. Her latest EP, Intuition, marks a new chapter in her evolution—a body of work that feels both timeless and unmistakably current. And with more music on the way, Sadé Awele is only just getting started.

Each month we ask our speaker some probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define and apply creativity in your life and career? For me, creativity is a way of life — it’s how I express my truth and connect with others on a deeper level. Whether I’m engineering solutions or crafting melodies, I approach everything with curiosity and intention. In my music, I blend Afrosoul, R&B, and my cultural roots to tell stories that feel both personal and universal. Creativity allows me to turn emotion into sound, challenges into art, and everyday moments into something meaningful.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
I find my best creative inspiration in real-life experiences — moments of joy, growth, love, and even heartbreak. I’m deeply inspired by my Nigerian roots, the rhythms of everyday life, and the stories of the people around me. Whether I’m in nature, reflecting in stillness, or vibing with my band in the studio, I tap into energy that feels raw and honest. That’s where the magic happens for me.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
One piece of advice I wish I’d known earlier is that your unique voice is your superpower — don’t water it down to fit in. As a young creative, I often felt the pressure to sound or be a certain way, but growth came when I started trusting my instincts and embracing the fullness of who I am. Authenticity is what truly resonates.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
I would love to hear Nina Simone speak at CreativeMornings. Her boldness, artistry, and unwavering commitment to using her voice for change continue to inspire me. She wasn’t afraid to be raw, real, and revolutionary — and I think her perspective on creativity, purpose, and truth would spark something powerful in all of us.