Nigerian-born singing legend Sade Adu is to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026, earning one of music’s highest honours for her timeless influence on soul, jazz, and pop.
The announcement was made on April 13 during a broadcast of American Idol, revealing that the enigmatic vocalist behind classics like “Smooth Operator,” “No Ordinary Love,” and “The Sweetest Taboo” is to be inducted alongside fellow honorees, including Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan, Phil Collins, and Iron Maiden.
Born Helen Folasade Adu in Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1959, the singer moved to England at age four and later formed the band Sade in 1982. With her cool, smoky contralto and sophisticated songwriting, she became a global phenomenon, selling over 50 million records worldwide and winning a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1986.
Sade is to be inducted in the Performer Category, recognised for a career that redefined smooth soul and influenced generations of artists from Beyoncé to Drake. Her 1984 debut album “Diamond Life” remains a landmark, spending over 100 weeks on the UK charts.
The induction ceremony is scheduled for November 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. Fans will be able to watch the event later in December on ABC and Disney+.
Fellow Nigerian legend Fela Kuti is also to be inducted as part of the 2026 class, honoured in the Early Influence category.
