Emeli Sandé

Early Life

Adele Emily Sandé, known professionally as Emeli Sandé, was born on March 10, 1987, in Sunderland, England, to a Zambian father and an English mother. At the age of four, her family moved to Alford, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where she grew up. Sandé's passion for music emerged early; she wrote her first song at the age of 11 for a primary school talent show, realizing her desire to be a songwriter. She attended Alford Academy, where her father taught, and was known for her shyness and academic diligence. Her early exposure to music competitions in London helped her gain recognition and led to her first significant opportunities.

Career

Sandé's career began to take off in 2008 when she won a BBC Urban music competition, which led to a record deal. She collaborated with various artists, including Chipmunk and Wiley, and signed with Virgin Records. Her debut album, "Our Version of Events," released in 2012, showcased her powerful soprano voice and songwriting skills, earning her critical acclaim and commercial success. Sandé's music blends soul, rhythm and blues, and contemporary R&B, drawing inspiration from artists like Nina Simone. Over the years, she has released several albums, including "Long Live the Angels" and "Real Life," and has received numerous awards, including a Brit Award for British Female Solo Artist.

Personal Life

In 2012, Sandé married marine biologist Adam Gouraguine in Montenegro, but the couple divorced two years later. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017 for her contributions to music. Sandé has openly discussed her bisexuality and is currently engaged to classical pianist Yoana Karemova. In addition to her music career, she was appointed chancellor of the University of Sunderland in 2019, reflecting her commitment to education and the arts.