Emeli Sandé

Emeli Sandé

Emeli Sandé is a Scottish-South African soul and R&B singer and songwriter from Sunderland, England, and raised in Alford, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. She is signed to Virgin Records. Born Adele Emeli Sandé in 1987, she uses her middle name as her stage name rather than her first name.

Early career and breakthrough

Sandé begins her singing career in 2009, first drawing attention through songs she writes for other artists. Her first chart appearance comes with Chipmunk’s debut single Diamond Rings, on which she features as the vocalist. The single reaches number six in the UK and gives both artists their first top 10 hit. She then appears as guest vocalist on Wiley’s comeback single Never Be Your Woman, which reaches number eight in the UK and becomes her second consecutive top 10 single.

Before pursuing a solo career, she also studies medicine. She later continues to build a profile through guest vocals and collaborations, including Professor Green’s 2011 UK number one single Read All About It.

Solo work

Sandé’s first solo single, Heaven, reaches number two in the UK Singles Chart. Her debut album, Our Version of Events, follows and includes the singles Next To Me, Daddy and My Kind Of Love. The album becomes the UK’s biggest-selling debut album of 2012.

Collaborations and wider recognition

Alongside her solo releases, Sandé writes for and collaborates with a range of artists including Let Go, Let It Rain, Susan Boyle and Cheryl Cole. She also appears at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, where she performs Abide with Me. Her work receives strong critical notice, with The Times calling her “The Voice of 2012” and The New York Times describing her voice as “clear and brassy and weapons-grade”. Other artists including Alicia Keys and Adele also express admiration for her singing and style.