Legendary singer-songwriter Sade is to return with new single, Young Lion – her first song in years, which is a tribute to her trans son, Izaak. The song is set to appear on a benefit album titled Transa, which will be released to raise awareness for trans and non-binary artists.
Released on November 22, the album features over 100 contributing artists and eight chapters in honour of the eight-stripes of the rainbow flag.
“We started talking about all the gifts that trans artists have been giving to the world, and wanted to create a Red Hot project that centred and celebrated those gifts,” says Dust Reid, one of the masterminds behind Transa. “We hoped to create a narrative that positions trans and non-binary people as leaders in our society insofar as the deep inner work they do to affirm who they are in our current climate.
“We felt this is something everybody should do. Whether you identify as trans or non-binary or otherwise, if you took the time to explore your gender, get in touch with the feeling side of yourself, maybe we would have a future oriented around values of community, collaboration, care, and healing.”
Sade’s contribution marks her first song since releasing Flower of the Universe for the A Wrinkle in Time soundtrack and The Big Unknown for the movie Widows in 2018. She previously covered Still in Love With You for her band’s The Ultimate Collection album.