With the release of “Young Lion,” Sade hopes other parents of trans children know they can grow and learn.

Sade celebrates her son, Izaak Adu.

In the new clip of his first single in six years, “Young Lion“, released on Friday (November 22), the 65-year-old Nigerian-British music legend gives a rare insight into her family life. Through the song’s lyrics, she also reveals her perspective as a mother raising a son trans.

The singer croons, “Young man/It’s been so heavy on you/You must have felt so alone” at the start of the video, which includes footage of her and Izaak over the years. There are photos of the “Paradise” singer holding her baby son, of him frolicking outside as a child, and many of the two living and growing up together in the United Kingdom, where they reside.

The song’s lyrics continue to illuminate Sade’s feelings as she watches her son grow up and become aware of his gender identity.

“Forgive me, my son. I should have known,” she sings at one point.

Elsewhere in the song, she sings, “You shine like the sun.”

Towards the end of the four-minute video, there is a clip of adult Izaak before the video ends with a vintage photo of a mother and son kissing on a beach.

Sade first shared the song in October as part of the AIDS nonprofit. warm redThe special compilation album “Transa”, released Friday November 22. The compilation aims to raise awareness for the transgender community and features songs from members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Other artists involved in the project include Andre 3000, Moses Sumney, Niecy Blues, Yaya Bey, Sam Smith, and more.

Talk to rolling stone At the time of the song’s release, Izaak gave his reaction.

“Even though I had nothing to forgive him for, the words, ‘Forgive me, son, I should have known,’ struck a chord,” he said. “My mother never tried to oppress the boy; Silently, I always knew I was. She always let me be me.

He added: “I hope it can provide a sense of comfort, validation and a feeling of being seen and understood. »

According to Sade, the song was inspired by a letter she gave to Izaak on his 21st birthday.

“I think a song where a parent apologizes for misunderstanding their child can have immense meaning for the trans community,” she said. “This song can serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder that parents can learn, grow and ultimately accept their children for who they truly are.”

Sade, who shares Izaak with Jamaican music producer Bob Morgan, gave birth to her son in 1996. He is her only child.

Other essential reading: