Adele Emily Sandé, known professionally as Emeli Sandé, first gained public attention through a 2009 guest appearance on Chipmunk's single Diamond Rings. This collaboration peaked within the top ten of the United Kingdom singles chart, establishing a foundation for a career defined by her work as a composer, singer-songwriter, and vocalist within the contemporary music industry.
Early Development and Education
Born in 1987 in Sunderland, she relocated to Alford, Aberdeenshire, at age four. She wrote her debut song at 11 for a school talent showcase. During her youth, she participated in Rapology, a competition hosted by Choice FM in London, and sang at MTV's Camden studios. Although she neared a deal with Telstar Records at age 16, she prioritised education, eventually graduating from the University of Glasgow with a degree in clinical medicine specializing in neuroscience.
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Her professional trajectory shifted following involvement with the Urban Scot collective and an early release titled Have You Heard? on Souljawn Records. After connecting with producer Shahid Khan, known as Naughty Boy, she began writing for various artists including Cheryl Cole and Professor Green. She officially adopted the name Emeli to distinguish herself from the musician Adele. Her debut solo single, Heaven, arrived in August 2011.
Breakthrough and Recognition
Her debut studio album, Our Version of Events, released in 2012, spent ten non-consecutive weeks atop the UK albums chart and was the top-selling UK album of that year with one million domestic sales. Her 2013 Brit Award wins included Best British Female Solo Artist and British Album of the Year. Her subsequent studio album, Long Live the Angels, reached number two on the UK charts in 2016.
Public Appearances and Honours
In 2012, she performed at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympics. Her industry accolades include a 2017 Brit Award for British Female Solo Artist and an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. In 2018, she provided the singing voice for the character Thethuthinnang in the Watership Down miniseries.
Fast facts
- Born: 1987, Sunderland
- Education: University of Glasgow (Clinical Medicine/Neuroscience)
- Professional debut: 2009 (Diamond Rings)
- Debut studio album: Our Version of Events (2012)
- Notable honour: Member of the Order of the British Empire
- Language: English
Questions readers ask
Why did she change her professional name from Adele?
She changed her name to Emeli to avoid confusion with the singer Adele, who was experiencing significant success at the time.
Did she complete her university studies?
Yes, she attended the University of Glasgow and obtained a degree in clinical medicine, specializing in neuroscience, before fully committing to her music career.
Achievements
- Brit Award for British Female Solo Artist — 2017
- Member of the Order of the British Empire
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: soul, rhythm and blues and contemporary R&B
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