Shadz | Shared Tonalities

(00) About the Artist

Sade

Sade, also known as Shadz, is a dynamic British-Nigerian illustrator currently based in London. Her creative journey began in childhood, fuelled by a love for animated characters, pop-art and an innate urge to always learn new ways of creating. This developed into a profound adoration for portraiture, with Sade's signature style being marked by minimalist aesthetics, vibrant colours and heavy textures.

At the heart of her artistic narrative lies a profound dedication to celebrating culture and identity, resonating deeply with her own roots while championing representation for marginalised voices. Through her work, Sade endeavours to carve out spaces where individuals find echoes of themselves, their passions, and their struggles, fostering a more inclusive and diverse artistic landscape in an industry that hasn't always been inclusive.

shadzsart.com @shadzs_art @shadzs_art

(01)

Notes of Heritage (Pt 1)

This portrait explores the African roots of jazz and the generations of musicians whose traditions shaped the sound we recognise today. Drawing from West African musical heritage, the work reflects on music as a carrier of memory, identity and cultural connection across the African diaspora.

A4: £40
A5: £15

(02)

Notes of Heritage (Pt 2)

This portrait explores the evolution of contemporary Afro-fusion through the musical traditions that came before it. From indigenous Nigerian rhythms and highlife to Afrobeat and today's global sounds, the work celebrates how music can carry cultural heritage forward, connecting us to the people and histories that continue to shape what we hear today.

A4: £40
A5: £15

(03)

Carnival: The Early Years

Carnival: The Early Years captures the vibrant, communal spirit of the early Carnival celebrations and reflects their profound historical importance for Caribbean and Black British communities. Carnival has roots far deeper than the music, dance, and colourful costumes that fill the streets. For Black Britons, particularly those from the Windrush generation, Carnival was an act of cultural preservation, resistance, and resilience. This artwork honours Carnival as more than just an event; it's a tribute to generations who transformed adversity into an enduring celebration of life, culture, and freedom.

A4: £50
A5: £20

(04)

Naija Hall Party: A Tapestry of Celebration

Naija Hall Party: A Tapestry of Celebration captures the vibrant energy and unity of Nigerian hall parties, an essential part of Nigerian cultural life. Inspired by the timeless nature and beauty of stained glass, the vivid colours and fragmented forms aim to capture the history and spirit of Nigerian hall parties as a shared cultural experience in Nigeria and the diaspora. In Nigerian culture, hall parties are more than just events; they are powerful expressions of identity and solidarity, where people come together to celebrate milestones like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. From the live band filling the room with Afrobeats to the symbolic act of spraying (throwing money) as a gesture of prosperity and respect, every detail conveys the shared joy and cultural pride.

A4: £50
A5: £20

Sade Popoola

Sade

Notes of Heritage (Pt 1)

Notes of Heritage (Pt 2)

Carnival: The Early Years

Naija Hall Party: A Tapestry of Celebration