Adaeze is the professional name of emerging independent singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Sarah Ikaiddi. She was born in the United States to Nigerian parents. At just 14 years-old, the Georgia native has already launched a career in music.
The young musician first learned to play trumpet in 4th grade for her school band. Since then the talented teen has gone on to learn to play a number of other instruments. In 2022 she went public, producing vocal and guitar covers of her favorite songs.
AdaezeMusicEuphoria is the YouTube channel and online musical home for all things Adaeze. Over the last six months, the talented young creator began releasing her own versions of sad pop songs by artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett and XXXTENTACION. She recently began working on original material as well and has a series of collaborations planned for early 2023.
We recently had the chance to chat with Adaeze about her musical journey so far, and her plans for the future. Read her answers to our 8 questions. And listen to her soulful lo-fi cover of Joshua Bassett’s “Sad Songs In A Hotel Room” below. You can find that song and over a dozen more on her YouTube channel. Follow the links at the end of this artist to connect with the artist. Get on her socials and join this talented young musician on her creative journey.
8 Questions with Adaeze
Where are you from?
I’m from Georgia in the United States. Both my parents are Nigerians so I also have that background on me.
How long have you been making music?
In my 14 years of life I have known music for most of it. I didn’t start really playing instruments and stuff until I was in 4th grade when I joined the band at Bouie Elementary. I’m still in a band at Arabia Mountain High School playing trumpet but I play two more instruments (guitar and piano).Â
I mostly cover other people’s songs. But, I just now started making music and testing my writing skills. My first “concert” was literally performing at a talent show in 8th grade in which I won second place in playing Joshua Bassett, “Do it all again” song. It was a great change to what I usually do, which is sit in front of a camera and to see everyone cheering when I was done was amazing.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
My friend, Jordan Murray aka The Big Man has really helped me on my journey to writing music for myself. He also has his own music so when he heard about me and my covers, he decided to take me under his wing.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
My biggest musical influences are Demi Lovato, Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, Sabrina Carpenter, Nina Simone, and Brandy. When I write or just listen to music, I think of them and how much they impact the music industry. I love r&b, pop and jazz so all these artists really speak to me.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
My greatest non-musical influences are my writing and my journey of acting. So far, I had my work published in a book from a competition called Next Generation run by Christopher Moreton. And acting wise, I acted in a few plays at school but mostly I’m proud of my writing. I’ve actually been writing a book called Innocent Liars which I have no idea when I will be done with.
What inspired you to create this project?
My friend Jordan Murray inspired me to start writing music and make it. He is a big part of why I decided I may keep doing it. I do covers because I like to use my talents to make people happy. And I hope it takes me somewhere.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
Plans for the future, really getting past high school which is hard enough but also grow my music and acting career to lead me into college. Hopefully writing more music and still covering my YouTube channel. And just making a difference.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Follow me on Instagram at souja_sarah, AdaezeMusicEuphoria on TikTok and YouTube. I would love feedback and advice as a new musician. And don’t let anybody tell you, you can’t because all they are doing is being jealous because you are going for it and they’re not.
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