Lahde – Artist Biography (Long Form)
Lahde , formally known as "LadeMusic" is a Nigerian-Canadian singer, songwriter, and creative visionary blending R&B, Afro-fusion, and Alternative Soul into rich, emotionally resonant soundscapes. Trained in classical vocals from age 12 and a winner of multiple national competitions, she debuted with RedEye in 2024, followed by her sophomore EP Auburn. Her upcoming project Sunshine (October 1, 2025) marks a bold evolution—celebrating womanhood, softness, and spiritual clarity through a lush, multidimensional sonic lens. With performances in NYC and songwriting camps in Toronto, Miami, and New York, Lade is a rising voice to watch—building a legacy where music, design, and identity meet.
All About Lahde
Born as Oluwafunmilade Oyapero, the 23 year old Nigerian-Canadian artist known as Lahde takes her stage name from her middle name. Raised in Canada but born in Ogun State, Nigeria, Lahde left at the age of three when her family relocated to Canada in pursuit of a better life. Yet despite the distance, her roots were never far from her spirit. Immersed deeply in Nigerian culture through her family, church, and community events, Lahde grew up dancing to the sounds of Wizkid, 9ice, Davido, P-Square, and other Afrobeat icons. African parties, gospel music, and cultural pride were a staple of her upbringing, grounding her in rhythm, identity, and storytelling — all before she ever touched a microphone.
Lahde's talent emerged early. At just four years old, she stunned her daycare teachers during a talent show with a pitch- perfect rendition of Rihanna’s “Take A Bow.” Though she couldn’t yet read, she memorized the song by ear, hearing it repeatedly from her daycare teachers’ radio, singing with such control that her teachers urged her parents to nurture her gift. After continued encouragement from church and school choirs, Lahde was eventually enrolled in vocal training at the Ontario Conservatory of Music, where she began competing in vocal showcases — often winning many trophies, even as a child.
Still, as she entered her teen years, academics took priority. Nicknamed “Smartiee” in school for her intelligence and love of reading, Lahde chose to pursue a degree in Business Management at the University of Ottawa, following the advice of her father, a professor. Yet music had a way of finding her. During a school trip to Toronto for LinkedIn headshots, a mix-up landed her in the wrong studio — a moment that would become a divine detour. There, while waiting for a friend, a Toronto producer named George who owned a studio in the same building overheard her humming outside and asked if she had ever recorded music professionally. She hadn’t — only in her bedroom on GarageBand. He offered her a free session, and within an hour, Lahde had written and recorded her very first song.
What followed was a quiet awakening. After returning to Ottawa for her fourth year of university in late 2023, Lahde began booking sessions with local engineer Dray, where she deepened her writing and vocal performance. Together, they submitted a demo to The Creative Space Songwriting Camp in New York — and were accepted. That trip marked the true beginning of Lahde’s artist journey. There, she built lasting relationships with producers from across New York, Miami, and Toronto — many of whom she still works with today.
Encouraged by the late Jason Hadeshian, the camp’s visionary founder, Lahde recorded her debut EP Red Eye, a collection of emotionally-driven songs written during her travels. She followed it up with Auburn, her second project, released in November 2024 — each body of work a deeper dive into her evolving voice and artistry. Her upcoming third project, set to release in October 2025, is a return to her roots — a rich Afrobeat-infused exploration of her Nigerian heritage.
Though still early in her journey, Lahde has already performed in cities like New York, Toronto, Nashville, and Los Angeles, steadily building a community of fans drawn to her voice, her words, and her truth. A trained vocalist, natural performer, and poetic songwriter, Lade is known for her ability to move effortlessly between genres — a result of her dual upbringing and innate versatility. Whether delivering soul-baring lyrics over soft R&B chords or riding the bounce of an Afrobeat rhythm, she brings emotion, craft, and intention to every note.
Inspired by the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Aaliyah , Sade, and Tiwa Savage, Lahde is carving her own path — as a bridge between cultures, generations, and sounds. She hopes to offer young women the same inspiration she once found in her icons: proof that you can be bold, brilliant, and beautifully undefinable.
