ARTE’s Sade Documentary: A Must-Watch for Maltese Jazz Fans

Tucked away in the heart of Valletta, at the Spazji Jeswisi, a group of local jazz enthusiasts are gathered, their eyes glued to the screen. They’re not watching the latest blockbuster, but a documentary on one of the most iconic voices of our time – Sade. The reason? It’s airing on ARTE, the Franco-German cultural TV channel that’s making waves in Malta.

ARTE, which stands for Association Relative à la Télévision Européenne, has been broadcasting in Malta since 2019, bringing a wealth of European culture to our screens. Their latest offering, TAPE: Sade, is a testament to their commitment to showcasing the best of European arts and culture.

TAPE: Sade is not your typical music documentary. It’s a deep dive into the life and music of the British-Nigerian singer, Helen Folasade Adu, known simply as Sade. Directed by Sophie Fiennes, the documentary uses a unique approach – it’s a silent film, with no interviews or voiceovers. Instead, it’s a visual tapestry, weaving together archival footage, live performances, and intimate home videos.

The documentary starts at the beginning, tracing Sade’s journey from her humble beginnings in Ibadan, Nigeria, to her rise to fame in the vibrant music scene of 1980s London. It’s a story of resilience, of a woman who defied expectations and carved out her own path in the male-dominated music industry.

While Sade herself has never performed in Malta, her music has left an indelible mark on the local music scene. Many Maltese musicians cite her as an influence, her unique blend of soul, jazz, and pop resonating with local audiences. Her music has been played in countless local bars and clubs, from the now-defunct Café del Mar in St. Julian’s to the historic Għar Lapsi caves in Siggiewi.

For local jazz enthusiast, Joseph Vella, Sade’s music is more than just a soundtrack to his life. “Sade’s music is like a warm embrace on a cold day,” he says. “It’s comfort music, but it’s also challenging. It makes you feel, makes you think. That’s why I’m here tonight, to celebrate her music, her story.”

TAPE: Sade is just one of many documentaries and films that ARTE has brought to Maltese screens. From French New Wave cinema to German art house films, ARTE is slowly but surely changing the local film scene. “We want to expose Maltese audiences to the best of European culture,” says ARTE Malta’s country manager, Marie-Claire Aquilina. “We want to start conversations, to challenge, to inspire.”

And challenge and inspire it does. TAPE: Sade is more than just a music documentary. It’s a story about courage, about creativity, about the power of music to transcend borders and break barriers. It’s a story that resonates, not just in the heart of Valletta, but across Europe and beyond.

So, if you’re a Sade fan, a jazz enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good story, tune into ARTE. Who knows what European gem you might discover next?