Sade

O2, Dublin Wed 8pm 86.25/76.25/69.70/ 54.80 0818-719300

As reclusive as Kate Bush? No, even more so, as Helen Folasade Adu didn't feel like engaging with the media in promotional interviews to plug her current run of big-venue shows to tie in with the release of her greatest hits album ( The Ultimate Collection). Keeping her life private (her friends nickname her Howie, after infamous recluse Howard Hughes) is something that Sade holds close to her heart, which is fair enough – and besides, why should the most successful solo female artist in British history (she has sold over 50 million albums worldwide) want to talk?

Born in Nigeria 52 years ago, Sade first came to the attention of the music industry in 1983; she hasn’t looked back since, hasn’t bothered the charts much (a mere six studio albums have been released in 25 years), yet with each release she garners more awards than you can shake a groovy leg at, and steadily increases the sum total of her worldwide sales. Yes, sir, a very smooth operator, indeed.

Can't see That? Catch This:Roger Waters, Monday, Dublin.