Izaak Theo Adu: The Inspiring Journey of Sade Adu’s Son and His Life Beyond Fame

Izaak Theo Adu, also known as Izaak Theo Adu-Watts, is a talented artist, model, and photographer from London, England. He is widely recognized as the son of the legendary Nigerian-British singer and songwriter Sade Adu, the frontwoman of the globally acclaimed band Sade. Over the years, Izaak has carved out a unique identity for himself—one that beautifully blends creativity, self-discovery, and resilience.
Born in the mid-1990s, Izaak has grown up under the quiet but powerful influence of artistry and authenticity. While his mother is known for her soulful voice and timeless songs like Smooth Operator and By Your Side, Izaak has chosen a different creative path—one focused on art, modeling, and expression through photography. His story, however, is not just one of fame or family legacy; it is a deeply personal journey of transformation, courage, and truth.
Izaak Theo Adu Age and Early Life
According to multiple sources, Izaak Theo Adu was born on July 21, 1996, in London, England. That makes him 29 years old as of 2025. Raised primarily in the United Kingdom, he had a unique upbringing in a family where creativity, privacy, and cultural diversity intertwined. His mother, Sade Adu, is of Nigerian and British descent, while his father, Bob Morgan, is a Jamaican-born music producer.
Izaak grew up in a loving and artistic environment, surrounded by music, art, and introspection. Despite his famous parentage, Sade intentionally shielded him from the intrusive spotlight of fame. She has always been known for her deeply private nature, and she extended that same protection to her son during his formative years.
Izaak Theo Adu’s Family and Background
The Adu-Watts family is one rooted in multicultural heritage and artistic influence.
- Mother: Helen Folasade Adu CBE, famously known as Sade Adu, is one of the most influential and private singers in modern music history. With her smooth contralto voice and emotionally charged songs, Sade became a global icon of soulful sophistication.
- Father: Bob Morgan, a Jamaican record producer, is known to have been in a relationship with Sade during the mid-1990s. Though the relationship did not last, they remained connected through their shared love for Izaak.
- Grandparents: Sade’s father, Adebisi Adu, was a Nigerian economics professor, while her mother, Anne Hayes, was an English nurse. This diverse lineage played a significant role in shaping Izaak’s cultural and personal identity.
While Izaak does not have any biological siblings, he is surrounded by a close-knit circle of extended family and friends. Both his parents share an appreciation for artistic pursuits, which naturally influenced Izaak’s life direction.
Izaak Theo Adu and Sade Adu: A Bond Beyond Words
Perhaps the most touching and public aspect of Izaak’s story is his profound relationship with his mother, Sade Adu. Their bond goes far beyond the conventional parent-child relationship—it represents unconditional love, empathy, and acceptance.
In 2016, Izaak publicly came out as a transgender man. This marked a deeply personal and courageous chapter in his life. Throughout his journey, Sade stood by him with unwavering support. In 2019, Izaak took to social media to thank his mother for being his “guiding light” and “the purest heart.” His heartfelt messages were accompanied by photos showing their close and affectionate relationship.
Sade herself, known for her reclusive nature, rarely makes public statements. However, her quiet yet powerful support for Izaak has inspired countless fans around the world. In 2024, Sade released a touching song titled Young Lion, accompanied by a music video featuring rare family footage of Izaak, symbolizing her love and pride in her son.
Their story stands as an example of how love and understanding within families can transcend societal norms, expectations, and prejudices.
Izaak Theo Adu’s Transition and Self-Discovery
Izaak’s journey of self-discovery is both inspiring and brave. Assigned female at birth, Izaak transitioned to male in his early twenties. His transition was not only a physical transformation but also a spiritual and emotional rebirth.
In interviews and on social media, Izaak has spoken candidly about the struggles he faced during his gender-affirming surgeries and the long recovery process. He detailed the mental and physical challenges of undergoing procedures such as phalloplasty, as well as the deep sense of liberation that came afterward.
In a moving Instagram post, Izaak once wrote:
“It’s been a long hard road, but now I’m in the happiest place I’ve ever been. Thank you to my dad for supporting me when I needed it most, and thank you Mumma for staying by my side through it all.”
His openness about his journey has resonated deeply with people across the globe, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, where his story has become one of courage and representation.
Career: Artist, Model, and Creative Soul
Beyond his personal journey, Izaak has also built a name for himself in the creative industry.
He is a talented artist and photographer, known for exploring themes of identity, transformation, and connection in his work. His official art website, izaaktheo.com, showcases a wide portfolio of visual projects, paintings, and installations. His artwork often blurs the line between self-expression and storytelling, offering glimpses into his inner world.
Izaak has also modeled for several brands, including collaborations with fashion and lifestyle labels that align with his authentic and inclusive worldview. According to SCMP Style, he has been part of campaigns associated with pop culture figures such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Beyoncé’s fashion networks.
His exhibition “Becoming: Self and Identity” was featured at Cortona On The Move—an international photography festival—where he explored the complexities of gender identity and belonging through visual storytelling.
Izaak Theo Adu’s Father: Bob Morgan
While Sade is a household name, much less is publicly known about Izaak’s father, Bob Morgan. A Jamaican-born music producer, Bob worked within the reggae scene before meeting Sade in the 1990s. Their relationship was relatively short-lived, but it resulted in the birth of Izaak in 1996.
Although Bob has remained out of the public eye, Izaak has occasionally mentioned his father in heartfelt posts, thanking him for being supportive during his transition and personal growth. Their relationship, much like that with Sade, seems to be one grounded in love and respect.
Who Is Izaak Theo Adu Married To?
In April 2021, Izaak Theo Adu married his longtime partner, Emily Margaret Shakeshaft, in a beautiful ceremony in Hawaii. The wedding was intimate and filled with warmth, reflecting the couple’s genuine connection.
According to Essence Magazine, Emily and Izaak met several years before their marriage and bonded over shared passions for art, travel, and self-expression. Izaak often shares pictures with his wife on Instagram, showing their joyful and adventurous life together.
The couple currently resides in California, where they continue to build their creative careers.
Does Izaak Theo Adu Have Kids?
As of 2025, there is no public information suggesting that Izaak and his wife have children. The couple seems focused on their careers, art, and advocacy work. They have both expressed the importance of personal growth, creativity, and mental well-being as central elements of their shared life.
Izaak Theo Adu Net Worth
Unlike many celebrity children who live under the weight of their parents’ financial legacy, Izaak Theo Adu has maintained a quiet and grounded approach to wealth. While exact figures regarding his net worth are not publicly verified, entertainment outlets estimate that his personal fortune may range from $200,000 to $500,000, primarily from his work as a model and artist.
However, it’s important to note that Izaak’s life has never been centered around material wealth. Coming from a family led by Sade Adu—who is reportedly worth around $70 million—he has always prioritized authenticity, creativity, and mental well-being over fame or fortune.
The Significance of His Story
Izaak Theo Adu’s story resonates deeply in today’s cultural landscape, where issues of identity, family, and representation are being redefined. He embodies the courage to live authentically in a world that often struggles to accept difference.
Through his art and openness, he has become a role model—not only for transgender individuals but for anyone striving to live truthfully. His relationship with his mother, Sade, is an example of love without conditions, showing the beauty of acceptance and support within families.
Moreover, Izaak’s creative journey stands as a testament to how artistic expression can become a powerful tool for healing and self-definition. His work, exhibitions, and online presence inspire conversations about humanity, resilience, and love.
Conclusion
Izaak Theo Adu’s life is an inspiring fusion of art, identity, and authenticity. From his early years as the child of one of the world’s most beloved singers to his courageous personal transformation, Izaak has continually proven himself as a symbol of strength and creativity. His story is one of courage in the face of adversity, a reminder that true happiness is found when one embraces who they really are.
As Izaak continues to grow as an artist, husband, and individual, the world watches with admiration and respect. His journey reflects a powerful truth—that love, art, and authenticity will always transcend boundaries.
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