By Valentina Toro
Features Editor
Students gathered in the Adanti Student Center Theater on March 10 for a unique listening experience as WSIN Radio hosted a screening of “Sade Live,” encouraging attendees to engage more intentionally with music.
The event, organized during Women’s History Month, featured the 1993 concert film by Sade, blending smooth jazz and soul with a focus on mindful listening.
“We really wanted to encourage active listening when it comes to music,” communication major Gerryiki Williams, a junior and general manager of WSIN Radio, said. “We’ve noticed that a lot of times people will throw on their headphones and let their music play in the background.”
The screening brought students together through a shared appreciation of music while also celebrating the legacy of a prominent female artist.
Rather than treating music as background noise, the event encouraged attendees to slow down and fully absorb the performance.
By creating a collective viewing environment, organizers hoped students would pay closer attention to the lyrics and emotional depth of the music.
Sade, known for her distinctive blend of soul, jazz and pop, was chosen as the featured artist not only for her sound but also for her cultural impact.
Her music, often described as both soothing and powerful, has remained influential for decades, making her an ideal choice for an event centered on intentional listening.
“It’s Women’s History Month, so it’s awesome to highlight an artist that’s done a lot for women in the music industry,” Williams said.
In addition to the screening, the event included opportunities for students to connect and learn more about the artist.
Before the film began, attendees were invited to socialize, enjoy snacks and participate in informal discussions about Sade’s career and contributions to music.
Organizers also emphasized the importance of sound quality, ensuring that music could be experienced in a way that reflects the artist’s intent.
“At the event tonight, we’ll have a really good sound quality system to play Sade’s music,” Williams said. “We’ll have snacks and a little social talk beforehand to kind of give history on Sade and how she’s made such an impact.”
The event was open to the broader campus community, welcoming both longtime fans of Sade and students who may not have been familiar with her work.
According to organizers, the goal was to create an inclusive space where anyone interested in music could participate and discover something new.
By encouraging students to engage with music in a more intentional way, WSIN Radio hopes to shift how people think about listening habits.
Instead of passively consuming music, events like this promote a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind each performance.
Beyond entertainment, the screening also served as a way to strengthen student engagement on campus.
Events that bring students together around shared interests, organizers said, help foster community and create meaningful experiences outside the classroom.
Looking ahead, WSIN Radio plans to continue building on the success of the event by hosting similar programs in the future.
The organization hopes to make concert film screenings a regular offering for students interested in music and media.
“We’re hoping to have more concert screenings once a month for future semesters,” Williams said.
