Asa’s story began in Lagos

 Bukola Elemide aka Asa, found a home in her father’s extensive and eclectic collection of records from soul classics to traditional Nigerian music. She started singing at a young age, and Asa was inspired by the sounds and messages of artists such as Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey, who served as touchstones when she later began crafting her own songs.

It was not until she was studying in Paris that she truly formed her musical style, immersing herself in the songs of her musical contemporaries, namely Erika Badu, D’Angelo, Rafel Saadiq, Lauryn Hill and Angelique Kidjo.

Asa fuses pop, Rhythm and Blues (R&B) world, funk, soul and reggae in a debut eponymous album where she sings in both English and Yoruba. Featuring impeccable percussion, a funky Hammond organ and reggae-infused bass, the album has two stand-out tracks: Jailer, a song about “the irony of oppression, the one that operates in everyday life” and Fire In The Mountain. Asa’s album met recognition worldwide and the artist engaged in an extended tour including Europe, North America, Africa and Japan.

Further, Asa gained global recognition as a charismatic songstress with a trademark husky voice, unafraid to tackle serious issues with intelligence and confidence. “This Nigerian singer-songwriter might actually be a twenty-first century Bob Marley,” says BBC Music.

With her dreams fully in motion and with an array of experiences under her belt, Asa was in a purely positive frame of mind when crafting her new album, Beautiful Imperfection. The album’s lead single “Be My Man” an up-tempo rock-tinged track with hints of 1960s soul, sees Asa in romantic mode, as she sweetly croons to her love interest.

Also, the Guitar-driven “Why Can’t We” is laced with strong horns and beautiful harmonies undoubtedly a toe-tapper.

“The first album reflected my state of mind then. I had a lot to talk about — social and political issues. Beautiful Imperfection is different, it has more brightness. This time, I wanted to create something that would make people feel uplifted” she declared recently.

In 2011, she was nominated for “Best Female Act” at Victoires de la Musique – French Music Awards. Zénith Paris date added 16 Oct. Certified Gold. 2010 saw her 2nd album release “Beautiful Imperfection” while the 2008 was Prix Constantin expose (French new talent award)– Platinum record in France – Sold out Olympia, Paris; 2007 Debut album “Asa” release, whereas in 2006, she had a signature with label Naive.

Mary Onyeure

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