discover: asa

Born in France, and raised in Nigeria, Asa has taken the soul underground world by storm. A unique vocalist and talented songwriter, Asa has sold out venues in Europe with regularity. Her debut album, Asha was released January 27th, and is available everywhere music is sold.
A style that reminds us of india.arie and takes us back to one, Miriam Makeba, Asa has fans excited about her own unique and fresh sound. Her upbringing in Nigeria tells us alot. In an interview with Black Star News, she recounts her influences:

My father had a rich collection of music ranging from soul, afro beat, apala and church music, music on the street. I grew up in Festac. I remember after school, me and my brothers would go on the street and beat on any wooden surface that would give us the desired sound. And music, I don’t really know when I started because I was told I was singing. But as I grew and realized that music was a part of me, it was a habit, then it was a hobby and that's how it started. It was a dream and I wanted to become a musician and I through it in and out.

(more after the jump.)

Asa's music has been hailed as the 'revolution and revelation of Nigerian soul.' We definitely agree, and hear lots of Fela Kuti in her music. Working her way through various talent shows and setbacks, Asa returned to Paris and eventually landed opening gigs for artists such as Akon, John Legend, and Beyoncé. Her music touches on a myriad of topics. She tackles issues such as modern-day slavery, world peace, and in "So Beautiful" a homage to her mother. A metaphor-laden album, her soothing string and percussion filled tracks offer much to reflect upon. A few of the records in this 11-track debut are recorded in Yoruba, and as a guitarist, Asa speaks and plays for her people. On her website she states:

“I want my music to touch people. As an African, I want to give hope back to my people, but also to speak in their name. I want to show the world that something beautiful and positive can come out of the black continent and inspire young people all over the world.”

Check out her music here:


Asa's newest single "The Place To Be" (special thanks to jaguda )

Asa "So Beautiful"

Asa "Bi’ban ké"

and a live performance of "Jailer".



For more of this wonderful artist visit her website asa-official.com .
To preview and purchase her debut album, Asha click here