THE BIRD EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT

Asa (Pronounced "Asha")

Hahaha! Guess I caught your attention with the topic. Okay! Do you remember the sound track for the 2007 movie “The First Cry” - Kokoya? Or the popular GTBank welcome song in all its buildings – Place to be?

The artiste responsible for the lovely piece of music is Bukola Elemide (Popularly known as ‘Asa’). Born in Paris, France to her Nigerian parents. Asa’s family returned to live in Nigeria when she was two. It was during this time she got herself acquainted and inspired by her father’s musical collection. Collection which included the likes of Ebenezer Obey, Aretha Franklin,  Fela Kuti,  and Mavin Gaye.

Twenty years later, Aṣa returned to Paris where her life as an artist took off. She got signed to Naïve label and in 2004; she met her manager and friend Janet, who introduced her to Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo, who became her musical partner and producer. This partnership resulted in the release of her first album in 2007 ‘Asa’ which won her the prestigious Constantin Award in 2008 and Headies Album of the year (2008). She has since released ‘Live in Paris’ (2009), ‘Beautiful Imperfection’ (2010), and ‘Bed of Stone’ (2014).

Asa during a video shoot

Prior to the release of her first album Asa (pronounced “Asha”), she (Asa) confessed she wanted a very peaceful, soulful sound for the whole album. Something that will connect with lots of people that have lost hope. According to her, “she felt that through her music she could help these people see life in another way. Which is why, at the end of the day, hope is the one theme that connects all the songs." The insightful and passionate tracks on the album like `Bibanke`, 'Fire On The Mountain' and the anti-slavery-themed 'Jailer' saw Asa rise to the top of her game with an almost unbelievable global appeal .

Are you going to be in France this month? Asa – the African pop queen with global acceptance will be performing at the “Festival de Thau – Meze, France 17^th July 2015”, Pleins Feux Festival (Bonneveille) 25^th July 2015, and “Festival du Bout du Monde – Crozon, France 31^st July – 2^nd August 2015”.

Asa performing in France - Jolly little fellow

 Credit: Asa-Official, Wikipedia, T.I.N Magazine, Blues and Soul, and CNN African voices