Bukola Elemide (Aṣa), born on 17 September 1982, is a celebrated Nigerian singer, songwriter, and recording artist renowned for her unique blend of soul, jazz, and traditional Nigerian influences.
Early Life
Born in Paris, Aṣa’s parents hailed from Ogun State, Nigeria, and were in France pursuing studies in cinematography. At the age of two, her family moved back to Lagos, Nigeria, where she grew up immersed in a rich musical environment.
Her father, a cinematographer, had an extensive collection of records featuring iconic artists like Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, King Sunny Adé, Nina Simone, and Miriam Makeba, which deeply inspired her musical style. At 18, Aṣa returned to Paris, marking the beginning of her journey as a professional artist.
Career Beginnings
In 2004, Aṣa met Janet Nwose, who became her manager and introduced her to Cobhams Asuquo, the producer of her debut album. She also studied at the IMFP school of jazz music in Paris, where her instructors recognised her readiness for a professional music career.
Her first single, “Eyé Adaba”, gained significant airplay in Nigeria. She signed with Naïve Records, and alongside producers like Cobhams Asuquo, Christophe Dupouy, and Benjamin Constant, released her debut self-titled album, Aṣa (Asha), which went platinum. The album achieved global success and won the French Constantin Award in 2008, recognising her as the best fresh talent among ten emerging acts.
Discography
Aṣa (2007): Her debut album featured hits like “Fire on the Mountain” and “Jailer” and gained critical acclaim globally.
Beautiful Imperfection (2010): Created in collaboration with Nicolas Mollard, the album included the lead single “Be My Man” and achieved platinum status by 2011.
Bed of Stone (2014): Featured singles such as “Dead Again”, “Eyo”, and “Satan Be Gone”. She toured worldwide from 2015 to 2017.
Lucid (2019): The album included singles like “The Beginning” and “Good Thing”, showcasing her lyrical depth and artistic evolution.
V (2022): Her latest project featured collaborations with Wizkid, The Cavemen, and Amaarae, blending Afrobeat and contemporary sounds.
Legacy and Influence
Aṣa is celebrated for her soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and ability to fuse African rhythms with international genres like jazz and soul. By 2014, she had sold over 400,000 albums worldwide and continues to influence a new generation of artists. Her music reflects themes of love, hope, and societal issues, resonating with fans across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
* Courtesy: Historical Africa Yoruba (on Facebook)
