Aṣa: A Multicultural Musical Maverick
Aṣa, known for her compelling stage presence and diverse repertoire, embodies a blend of Nigerian and French heritage. The cover star of GQ’s Music and Creativity issue, she reflects on her journey, admitting to feeling nervous about reading about herself or listening to her albums.
Born Bukola Elemide, her stage name Aṣa, meaning “Hawk” in Yoruba, reflects her adventurous spirit. Influenced by artists like Fela Kuti and Nina Simone, she pursued music from an early age, releasing her debut album in 2007, followed by several acclaimed works. Singing in both English and Yoruba, Aṣa creates music that transcends boundaries and resonates globally. She aims to make her music accessible to all, regardless of language or culture.
Her introspective lyrics explore love, identity, and societal issues, solidifying her as a captivating storyteller. Aṣa’s creative process involves solitary composition with occasional collaborations, starting with chords and melodies she calls “doodles.” She strives to act locally but think globally, making music that is both authentic and universally appealing.
