Already being tipped as one of the albums of 2008, Asa’s (pronounced Asha) debut self-titled album is released on 18th February 2008. Having grown up in Nigeria listening to an intricately diverse mixture of African music and some of the best known and loved artists from the West, Asa’s sound is as perfectly unique as she is herself. It is virtually impossible to attempt to bracket this record alongside anything else ever released. This comes as no surprise to those who know Asa, those who know how difficult it is to sum her up in just a few words and what a unique, individual character she is. Never allowing herself to be constrained by anything ever - has left Asa free to explore herself and develop this collection of songs which is as idiosyncratic, underground and niche as it is full of spectacular commercial appeal and beautiful melody. That commercial appeal is more by coincidence than design, Asa fuses pop, r&b, world, funk, soul and reggae in an album where she sings in both English and Yoruba, the feel and emotion in the vocal delivery enabling a subconscious interpretation of the Yoruban lyrics. With themes that include Asa’s ire at the indifference of the modern world - the first single Fire On The Mountain to Jailer is a morality tale denouncing slavery in all its forms - Asa’s music has created a platform for us to hear how she feels about the world and herself in today’s society.
When combined with 21st Century love songs such as Subway and Bi’Banke which take an original and insightful approach to love, the album ties the themes of personal strength and the powers of thought with sensitivity, wisdom and rebellion to create the unquantifiable but impossible brilliance of Asa.
'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.'
When layered with the instrumentation and arrangements that combine elegant strings, perfectly placed drums, percussion and guitar along with the Hammond organ the aural vision created is a stunning reminder that cultural fusion can create the most impressive art with the broadest appeal to bring people from all over the world together in mindset. The buzz that is already sweeping France has crossed the Channel and, having already made it onto the Music Week playlist, the barometer of future success is already swinging in Asa’s favour with the tastemakers clamouring over one another to be first at Dramatico’s door. Having finally come to the attention of the wider world, after a challenging voyage, Asa is philosophical about her journey so far; 'Lagos is the New York of Nigeria. If you want to get anywhere in music as a Nigerian artist, that’s where you’ll find the best opportunities, as well as the worst pitfalls.' She is reticent about the specifics of the pitfalls but opportunities afforded her so far have included being approached by MTV to take the role of ambassador for Africa, which led her to open for Akon, John Legend, Beyoncé and Snoop Dogg amongst others.