Sunday, 19 May 2013
Aṣa: Nigerian Musical "Hawk" Wowed A London Audience -Video By Kayode Ogundamisi
Asa (pronounced "Asha") Bukola Elemide is a Nigerian -- French singer-songwriter and recording artist. Her stage name "Asa" means "Hawk" in Yoruba. Born in Paris, France to Nigerian parents ASA'S cross culture can be seen in her music but with her Yoruba background reflecting greatly in her music. Asa grew up in Lagos, in the south-western part of Nigeria later returned to her country of birth France. She is fast becoming the face of Nigeria.
ASA had an 02 debut when she played in the 2,500 capacity indigo02 centre. Just a week before ASA's performance another compatriot of ASA known as Sade Adu had performed at the main centre of the 02 almost filling up the 25,000 capacity main bowl thus staging a come back after 18 years. Like ASA Sade Adu is caught between two cultures as a British-Nigerian. ASA may not have the stage presence of Sade Adu and probably has a long way to go to on the international stage but she is proving to be a gem and a talent with the potential of breaking through the difficult international terrain. Her music is fast gaining acceptance in major European cities and she is being managed by Asa Sony/BMG UK.
ASA came on stage at exactly 12 minutes past 9, just a few minutes after her billed start time, a pleasant departure from the usual Nigerian artists who perform in the UK and sometimes start up to 2 hours late. Another surprise for the mainly Nigerian crowd was that they were going to be entertained by ASA'S 8 member LIVE BAND. (New generation Nigerian artists touring the UK basically mime to music played by a DJ) The London concert went well with impressive audience participation. ASA'S confidence when singing appears to be different when she's addressing the audience - you get the impression of a shy young lady who is more comfortable singing her song and passing her message across through music. Her attempts at political and social messages reflect that of a singer who is caught between two cultures. ASA'S choice of costume also reflects an artist who is comfortable in the simple attire. She pounced on stage with no shoes on and is extremely comfortable in her own world. ASA'S debut album Aṣa, did very well and resonated very well amongst her mainly Nigerian and African audience, but with a change in management ASA like most African artist seems to be bowing to the commercial influence of western artist managers and a slow movement to satisfy the needs of her western audience could be noticed in her second album titled Beautiful Imperfection which was released on 25 October 2010. In that struggle between the original Aṣha and ASA you can not take away the talent of an artist who has the world at her feet.
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Do Nationality matter?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 14, 2011 - 15:37.
Where have you seen a Westerner born in Africa go by British - Nigerian or British - Kenyan? True, Asa was born in France but her parents are Nigerians and she is Nigerian period. She may have dual nationality by birth but that does not mean she is French.
Nigerians wake up from your colonial mentality and accept your roots.
the music reflects africanism
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 8, 2011 - 15:13.
Ever before, I thought Naija is going Western by abandoning our culture but Asa's music has that African touch that brings you back to Naija.Listening to the lyrics shows that her mind is loaded with message for the people of this country.I am glad of Asa's achievement in the music industry.Kudos to the African lady.
I ADVICE OGINDASMISI TO
Submitted by Ogundamisi's Fan (not verified) on June 8, 2011 - 08:05.
I ADVICE OGINDASMISI TO PLEASE STICK TO THIS KIND OF NEWS/INFORMATION BEAT SO AS NOT TO RUBISH HIMSELF THE WAY OTHER SR TEAM RUBISHED THEMSELVES BEFORE THEIR SOPHISTICATED YOUNG READERS FOR A POT OF PURIDGE DURING THE LAST ELECTION EVENT. TRUE HE INTERVIEWED BUHARI BUT UNLIKE OTHER COMENTATORS, I DO NOT SEE BIASE IN HIS REPORTAGE AND HE DID NOT AT ANY TIME USE SR FOR ETHNIC CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE EMERGENCE OF A SOUTHERN MINORITY AS PRESIDENT UNLIKE OTHER SR TEAM AND SR ITSELF.
BEAUTIFUL MUSIC
Submitted by assassabe (not verified) on June 8, 2011 - 06:23.
I Loooooove Asa's music. I am proud of her.
A new Dimension
Submitted by omoyoruba (not verified) on June 8, 2011 - 05:06.
This is good job from SR; I think it's a new dimension to thier reporting/journalism. There is nothing wrong in promoting the positive side of Nigeria and our citizens in any field of life, may it be entertainment, entrepreneurship or philanthropy. It will impact positively on young and all Nigerians who visit SR. SR's type of journalism doesn't have to be ''conventional''. Creating an entertainment section will be self defeating in this regard, for example, I hardly read the entertainment section of any news media; too much junk. But Mesme, you know you don't have to read every news caption you see, you didn't have to read ASA's news.
I love her Music to bits
Submitted by Olumide (not verified) on June 8, 2011 - 02:57.
Asa..oh I love her music to bits
they play her single "be my man" on smooth radio in the UK almost five times a day if not more.
Very proud of her. She gives you a lift to be called a Nigeria amidst all this doom and Gloom.
Keep up the good work showcasing your talent in a very dignified way.
love your music keep it up
Unfortunately, I dont like
Submitted by opc (not verified) on June 7, 2011 - 22:30.
Unfortunately, I dont like her kind of music.
Now am reading news in SR
Submitted by opc (not verified) on June 7, 2011 - 22:28.
Now am reading news in SR that doesnt mention fraud or violence. Good job!
...not bad
Submitted by lagos dude (not verified) on June 7, 2011 - 22:17.
...real decent music, hope she has longevity; don't wanna be a hater but comparing Asa (at this early stage of her career) to Sade is like comparing apples to oranges- not even close! Maybe compare her to someone like Marcy Gray- MAYBE! Let's give her time and support though.
I appreciate Asa's music but
Submitted by mephime (not verified) on June 7, 2011 - 20:28.
I appreciate Asa's music but are you guys having a slow news day or what. Please create an entertainment section for news like this and report news we really care about. Thanks
Create an entertainment section for this
Submitted by mephime (not verified) on June 7, 2011 - 20:25.
I appreciate Asa's music but are you guys having a slow news day or what. Please create an entertainment section for news like this and report the news we really care about. Thanks
Something good at least
Submitted by Justice Umoke (not verified) on June 7, 2011 - 19:13.
I thought it would be another fraud case in the news, this is something good at least. We are proud of Asa, just as we are proud of NigerianPro.com
WHO REALLY CARES
Submitted by cappagh brigade on June 7, 2011 - 18:56.
Its time we Nigerians are made proud by real effective governance shown by our leaders rather than by music as we as blacks are tired as being seen as good for nothing other than music,sports and parties. I am fed up with the stereotype we are being forced to fulfill by our corrupt leaders
