Adopting “Aṣa” which translates to “hawk” in Yoruba, and symbolizes freedom and grace, Bukola Elemide is a Nigerian artist with French Roots as she was born in Paris, France, to Nigerian parents. Before later moving back to Lagos at a young age, where she grew up.
It’d interest you know that Aṣa is self-taught guitarist as she taught herself to play the guitar at the age of 20, and eventually made it the signature element of her sound. Having grown up listening to a variety of music genres, including Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye, she was able to shape her music in the distinct fusion of jazz, soul, and Afropop.
With her self-titled debut album, “Aṣa” released in 2007, Aṣa made an international acclaim with tracks like Jailer and Bibanke, earning her the French Constantin Award in 2008. An annual French music prize established in 2002 to recognize the best album by a new artist who has emerged in the past year, particularly those with limited mainstream exposure and haven’t sold more than 100,000 copies. This consequently skyrocketed her career in Europe.
Aṣa is however known to lead a private life as she rarely shares details about her life outside of music. She also shares a passion for environmental consciousness as she has evidently participated in green energy campaigns.
If you’re new to Aṣa, you can as well start with tracks like Be My Man, Jailer, Bibanke and Mayana.