Inside Asa’s ‘playful’ soul
In the vast landscape of the Nigerian entertainment industry, Bukola Elemide, widely known as Asa, stands apart. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Asa often shies away from the limelight, preferring to keep a low profile, rather than being frequent at industry events or social gatherings.
Beyond her artistic choices, what many might not know about Asa is her free-spirited and playful personality. Despite her reserved public persona, she is known for her infectious energy—often found dancing and embracing the joy of life. The singer radiates warmth and openness, valuing solitude while also celebrating the beauty of human connection.
Following a similar pattern, Asa’s artistic journey has been marked by a deliberate approach to collaboration. Over the years, she has released five studio albums, including ‘Asa’, ‘Beautiful Imperfection’, ‘Bed of Stone’, ‘Lucid’, and ‘V’—yet her features are notably sparse. She has collaborated with only a select few artistes, including Nigerian artistes— Ayodeji Balogun aka Wizkid; the highlife duo, Kingsley Okorie and Benjamin James (Cavemen), and sensational Ghanaian-American singer, Amaarae on her latest album, ‘V’.
In interviews, Asa has expressed her preference for live performances over studio collaborations, emphasising that she loves to be part of the mixing and editing, as well as help producers understand the artistes. This meticulous nature may lead some to label her as particular or even standoffish, but it speaks to her commitment to artistic integrity.
When it comes to her studio sessions, the ‘Bibanke’ singer radiates energy and joy, effortlessly channelling her inner child. With an abundance of ‘good vibes’, she makes studio sessions enjoyable and transforms every moment into a delightful and fun experience.
Born in Paris and raised between Nigeria and France, Asa’s multicultural background is beautifully reflected in her fashion sense. Her signature dreadlocks, bold footwear, and edgy outfits challenge conventional norms of how a 41-year-old woman should present herself. She embodies a unique blend of cultures that enhances her artistic expression.