The Pace Report: "Hawk's Beautiful Imperfection" The Asa Interview

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• published: 12 Jun 2011
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Hailed as one of the most important singer/songwriters of her generation, Asa(pronounced Asha) is a musician that's the most honest and authentic person on and off the stage. Her latest disc 'Beautiful Imperfection' is a tribute and testament that folk, soul, and afro-beat can be a means of music that appeals to music fans all over the world. Often compared to Lauryn Hill and Nina Simone, Asa's music reflects her views on politics, her sensitivity as both a strong and weak African woman, and the ability to encourage one to love themselves. Over the last four years she's been able to independently become her own voice to the tune of millions of fan all over the world. Born in Paris, France, young Bukola Elemide at an early age knew that she was going to become a musician. At the age of two, she and her family moved to Lagos, Nigeria where for 20 years Asa was accustomed to her parent's native country. Asa means "Hawk" in Yorba. While growing up in Lagos, she used to listen to her parent's records that consisted of a mix of African musician ranging from Fela Kuti to Sunny Ade, to the great American soul artists like Donny Hathaway to Aretha Franklin. By the time she was 18, Asa signed herself at the Peter King's School of Music, a music school where she learned to play the guitar. It was also there where she began developing her vocal style fusing both English and her native Yorba. At 19 Asa moved to Paris, France where she began her real roots a struggling and up-and-coming artist. One of her best friends introduced her to producer and manager Cobhams Emmauel Asuquo, who later became her musical partner. By this time she sent her demo tape to the Visa program that was run by the AFAA, the cultural division of the French Foreign Ministry. During the beginning of 2007 Asa and Cobhams went into the recording studio for six weeks and recorded her debut self-titled album "Asa." With jaw-dropping songs like "Jailer," "360," and "So Beautiful," music fans and critics took notice of her politically charged and mature songwriting and performances. When Asa plays the guitar with out a band, you can hear a pin drop! Audiences are glued to her singing as well as messages of hope. It was around this time Asa and other musicians like 2 Face, 419 Squad, and 9ice were beginning to bring a new and fresh voice that brought a resurrection to the Nigerian music scene. 'Beautiful Imperfection' is continuation of Asa's growth as a vocalist and songwriter. The new disc fuses all of the musical styles at she grew up listening to and enjoying as a kid. Her latest hit "Why Can't We" is an upbeat soulful/folk oriented groove that takes you back to the soul sounds of the 1960's. Other songs like "Preacher Man" and "Questions" continue to showcase her ability to raise ones consciousness of the injustices that take in the world. Asa is currently on tour and promoting her latest disc. For upcoming dates or to order 'Beautiful Imperfection' visit her online at asa-official.com.