Bukola Elemide, widely known by her stage name Asa (pronounced Aasha), is a renowned French-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and recording artist. She was born on September 17, 1982, in Paris, France, to Nigerian parents. At the age of two, her family moved back to Lagos, Nigeria, where she spent her formative years. Asa’s music is a distinctive fusion of genres including pop, soul, folk, jazz, reggae, and Afrobeat, often incorporating both English and Yoruba lyrics. Her unique sound is influenced by her father’s extensive record collection, which featured diverse artists like Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Aretha Franklin.
Asa gained international recognition with her self-titled debut album Asa in 2007, featuring hit songs like “Jailer” and “Fire on the Mountain.” She has since released several critically acclaimed albums, including Beautiful Imperfection (2010), Bed of Stone (2014), Lucid (2019), and V (2022). She has been associated with record labels such as Naïve, Shanachie, Chapter Two Records/Wagram, BMG, and RUE 11. She continues to be a significant voice in global music, celebrated for her authentic storytelling and versatile artistry.
