Bukola Elemide or as she's known to the masses, Asa, has carved a singular path since the release of her debut album fifteen years ago, somewhat removed from the typical sounds that prevailed over the course of the last decade. A deified figurehead in African music, Asa is the original "Alt" girl and on new album 'V', she reconciles her quirks with a sophisticated sound design that breathes new life into her already diverse discography.
A pandemic-era release, Asa's fifth album emerged from a last-minute decision to return to Lagos after the European leg of her tour was put on hold due to Covid. Forced to confront the silence of solitude, the Nigerian-French artist embraced the unknown, finding inspiration in all that was homegrown. Connecting with in-demand Nigerian producer P.Priime, she poured her vulnerability into a ten-track project that is equal parts serene and spirited. A blithesome energy courses through the album, soaked in the wistful atmosphere of Lagos. 'V' blooms through the kaleidoscopic hues of enmeshed streets, the lagoon, the love stories but most of all, the hybridity between it's creatives.
CLASH spoke to Asa on the eve of her new release as part of our #PLTFRM series, reflecting on a long career that has withstood prosaicness and why she had to reconnect with her roots and open up herself to the edifying spirit of Lagos.
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Asa, you've been doing this thing called music for over a decade now. You are the blueprint for a new wave of alternative musicians coming from Africa, particularly Nigeria. Even now, you're not resting on your laurels. What is the key to your longevity?
I always say with respect to my career that I'm on a journey and that journey is a long winding road. I've been a working musician for years and I hope to be doing it for much longer. The hunger to discover new musical terrains never leaves. I dreamt about performing in places that I've been able to in reality; I've toured the world, met some incredible musicians and I've made the music that I hope has inspired people and touched lives. I have no regrets.
One of your signature songs is 'Jailer' from your self-titled album. It captures the rawness in your voice and the edginess in your artistry, something you've invoked with subsequent projects. Yet, you reinvent yourself with every album…
I'm unconventional. I don't fall into your regular description of what an artist should be. When I'm asked what genre of music I make, I struggle to answer because I don't do well when I'm boxed in, categorised or defined. I consider myself a free spirit, and it's that feeling of freedom I want to bring to any project I make.
You were born in Paris. You speak of seeking freedom in your art, how did the City of Light inform that need to experiment and be free?
As an artist I like to act local, think local and respond to my environment. You might not understand when I sing in Yoruba but you'll understand the music and the feeling it elicits. I'm always nourished by the places I visit or stay in; it gives me access to the outside world and creates a real blend of influences.
You are right, Paris is all about experimentation. There's a certain freedom that Paris gives you. It allows you to be artistic, to be free, to think freely and that's what I've incorporated into my music. Growing up I was exposed to music from everywhere in the world thanks to my Father's collection of music but Paris makes it more of a reality when you're surrounded by people who aren't afraid to express themselves with their art. Get lost in Paris, you'll be surprised what you happen upon.
'V', your new album, was created during the pandemic. Your European tour had to be stopped due to Covid and you went back home to Lagos. What happened next?
Going back to Lagos was a coming home experience. It was an interesting time. What do you do when you're forced to stop? What comes next? Those are the questions we all grappled with. What this period of time gave me was the opportunity to connect with creatives and producers here, which I never really had the opportunity to do on this level before because of the heavy schedule of my tours.
Also, I've always wanted to record at home, in my living room. I was able to wake up at any time of day, write and work at my own pace. I did not plan on releasing an album, I just wanted to connect with all the talented creatives that Lagos has to offer. It was a really relaxed atmosphere and before we knew it, we had a collection of songs. This was unconventional for me. I allowed other artists to fully inform me. That is the essence of this album, a true collaboration.
'V' has a tempered feel throughout; it's a free-flowing easy listen with replay value. Was the making of this album as cathartic as it sounds to the listeners?
Absolutely. 'V was created during a transitional part of my life but I was at peace during the process. I allowed myself to be open and exposed, to feel and to reconnect. I wanted to feel everything. It's a much more introspective record about allowing yourself to fail. When I was writing during the pandemic, I had to write through the fear and uncertainty, there's a large dose of letting go and saying: "Whatever will happen, will happen. I'm grateful to be alive." I want to stress this is a real sonic journey. I put tears, laughter and joy into this album.
This album is coloured by the contributions of emerging and established producers and artists. How important is it to have an artist of your stature co-sign the work of the next generation?
It's very important. I got to work with artists who told me that my work inspired them but now they're the ones inspiring me! What is happening now in African music and the status it holds on the world stage is undeniable – you just can't deny their influence. I think as musicians we need to keep in mind how our work will impact the next generation of musicians.
You're very intentional about who you collaborate with, in fact you don't do it often at all. Why was this time different?
Staying in Lagos afforded me the time to connect with musicians I felt had something interesting to say. But above all, it gave me time to foster friendships and relationships. I enjoy their voices more than my own. These young Nigerian musicians; Amaarae, Wizkid, The Cavemen – I really enjoy their tenacity, their fearlessness. That's what I've always done. But it's almost if I had nothing before me to measure what I'm doing against, but these artists have a completely different approach and they're taking things to the next level.
Speaking of Amaarae, your collaboration 'All I Ever Wanted' is a standout!
It's my favourite from the record!
The vocal interplay between you both jumped out at me immediately…tonally there are similarities. How did this partnership come to be?
It started so playfully, actually. One afternoon I was thinking of her…I heard the production of this track and I wondered how Amaarae's voice would sound on top of it. I started mimicking her intonation, the way she sings. By the way, I'm a good pretender! I wrote it then as if I would give the song to her to do whatever she wants with it.
Soon after, I get a phone call from her and it was the first time we'd spoken. She was so lovely, thanking me for my music. I told her then that I had a song in mind for her and she immediately said we should collaborate on it instead. I remember her saying I sounded so wistful on the song, that she'd roughen it up a bit and bring the bad girl energy. It's such a beautiful song, a bit more trappier than anything I've done before.
'V' is a love leter to Lagos. This album is a sensory exploration of what makes the city so unique. What does Lagos typify to you?
In some ways, Lagos represents the best of the African continent because of the integration and intermingling of influences. The people of Lagos have a different way of doing things; they're go-getters, rule breakers, non-conformists. There's a rascal energy about Lagos – Nigerians won't hear no for anything!
The world is getting smaller and the internet has allowed the cross-pollination of sounds, so the rest of the world has to take notice. Lagos is very influenced by the west but they make things their own. That is why it's one of the most important times for African music; what's happening in terms of music and art is revolutionary.
It certainly is and our partnership with Platoon and the revolving door of talent they have on their roster represents the global reach of afrocentric sounds. No one artist sounds the same…
It's a disregard for rules that defines the African ethos. A generation of young African artists are producing from the comfort of their own rooms with really limited resources. Tradition is replaced by innovation and everyone is making music, not just in studios but in insular spaces. DIY is powerful.
'Mayana' and 'Ocean' introduced the 'V' era, melodious songs with a more overt afro-fusion influence but there's also tracks like 'Nike' that tap into a lo-fi RnB vibe. It's familiar yet unknown territory for you…
I never want to sound the same. The voice may be the consistent thread but sonically I wanted to match the breezy feeling I had when I made these songs. 'V' has a different vibe from my other albums: it's almost as if I tapped into some forgotten part of my musical identity that was inspired by RnB and soul, that I hadn't previously explored on my other records.
'Nike' is a love song; it's in the vibe and the melodies. The story in 'Nike' is that of a lover that has promised me the world and has made it hard for me to love someone else. There might be a melancholic feel to the lyrics but sonically it's very airy and feel-good.
As a prolific musician who's seen the industry evolve, especially with the advent of the streaming era, what advice would you give to nascent artists trying to stand out from the crowd?
Remember that music is subjective, so don't expect everyone to like it. Be prolific. Output is key. How else will you be able to perfect your craft? In this industry you can't be too precious; when you're not precious, you break through the fear of being judged. When I released my first album social media was just awakening. Back then the main audience was a live audience which is even more brutal because you just never knew if you were going to get booed!
On the subject of live shows, you have one coming up at the Royal Albert Hall. You're a consummate live performer. What do you have planned for this show? Will it be part retrospective, part exploration of new material?
Experiencing Asa live is to experience an electric thrill. We're going to mix all of my albums and take you on a journey through my career. Live music is supposed to be spontaneous and I love performing more than being in the studio; that is my world, it's what I live for. I have a great band and we have such a camaraderie between us. My goal is to give you pure escapism.
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Words: Shahzaib Hussain
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