Nigerian-French singer Aṣa is known for her soulful voice and thoughtful lyrics. She recently spoke with GQ South Africa about the power of multilingual music. In the interview, Aṣa explained that she chooses to create music in different languages because it allows her to:
Connect on a Deeper Level: By singing in various languages, Aṣa can tailor her message to resonate more deeply with specific audiences around the world.
Spread the Message: Using multiple languages allows Asa to share her music and ideas with a wider, more global audience.
“There are some songs that I cannot sing in English as they wouldn’t convey the message I want. Because of the tonal beauty and musicality of singing in Yoruba, it feels very personal, yet it also resonates with everyone. However, in terms of breaking through and reaching a wider audience, English is the global language,” Aṣa tells GQ South Africa.
Asa’s background is a beautiful blend of cultures.
She grew up in Nigeria’s Oyo State before moving to France at a young age. This unique upbringing has definitely influenced her music in two key ways:
Rooted in Africa: Asa credits her Nigerian heritage with keeping her connected to her African roots. This influence is likely reflected in the rhythms, melodies, and even the storytelling in her music.
Global Connection: Living in France exposed Asa to different cultures and languages. This, she says, has helped her connect with a wider, global audience. Her music might have elements that resonate with listeners from all over the world.
Asa’s career achievements speak for themselves. Her 2008 self-titled debut album won the prestigious Headies Award for Album of the Year. Asa doesn’t limit herself by genre; she embraces her heritage while taking a global approach to creating music that connects with people everywhere.
“I always allow for that space when I’m making music. I want to create music with everyone in mind, including those who may not know or understand my language or culture. But I always strive to include them. I’m from Nigeria; I want to act locally but think globally in my approach to music.”
Asa’s music is a captivating blend of traditional and modern styles.
Asa’s music is heavily influenced by rich Yoruba folk traditions. This influence can be heard in the storytelling elements, melodies, and possibly even the instrumentation of her music.
This talented artist isn’t afraid to experiment! She skillfully infuses these traditional elements with Jazz and Funk, creating a unique and soulful sound.
Asa’s sound keeps growing. Her 2022 album “V” showcased her exploration of Pop and Afrobeats. The album also featured some exciting collaborations with big names in African music, including Wizkid, the Nigerian highlife group Cavemen, and the Ghanaian superstar Amaarae.
Afrobeats sensation Kizz Daniel is marking his 10th anniversary in the music industry with the release of two new singles, “Marhaba” and “We Must.“ These tracks are part of his ongoing “Vado At 10” celebration. The celebration commemorates a decade of groundbreaking hits, global recognition, and unwavering fan support.
Ramii and Suhel Nafar produced “Marhaba”. The song blends Kizz Daniel’s signature sound with fresh, innovative beats and Northern African traditional music influences.
The Arabic word “Marhaba,” meaning “Welcome/hello,” holds deep significance for Kizz Daniel due to his memorable time in North Africa. This track showcases his ability to create music that transcends borders and cultures, uniting diverse audiences through the universal language of music.
Ayzed produced “We Must”, which is a powerful anthem that speaks to resilience and determination. Originally envisioned as collaborating with a UK rapper, Kizz Daniel took the reins and delivered the verse himself.
He showcased his versatility and ability to push creative boundaries. The track’s unique credit, “We Must” — Kizz Daniel featuring Thyself, highlights his determination to stay true to his vision.
These new releases solidify Kizz Daniel’s position as one of Afrobeats’ most influential artists, adding depth to his already celebrated catalogue.
With “Marhaba” and “We Must,” Kizz Daniel delivers hit-worthy singles and redefines his legacy.
This further proves his consistency and adaptability over the last decade.
Since his debut single “Woju” in 2014, Kizz Daniel has consistently led the way in Afrobeats music. His albums “New Era” and “No Bad Songz” have topped the charts and garnered critical acclaim. With over four billion streams, sold-out tours, and a massive social media following, he is a leading figure in the global music scene.
Kizz Daniel’s tone, lyrics, and stage presence all make him an all-round entertainer. His music combines Afrobeats, Pop, and R&B, creating hits like “Nesesari,” “Buga,” and “Cough (Odo).”
2022 was a remarkable year for Kizz Daniel. His biggest Afrobeats song of the summer, “Buga,” and a performance at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony prove this right.
In 2023, he continued his success with his fourth studio album “Maverick.” The album was a headline performance at Essence Festival and a chart-topping collaboration with Becky G.
Now in 2024, Kizz Daniel is celebrating his “Vado At 10” anniversary with these new releases and a world tour. As he continues to release groundbreaking music, he sets a new standard in Afrobeats. Indeed, this is inspiring both his peers and upcoming artists alike.
Khaid, a rising star in the Nigerian music scene, has unveiled the music video for his latest single “Way Back,” featuring rap icon and YBNL founder Olamide. This collaboration shows the artists’ lyrical prowess and their ability to craft a compelling narrative about friendship, loyalty, and the arduous path to success.
The song talks about the challenges both artists faced on their journey to stardom. Khaid and Olamide paint a vivid picture of their struggles, particularly the financial hardships they endured.
They attribute their resilience and resourcefulness to these difficult times. Also, Khaid acknowledged how poverty (“Sapa”) forced him to discover hidden strengths and talents.
Throughout the “Way Back” video, Khaid and Olamide emphasize the importance of maintaining strong bonds with longtime friends.
They pledge support to their inner circle. They also promised to stand by them regardless of circumstances or physical distance.
This commitment to loyalty forms a central theme of the song. It highlights the value they place on authentic relationships forged during their humble beginnings.
The artists reflect on the transformative power of success. Further, they described the dramatic changes in their lives since achieving fame and fortune. They touch on newfound luxuries and the attention that comes with their elevated status. However, amidst these changes, both Khaid and Olamide stress their dedication to remembering and honoring their roots.
“Way Back” is a testament to Khaid and Olamide.
The track show their personal growth and appreciation for those who supported them during challenging times. The song resonates with listeners who have experienced similar struggles or who aspire to overcome their own obstacles.
By collaborating on this track, Khaid and Olamide bridge generational gaps in Nigerian hip-hop and Afrobeats. Their partnership symbolizes the continuity and evolution of the genre. Olamide’s seasoned expertise complementing Khaid’s fresh energy and perspective proves this.
The release of the “Way Back” video adds a visual dimension to the song’s narrative. What’s more, it features imagery that reinforces themes of friendship, success, and the contrast between past hardships and present triumphs.
This visual storytelling enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics and creates a more immersive experience for fans of both artists.
Asake, the Nigerian music sensation, is set to unwrap a thrilling documentary. This documentary promises to captivate his audience. The project takes an exciting turn as Asake enlists the talents of renowned English actor and rapper Idris Elba.
Idris Elba is to narrate the film. His distinctive voice will guide viewers through Asake’s journey. In turn, this will add depth and gravitas to the visual narrative.
Recently, Asake shared a tantalizing documentary teaser on his Instagram account.
He offered fans a glimpse into the documentary’s rich content. The preview shows scenes from Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis.
Among the featured landmarks, the iconic horse statues at Tafawa Balewa Square stand out. It symbolises Lagos’s historical significance. The teaser also takes viewers on a visual tour of Kakawa Street, located in the heart of downtown Lagos Island. There, it captures the area’s lively essence and cultural vibrancy.
Beyond the city’s landscapes, the documentary aims to give fans an intimate look at Asake’s professional life. It includes exhilarating footage from his ongoing “Lungu Boy” world tour. Further, it offers behind-the-scenes glimpses and performance highlights.
This tour supports Asake’s latest musicals. Indeed, Asake has been drawing massive crowds and acclaim across various international venues.
Interestingly, Asake and his team have kept the documentary’s official title under wraps. This builds anticipation among fans and media alike. However, industry insiders and eagle-eyed fans speculate that the film might bear the title “Lungu Boy.”
This prediction stems from the documentary’s apparent focus on Asake’s recent musical endeavours. Particularly, his third studio album is the same name. Asake released “Lungu Boy” just two months prior, in August, to widespread acclaim.
The documentary appears to offer a multifaceted exploration of Asake’s artistry. Idris Elba’s narrative, visuals of Nigeria’s largest city, and intimate tour footage promise to provide fans with an unprecedented look into Asake’s world.
As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for this cinematic celebration of music, culture, and one of Nigeria’s brightest musical stars.