Asa

Aṣa (pronounced "Asha,") born 1 September 1982, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, and recording artist. Her stage name "Aṣa" means "hawk" in Yoruba. Christened Bukola Elemide, she grew up listening to Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, King Sunny Adé, and Ebenezer Obey. She draws inspiration from the music of Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Lauryn Hill, Femi Kuti and Angélique Kidjo.

She received her music training at the Peter King School of Music in Lagos. Her self-titled debut album, released in 2007, was produced by the blind virtuoso producer Cobhams Asuquo. It featured the singles 'Jailer' and 'Fire on the Mountain', both of which were central to the album's global success. Her sophomore 'Beautiful Imperfection' was released in 2009. It peaked at number 14 on the French charts.

She currently lives in Paris, from where she tours the world extensively. Her third studio album 'Bed of Stone' was released in 2014.