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Editorial
GQ Music Issue
Aṣa is celebrated for her reflective lyrics, which delve into themes of love, identity, and social issues. Her deep and genuine songwriting resonates with audiences, establishing her as a compelling storyteller through her music.
YEAR 2024
ROLE Project Manager
THE BRIEF
Aṣa, born Bukola Elemide, is a soulful storyteller whose introspective lyrics explore love, identity, and societal issues. Her stage name, meaning “Hawk” in Yoruba, reflects her childhood curiosity and free spirit, qualities that define her music and artistry. Gracing this editorial cover, Aṣa continues to captivate with her authenticity and profound storytelling.
Nigerian Maverick Timeless Resonance
In an exclusive conversation with GQ, Aṣa delves into her musical journey, artistry, and the genre-blending sound that connects with audiences worldwide. Reflecting on her early years, she shares how music was always an integral part of her life. “From a very early age, I knew that music was my calling,” she reveals. Growing up in a home filled with her cinematographer father’s eclectic vinyl collection and singing in the church choir alongside her siblings, Aṣa found herself drawn to music above all else. This deep-rooted passion has shaped her into the boundary-defying artist she is today.
International LocalSoulful Odyssey
Aṣa’s music is a fusion of her Nigerian heritage and global influences, shaped by her deep connection to both worlds. Her roots keep her grounded in African identity while her French experience broadens her artistic reach. “I want to create music with everyone in mind,” she says, ensuring that even when she sings in Yoruba, her sound remains open and inclusive. Her songwriting process reflects this balance, mostly solitary but occasionally collaborative. She begins with chords, letting melodies take shape like “doodles” before layering in lyrics. This organic approach allows her music to feel both personal and universal, a bridge between her story and the world that listens.
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