Aṣa (pronounced Aasha) means "little hawk". She was born in Paris to Nigerian parents, but after two years she moved with her parents to Nigeria and grew up in the capital of Lagos. Her music is thus linked to her time in Western Africa. Asa grew up under the influence of her father's record collection, which included legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Aretha Franklin.
At the age of twelve years, her mother gave her the opportunity to attend one of the best music schools in the country. Aṣa not only developed her voice and her technique, over time she also discovered more about the musicians who fascinated her. When she came home, she discovered Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Lauryn Hill, Femi Kuti, and Angélique Kidjo, in whose footprints she dreamed of following.
At the age of 18 she secretly signed up for the Peter King’s School of Music and learnt to play the guitar in six months. In 2004 Aṣa met her manager and friend, Janet, who introduced her to Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo, who in turn became her musical partner and producer. He enabled Aṣa, the free spirit, to find her bearings. She wrote songs in both English and Yoruba, with the music falling somewhere between pop and soul, inspired by her musical heritage. Particular care was paid to the melodies reflecting the feeling she puts into it.
Her texts talk about her country, the things in life, the things in her life, all delivered with feigned naïveté and real irony. She states "I like writing or thinking about my texts on the bus, or the molué, as we call it. 49 seats, 99 passengers standing up, as Fela described it. Everyone’s squashed up together and mini-dramas break out all the time. And, at the end of the day, we still manage to laugh, that’s where our strength lies..."
It was at this stage of her life that Aṣa finally returned to Paris. This was her chance to test out her talent on the French musical scene, playing with artists such as the Nubians, Manu Dibango, Doctor L and Tony Allen. In the meantime, back in Nigeria, her first single, Eyé Adaba, then Jailer, were beginning to get airtime. MTV chose her as the ambassador for South Africa. Her popularity became big, that when she came back to Nigeria she opened for Akon, John Legend, Beyoncé and Snoop Dogg amongst others.
Aṣa soon signed to the 'Naïve label'. Partnered by Cobhams, and with the new involvement of Christophe Dupouy, she produced a magnificent debut album, ASA a 12 track album with chartstopping tracks. R&b rubs up against pop, with reggae also making an appearance on 'Fire On The Mountain', the first track released from the album, an impertinent and barely-disguised metaphor for an ignorant and indifferent world. "Jailer", another highlight of the album, reinterprets the old adage “you reap what you sow”. This emblematic song with its irresistible refrain opens the album by denouncing modern slavery in all its forms.
Oré
Aṣa Lyrics
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Eyin ni broder oké
Eyin le ko mo mi lo lé
Oh ah, mo gbon pké
Eyin ni sista oké
Eyin le nfe broder olé
Sisi uche egbon ore mi
Awon lo ran mi wa o
Bobo musa oni réké wa
Iya mulika olomo méjé
Awon lo ron mi wa o
Éyi ko nsoro èrin
Èma jè nso fe anybody
Am talking to you, talking
To you tori olorun mo be o
Éma je nse fe anybody
Am talking to you, talking to you
The lyrics to the song "Oré" by Asa is a reflection on the bonds of friendship and the power of community, particularly within the context of African societies. The opening lines, "Oh ah, mo gbon pké. Eyin ni broder oké. Eyin le ko mo mi lo lé," means "Oh ah, I understand very well. You are my brothers from the hills. You can take me anywhere." Here, the singer acknowledges the support and comfort of a close network of friends who have her back and can help carry her through life.
The chorus, "Eyin ni sista oké. Eyin le nfe broder olé," reinforces the theme of solidarity among women and men in the community. Throughout the song, Asa also references specific individuals, such as Iya Sidi and Bobo Musa, who likely represent actual people in her life who have played key roles in her growth and success. Her shout-outs to these individuals illustrate the idea that we all rely on others to lift us up and help us achieve our goals.
The refrain that occurs at the end of each verse, "Am talking to you, talking to you," may be interpreted as a plea to the listener to pay attention to the message of the song. Asa is conveying the importance of loyalty, support, and community in any person's life. The song is an ode to the bonds we form with others and how those connections allow us to thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh ah, mo gbon pké
Oh ah, I hear the sound of the outside world
Eyin ni broder oké
You are my brothers from the outside world
Eyin le ko mo mi lo lé
You can teach me new things and take me outside
Eyin ni sista oké
You are my sisters from the outside world
Eyin le nfe broder olé
You want a brother from the outside world
Iya sidi oni diri mi
The mother of Sidi is leading me
Sisi uche egbon ore mi
Uche's sister, my brother's friend
Awon lo ran mi wa o
They brought me here
Bobo musa oni réké wa
Musa's father is with us today
Iya mulika olomo méjé
The mother of Mulika has two children
Awon lo ron mi wa o
They brought me here
Éyi ko nsoro èrin
This is not a tale of old
Èma jè nso fe anybody
I'm not trying to impress anyone
Am talking to you, talking
I'm speaking directly to you
To you tori olorun mo be o
To you because I believe in God
Éma je nse fe anybody
I'm not trying to impress anyone
Am talking to you, talking to you
I'm speaking directly to you
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@pride234
2024 still here❤
@chevonchevonlifestyle4537
Here in 2020 lockdown, love her music 🎶
@honesttruth3206
lovely asa......u r my best musician....nobody can do you.
@mctech7903
when I listen Your Music I More focus On my Dream project,you make me feel Good
Good Vibe.
So I don't know shy You underrated many people doesn't know you.
I m sad about that
@adeolaolatokunbo9505
Absolutely soulful and emotional. Awesome. Asa will always be the best
@chreez1684
One of my best soulful songs, artists like asa and bez are rare.
@aderonkeadegunju2418
😍😍😍My Legend
@olaitanolamide1506
I can’t love you less.ASA.
@lameufmedefo4387
ne t arrete jamais
@victoriaharris5424
I love this song!