Aṣa, born Bukola Elemide, is a Nigerian-French singer, songwriter, and recording artist known for her soulful music and unique sound. Here are ten unknown facts about her:
1. Real Name: Aṣa's full name is Bukola Elemide. She adopted "Aṣa" as her stage name, which means “hawk” in Yoruba, symbolizing freedom and grace.
2. French Roots: Though she is a Nigerian artist, Aṣa was born in Paris, France, to Nigerian parents. She later moved back to Lagos at a young age, where she grew up.
3. Musical Influences: She grew up listening to a variety of music genres, including Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye. These influences shaped her unique fusion of jazz, soul, and Afropop.
4. Self-Taught Guitarist: Aṣa taught herself to play the guitar at the age of 20, which became a signature element of her sound.
5. Debut Album Success: Her self-titled debut album, *Aṣa* (2007), was an international success, particularly in Europe, where it gained critical acclaim and won her multiple awards.
6. Homeless Period: Before her breakthrough, Aṣa faced several hardships, including a period when she was homeless while trying to make it in the music industry.
7. Bilingual Artist: Aṣa’s music often features lyrics in both English and Yoruba, reflecting her bicultural heritage and giving her music a unique global appeal.
8. Award-Winning Artist: She won the prestigious Prix Constantin in France in 2008, an award given to artists whose albums have made an impact but haven’t sold more than 100,000 copies. This further boosted her career in Europe.
9. Private Life: Aṣa is known for keeping her personal life very private. Despite her fame, she rarely shares details about her life outside of music.
10. Environmental Advocacy: Aṣa is passionate about environmental sustainability. She has been involved in several campaigns promoting green energy and environmental consciousness in Nigeria and beyond.
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