The debut release from Asa (pronounced Asha) is going to be one that inevitably draws comparisons with other artists who have trodden similar paths in relatively recent musical history. I mean lets look at the credentials here, a young black woman with an acoustic guitar is always going to make you think of the likes of Joan Armatrading, or in more recent times Tracey Chapman. And yes there are echoes of both in this talent but there is more than enough evidence that Asa stands on her own as a singer and songwriter with a wealth of promise about her.
Hailing from Nigeria her debut is a fusion of her native African music interspersed with a heady dose of Western influence. It’s all here from the spiky acoustic reggae of the opening track ‘Jailer’ moving through the effortless ‘Bi’ban Ke’ which demonstrates Asa singing not only in English but Yoruba which functions in a disarmingly seamless way.
Lyrically there is a balance between songs of an emotional portent and political content. Thankfully the balance is maintained throughout and you aren’t left feeling either liquefied by unending proclamations of love nor do you feel you are consistently being hammered by sociological messages.
It has to be said though when you listen to ‘Fire On The Mountain’ (the forthcoming single) it’s a little disconcerting to hear lyrics of suffering dressed in sweet pop sensibilities, granted she is not the first to do this but for some reason in this case it seems heavily foregrounded.
Towards the end of the album there is a slight lull in quality, but my main problem here is that the slightly weaker tracks could become dinner party fodder for the Tarquin’s and Jocasta’s. Overall however this is a note worthy debut and Asa is an artist who is definitely one to keep on the radar.
The album is out on the 18th February with a preceding single on the 11th.
