Watch exceptional 50mn of documentary: Asa takes German reggae figure Gentleman on personal journey through her hometown Lagos, Nigeria – Images: courtesy of ARTE 2011

Exclusive US edition including 2 unreleased tracks (Iba & Bamidele)

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/rkYMHY or  iTunes US : http://bit.ly/o9kn2W

« Powerful vocals that channel Amy Winehouse at her peak… and lyrics that recall Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye »
Teen Vogue

« Asa’s smoldering vocals weave genres together beautiful, creating ultracatchy melodies that get stuck in your head and stay there »
BUST Magazine

«  a burst of positive energy »
KCRW

« Asa’s smokey voice and velveteen melodies can’t help but evoke a gentle joie de vivre »
Yahoo Music

« The Nigerian-born songwriter employs a sultry alto, neo-soul rhythms and super-sunny vibes on her brand new album. »

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For 7 days only you can watch over and over ARTE Documentary in which Asa and Gentleman meet in Lagos, Asa’s birth place.

Enjoy it as much as you like because it will be over in 7 days.

August 4th 2011 at 5am
In the depths of the night with …
(Germany, 2011, 52mn) ZDF

German reggae singer Gentleman meet up in Lagos with Asa, Nigerian born singer. A musical and lyrical night in a highly-charged city atmosphere.

The marketplace of Obalende, which has been crossed on moto-taxi, is Gentleman’s first contact with the lively life of Lagos. The German reggae star meet up with Asa, surrounded by her fans. The two artists explore Jazzhole racks, the last record dealer of the Nigerian capital. At the Bogobiri House, musicians favorite hotel, they come across Keziah Jones and then go to the beach where General Pype is waiting for them. A Lifehouse diner before they both improvise at Ade Bantu place. A future hit to come ?

EXTRACT: http://youtu.be/g-gjhML2iZ4

Broadcast: Tuesday August 2nd 2011 at 1am on
Arte http://bit.ly/nwpIsS
Reruns :
August 4th 2011 at 5am
(Germany, 2011, 52mn) ZDF

Early June, Asa hopped off to the USA to perform a couple of acoustic shows in NY and LA and promote the release of her new record ‘Beautiful Imperfection’, out 6th September 2011 in North America.

Here is an off the track take of Asa performing an acoustic version ‘Dreamer Girl’ during an extended stay at MTV Iggy studios.

Great thanks to all the MTV and Girlie team for putting this together: micah, joe, samantha, joy, pam, kabeer, kevin…

Hailed as one of the most important singer/songwriters of her generation, Asa(pronounced Asha) is a musician that’s the most honest and authentic person on and off the stage. Her latest disc ‘Beautiful Imperfection’ is a tribute and testament that folk, soul, and afro-beat can be a means of music that appeals to music fans all over the world. Often compared to Lauryn Hill and Nina Simone, Asa’s music reflects her views on politics, her sensitivity as both a strong and weak African woman, and the ability to encourage one to love themselves. Over the last four years she’s been able to independently become her own voice to the tune of millions of fan all over the world.

Born in Paris, France, young Bukola Elemide at an early age knew that she was going to become a musician. At the age of two, she and her family moved to Lagos, Nigeria where for 20 years Asa was accustomed to her parent’s native country. Asa means « Hawk » in Yorba.

While growing up in Lagos, she used to listen to her parent’s records that consisted of a mix of African musician ranging from Fela Kuti to Sunny Ade, to the great American soul artists like Donny Hathaway to Aretha Franklin. By the time she was 18, Asa signed herself at the Peter King’s School of Music, a music school where she learned to play the guitar. It was also there where she began developing her vocal style fusing both English and her native Yorba.

At 19 Asa moved to Paris, France where she began her real roots a struggling and up-and-coming artist. One of her best friends introduced her to producer and manager Cobhams Emmauel Asuquo, who later became her musical partner. By this time she sent her demo tape to the Visa program that was run by the AFAA, the cultural division of the French Foreign Ministry. During the beginning of 2007 Asa and Cobhams went into the recording studio for six weeks and recorded her debut self-titled album « Asa. » With jaw-dropping songs like « Jailer, » « 360, » and « So Beautiful, » music fans and critics took notice of her politically charged and mature songwriting and performances. When Asa plays the guitar with out a band, you can hear a pin drop! Audiences are glued to her singing as well as messages of hope.

It was around this time Asa and other musicians like 2 Face, 419 Squad, and 9ice were beginning to bring a new and fresh voice that brought a resurrection to the Nigerian music scene.

‘Beautiful Imperfection’ is continuation of Asa’s growth as a vocalist and songwriter. The new disc fuses all of the musical styles at she grew up listening to and enjoying as a kid. Her latest hit « Why Can’t We » is an upbeat soulful/folk oriented groove that takes you back to the soul sounds of the 1960′s. Other songs like « Preacher Man » and « Questions » continue to showcase her ability to raise ones consciousness of the injustices that take in the world.

Asa is currently on tour and promoting her latest disc. For upcoming dates or to order ‘Beautiful Imperfection’ visit her online at asa-official.com.

ASA HITS THE ROAD TO US WITH N.Y.C. AND L.A. CONCERTS

N.Y.C.:
Wednesday June 08 / 2011
New York City – Rockwood Music Hall
196 Allen Street  New York City, NY     212.477.4155
Get tickets

L.A.:
Monday June 13 / 2011
Los Angeles – The Hotel Cafe 1623 Cahuenga Blvd.  Los Angeles, CA 90028 United States
Get tickets

‘Why Can’t We’ new music video – features Asa at dance party that’s full of ’50s technicolor rooms, pink and blue balloons and a whole lot of boogiein’

From ASA’s sophomore album ’Beautiful Imperfection’  set to release 06 Sept 2011 in the USA  (naïve)

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Director: Raphael Frydman
Production: Partizan