Sasha: Naijas female MVP… Better Recognize!

I settled into work this morning and put on my headphones trying to catch up on the latest Naija jams. Who is this Sasha self? I remember her name from some collabos with trybesmen a few years ago and one other song. From the moment I hit play I knew I was in for something. The intro had me sit up straight in my chair! This madam isn’t playing o! Every now and then, I would forget myself and start bouncing around in my chair. (I can’t afford to be jammin’ like this at work with all this subprime mess going on!). 

Ti Da Mo (recognize) jumps at you with that “if you don’t know, better ask somebody” confidence. Guaranteed to keep you popping. A must have for my Naija party compilation CD; it has the makings of the classic party jam and I’m calling it! De Roof… De Roof! Ahaa Ahaaa…  Ohoo Ohooo! Where are my boys? Where’s my whistle?? (Damn, I miss Ibadan!).  

A tear rolled down my eye as I listened to Baba mi (My Father) , a Yoruba acoustic rap rendition. One listen and I quickly realized this wasn’t just a song. I immediately called my dad in Naija. “I just wanted to hear your voice, dad”.  

Asa, the new Naija musical sensation introduces yet another flavor as she reinforces Sasha’s flow on Let Me Go. Only One? It’s T-pain, it’s Eve… no it’s Sasha. E wa ba mi jo (Come dance with me) brings some well appreciated Jaara to round up the musical journey. 

This CD has something for everybody. I’m not quite the rap connoisseur but I know a good album when I hear one. Sasha is a true story teller, poet and lyricist. Her message is sincere, positive, thought provoking and memorable. To echo her words, this is feel good music with a lesson. She seduces you with her wordplay and locks you in with her message… She made me laugh, smile, think and even cry.  

Sasha, thanks for that complete musical experience, It was certainly worth the wait. 5 Akaras for this one o!

Asa – The Captivator

A first glance taunted a comparison with Tracy Chapman. However, once I got over the dreadlocks and the guitar and got into the groove, I quickly realized that there was something far deeper in the soul searching vibes, something far more cultural than the fact that she sings in Yoruba.

As I started to get comfortable with her flow, I made a second attempt to define Asa… Songs like  Soul (featuring silver saddih), Fire On the Mountain, No One Knows, Burn, Jailer and even Eyin Mummy threw me off completely. I found myself right back at square one, left with nothing but respect and admiration at the sheer depth and breadth of her musical expression.

In a kinda bluesy, Jazzy, finger snapping way, Ilu (Nation) challenges our leaders and asks them what they have done with our great country. She reminds us of a time when the Naira was stronger than the dollar, of a time when police checkpoints were unheard of. “Dollar je Naira lowo… Ko si wetin you carry”. – Fela would be proud!

I had to remind myself to breathe while listening to Eye Adaba (Birds in the sky). Her rendition in English of the same exact song was a fresh experience that was just as amazing as the original. (I wan craze!). Mama (mother)/So Beautiful, a slow dance in honor of her mother highlights the sacrifice, selflessness and pricelessness of motherhood. I think I now have enough songs for my “Sweet Mother” mixtape. MAJOR brownie points coming my way on mother’s day! Iba (praise) brings it back to earth by giving thanks & praise to Heaven for all the things we tend to take for granted.

I’m not sure if it’s the sincerity in Bibanke (When I cry), the high from soaring with the birds, the rain outside or the vodka inside but um… Asa… will you marry me?

Asa has seriously raised the bar and set the standard in the “Yoruba Acoustic Soul” category.

Could I have some ogi to accompany these 5 Akaras please!?

This CD is available HERE.

 http://www.naive.fr/sites/asa/

I am a Naijapolitan!

So i just finished talking to a recruiter who is so excited about all the Naijas he has placed over the past few months. Dude was trying to tell me how smart we are… Watch out peoples… we are taking over!

Who or what is a Naijapolitan? I jacked the word from Afropolitan: The Africa movement that’s spreading like wild fire.