The album that made Asa famous in Nigeria first became a hit in France.
Asa, born Bukola Elemide, released her self-titled debut album in 2007 on the French label Naïve. Mixing soul, folk, reggae, jazz and pop, sung in English and Yoruba, it charted in France and won the Prix Constantin in 2008, an award for the best breakthrough album there. Songs such as “Jailer” and “Fire on the Mountain” soon spread back to Nigeria and across Africa.
Paris and Lagos
Asa was born in Paris to Nigerian parents and grew up in Lagos. She learned music as a young woman, including at a music school in Lagos, and developed her style around her guitar and clear, warm voice.
Cobhams Asuquo
The album was produced mainly by Cobhams Asuquo, the Nigerian producer and songwriter, who co-wrote “Jailer” with her. Cobhams, who is blind, became one of the most respected producers in Nigerian music. His arrangements gave the album its intimate, acoustic feel.
“Jailer”
“Jailer” is a song about oppression and freedom. Its chorus addresses a jailer who keeps someone locked up, warning that the jailer is also in chains. The song can be read as a comment on power, whether in politics, relationships or society. Its gentle melody and pointed words made it one of the most memorable African songs of its time.
“Fire on the Mountain”
“Fire on the Mountain”, the album’s lead single, received radio play across Europe. It warns about ignoring problems until it is too late, another song with a social message delivered softly.
After the debut
Asa followed with Beautiful Imperfection (2010), which included “Be My Man” and “Why Can’t We”, and later albums including Bed of Stone (2014), Lucid (2019) and V (2022). V featured collaborations with younger Nigerian artists, including Wizkid on “IDG”. She has toured widely in Europe, Africa and North America.
An alternative voice
Asa’s music stands apart from the dominant Afrobeats sound. Her songs are guitar-led and introspective, and she has built a devoted audience that follows her for songwriting and voice rather than club hits. She is often cited as an inspiration by Nigerian alternative and soul artists.
Why “Jailer” still resonates
The song’s message has been quoted in conversations about Nigerian politics and personal freedom for nearly two decades. Its simplicity, a voice, a guitar and a truth, is why it lasts.
A song about a jailer and a prisoner, sung softly by a young woman from Lagos, found its first big audience in Paris. It has been freeing listeners ever since.
