An all-teary affair for Asa’s fans at Koroga Festival – PHOTOS
Nigerian French singer, Asa Bukola Elemide moved many of her fans to tears with an emotional performance at the Koroga Festival in Nairobi’s Mamba Village on Sunday.
The songwriter, who is famous for hits like Jailer and Fire on the Mountain, took to the stage with her Ukulele and had everyone singing along.
The 25th edition of the Koroga Festival was a ladies’ edition also featuring Kenyan artistes Fena Gitu and Phy.
Asa, who describes Angelique Kidjo as her mentor, says that her music is inspired by many kinds of music, but basically by music that has soul.
Her musical influences, she says, are too many to mention but she ranks Fela Kuti, Erica Badu and Yinka Davies as some of her biggest inspiration.
TEARS FLOWED FREELY
At the Koroga Festival, Asa showcased her ability to play different kinds of music instruments, especially when she took the guitar, sat down on stage and sang her hit Jailer.
One would have thought someone had thrown tear gas in the middle of the concert as tears flowed freely.
That is the effect she has whenever she is on stage with an acoustic guitar or a full band. She is able to present a variety of styles, from acoustic sets to upbeat dance songs and rhythms.
At the end of her performance, Asa brought all the elements, sounds, lights, emotions and lyrics that have made up her life these past decades and Kenyans loved her.
MISSING DOME
On a very hot Sunday afternoon in Nairobi, Phyllis Mwihaki Ng’etich aka Phy kicked off things slowly as the tempo picked up.
Next on stage was Fena, who also had the crowd singing along to her songs.
The event was well organized although the absence of the trademark dome – which has been a symbol of the bi-monthly event – left the revelers exposed to the scorching sun.
Others complained of the logistical nightmare of accessing the event’s latest venue at Mamba Village.
Regardless, those who attend the event appreciated the vibe of an African musician who has taken the best of the continent’s rhythms and packed it into a contemporary style with global appeal.
