By Gbemi Olateru – Olagbegi
Contrary to rumours that made the rounds last weekend, Nigerian singer Asa was not arrested and detained at London’s Heathrow airport, for possession of hard drugs.
Coming at a time when the country is yet to get over the shock of the alleged Christmas day bombing (by 23 year-old Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab) and the immediate after-effects on the country’s image abroad, Asa’s rumoured arrest unsettled many nerves and got everyone asking questions.
Luckily, the young singer, who has done Nigerians proud home and abroad, hasn’t changed her good ways. And, as she told Gbemi on Beat FM’s Drive Time Show yesterday, she was ‘at home having fun’ with her family when the story broke…
Enjoy the interview…
How have you been?
I’m great, i’m doing good. They’ve borrowed me from Heathrow so I’m actually here.lol…..
First let’s get to the rumour. On Saturday evening someone somewhere on the phone and the internet wrote that you were reprimanded at the Heathrow Airport for carrying contraband things. What’s up with that?
I’m here. If I was arrested, I won’t be here.
I remember I called your phone?
I was actually with my family having a good day.
You are a celebrity and people are bound to spread rumours about you; you should get used to it
I will try.
So how would you react to people seeing you and going wild?
It feels good. Am always happy. You know things they don’t know is that I’m a very shy person.
What have you been up to? When is your album coming out?
I finished my tour last year. I’m working on my second album.
Another popular question is that when is your album coming out?
Hopefully sometime this year. Precisely in the second quarter
What would be different?
There won’t be much difference. Firstly I am Asa and I will enjoy myself because I did enjoy myself in the first album and I will put in a little more energy.
How do you compose your songs?
It starts with playing an instrument and then the melody and then there is a picture of what the song will look like. Then I take it up from there.
What’s up with Cobhams?
Cobhams is perfect and talented; we have been together for long. He understands me and I feel comfortable working with Cobhams.
You’ve done collaborations with Nigerian artistes and recently with 9ice on his new album. Which female artiste have you done collaborations with?
Not yet.
Why?
Don’t have a lot of females out there. I would love to work with them.
People want to know are you married?
No.
Are u in any relationship?
Not yet. And I’m Not gay.
But why do people see you like that?
I don’t know probably because I m not out all the time. What People don’t understand is that people can actually be serious with their job. I’m not gay we have to set it straight. I don’t have to go out to clubs. No. I have my principles. I don’t celebrate my birthday. Then I feel I should be quiet and talk to God. And that’s me; even my mum.
How do you unwind?
I like to have my friends come over and cook. Because I grew up in a house full of boys so they make me cook.
If you are to do collaborations, which Nigerian artiste will you be doing it with?
I will like to work with 9ice again, 2face Idibia, Dbanj, TY, Jeremiah Gyang, Lara Ayodele. International act, Angelique Kidjo.
What nickname do people or your friends call you?
Bukola.
Where do you spend most of your time?
I do spend much time in Nigeria; I have been home since early December.
Which movies do you like most?
I have seen the Michael Jackson’s “This is it” and I love it.
How soon are you releasing your album?
Maybe second quarter of this year
Which Charity works do you love to do?
I love the Funmi Iyanda change your life programme. And I will be part of it; giving to the children rather than spending on food and drinks.
Who is your ideal future partner?
He should be tall, slim, built not necessarily pretty.
Where do you get your inspirations from?
Lagos. Too many things to talk about. I like coming home. I’m not proud like people think; I am inspired at home.
How does it feel working with 9ice, because a lot of people couldn’t believe you understand Yoruba that much?
9ice made me speak Yoruba. When he did that I thought that if he could do that then I can do it. And the song was better than the way I expected it. It’s about painting a picture of a good Nigeria and holding the country highly.
What advice do you have for upcoming artistes?
They have to do things they are comfortable with. If I do things that I ‘m comfortable with and am fine with it then you should do what is comfortable for you. Don’t think about the money. I do things to express myself not for the money. Nigerians love good music. Be something. Invent something.
43 comments
I was shocked when i read the story, but i did not believe. I love your collaboration with 9ice.
She says she is not gay, but she wants her partner not to be “pretty.” Just tot “pretty” should be for girls.
Pretty can be used for both genders… use your head!
Wel i fnk she did a gud1 wf 9ce,abt d gay stuff hmmn ez neva written on d face & partna nt 2 b pretty ez knd of suspiciouz 2 mee anyway.haba who no wnt fyn fnz.
people will always say things abt u – good or bad just like Ebenezer Obey in his song (Ko sógbon to le da, ko síwa to le wu, to le fi te aiye lórun o….)
nice collabo wit 9ice. Keep it up
I'm kinda lost. Why did she have to bring up the whole "I'm not gay" thing? She wasn't asked!
Anyway thank God, the rumors were false
Timely interview. Be yourself- thats what i like abt Asa. Uniq, classic n excellent in all dt u do. Keep it up. Thks 4 d good advice.
you guy are fools! you will alwas have something bad to say. i heard the interview live on the radio, and the question was asked it was also part of the rumour, for some reason the person wrote this didn't write that part and people like open your mouth and spit out rubbish and bring curse on your head. who said the word is not used on men? this is how bad our educational system now o. pray for forgiveness for judging her wrongly or else you will be judged rightly. Ogundele, chilee, chukwudi, kneel down and pray for forgiveness.
@Fiona: Get down on my knees and apologise for what? Did you read my comment well @ all? I didn't listen to the interview and I thought this was a complete transcript of it thus my asking why the gay issue came up.
I don't give a rat's ass if she's gay, straight ow whateva. She's a good artist simple!
It okay guys. At least, u've now known the truth. One love
Please, u guys should moderate the comments on this site. Don't allow pple lyk Fiona spoil the mood here. Imagine calling pple fools. That's not nice.
stop saying rubbish about this talent singer nice collaboration wit 9ice
@Chilee you encomium gossip writer. you absolutely shouldn't even be here, don't you think its unprofessional to even comment? o I forgot you stumbled on this job you don't have a clue about what you do. you are a writer and you don't know there is a word like "PRETTY BOYS" then you are absolutely unqualified you come to these sites to get your stories. don't let me start with you. Take my advice keep your mouth shut!
@Fiona: take it easy. no be fight. all you have to do is politely point out to Chilee that the word pretty can be used for guys.
Asa is good. collaboration with nice not bad as per Asa's part. 9ice was average,,….nothing new
@fiona,chilee n chukwudi. Ok guys,methinks u al wil mk a gud triplet…Away 4rm dt,do u guys always rtun 2 dis pg 2 chk on wu has comentd on ur lastest coments?odawiz,hw els do u snd rejoinders?lol
@Don Flexy: I don't need to return to check who has left a comment or not. That's what the Notify me of followup comments via e-mail button below the submit comment form is for.
If you tick that button and submit a comment, you'll automatically get further comments on this post delivered to your email
You guys are simply sad gits loosing sleep and trying to find faults in a talented young woman who definately has made a positive impact that you can only dream about. Asa!!!!! Kimon. You are da bomb.
Asa, she an incuruptitible person so i wonder why people wil say such nasty thing abt here, her music has touch ma life in so many way i luv u asa!
Your RSS feed doesn't work in my browser (google chrome) how can I repair it?
Aight leme end this. Asa ain't gay! But Fiona,wif ol da backlash on these oda guys,U'RE A SUSPECT. Just a question…CUD U BE GAY?
we don't know who to blieve now, we know what we nigerians can do. TRUST NOBODY. ASA WE LOVE YOU.
Asa, please do your singing and let that talk on your behalf. God Has already set you on your journey and He shall help you get to the place He Has destined you. YOU REMAIN MY IDOL!
I am an investor from Monaco. I have been watching investing property in Tennessee. My cousin purchased a fourplex there a year ago and has made a substantial profit there.
Asa you are the greatest musician of our time. people will always say something about you because if nobody talk about you then you are nobody. keep on your good habit. i love all your track and 2face track. the best ever
asa is AMAZING! to say the least ,pple pls let her be ,if she said she was gay u guys will be the first to condemn her now she says she’s not ,and u still won’t let her be haba!
I don’t care about what people say concerning ASA.
She remain my best & mst appreciated.
No matter what i still believe she’s a star and she is focused. So let them say what ever they like dont mind them .
Asa has made it being gay or nt won’t u tink on hw ur gona get 2 dat level pls take my advices dnt waist ur life doin noting cus u must gv accunt on hw u spent ur life u ar d once dat wil be judge by god n nt judge oder peoples way of life or livin
I lyke ur music; abt gay issue am not concerned keep up ur gud work u r d best!
I luv u asa never mind, cos even a preacher is never luved in his home.. Jux luved the way u danced to the “be my man” very cool wish i cud have dance oneday wid u….. Goodworks
I tink asa is one out of d millions of copy right we hear, she has made her real self into a brand dat’s lovely. Nigeria y spoil d gud we ve must dere be rumors pls comment on her best n leave d rumors for fools who lack wat to do.
good policy but are u a christian?also where does ur inspiration come from?because this type of her music is rare in nigeria here
i die 4 Asa
Asa is d best female act ever in nigeria.she is a very principle lady i hv ever known.i lv her dresins so much nt lyk oders.i dnt care wat they say about her.she is my best female act ever.
why are u guys spreading rumours.no mind them ojere. dem no fit stop ur shine
Whether you like it or not she is unique and talented .keep it up.
She is gifted,talented and endowed.i luv her songs and appreciate her.i knw dat isn’t ur best ASA,u can be d best in whatever u do.kudos to u.one love nigeria
I know it can’t be my beloved Asa! We love her music so much. Please always do us proud. Nija 4 life.
Asa u r stil d best eva,ur music has rili touched me so much.gud job wt 9ce.as 4 u critics,i suspect u r suffering 4rm idleness of d highest order.if u cnt do gr8 tins @ least appreciate sum1 doing t.haba
Rumour mongers go on wit it cuz u are idle that’s why u have chance 2 critised people’s good act, fuck u all rubish
Want to join Nolly wood? Register with us to make your dream of playing in Nigerian Movies come true. This is another golden opportunity for upcoming and rising stars to make it to the top in Nolly-wood. Our registration is closing soon. As you all know, we have limited numbers of people we admit every year so interested individuals should register as soon as possible for you not to miss this season opportunity. REGISTER NOW For instructions on how to register visit http://is.gd/ Nolly-wood and follow the instructions if you need any help or will like to make an inquiry call Want to join Nolly-wood? Register with us to make your dream of playing in Nigerian Movies come true. This is another golden opportunity for upcoming and rising stars to make it to the top in Nolly-wood. Our registration is closing soon. As you all know, we have limited numbers of people we admit every year so interested individuals should register as soon as possible for you not to miss this season opportunity. REGISTER NOW For instructions on how to register visit http://is.gd/ Nolly-wood and follow the instructions if you need any help or will like to make an inquiry call 08144147368
All these identifiers really are a dark purple color using the name “Prada” embossed
in the glossy matching tone. You can select on the varying sizes of headbands – the wide headbands to spruce up messy hair or some classy thin ones
being few eminent ones. A complete woman always take
care of her family ,works in the office with full vigour
and at the sametime woman always wants her to be pretty.