Exclusive interview: Urban music sensation Askia

 Profile. Askia 

Born Askia Orinji in Limbe, Cameroon on June 6, 1993, urban music phenomenon Askia’s very life is a medley of cultures that is expressed in her music. Her father, a Nigerian lives in Lagos while her mother from Cameroon is based in Germany.  Her parents met when her father, a young medical student met her mother while he was   doing an internship in Cameroon. And thus, the world was blessed with  Askia – a young woman now poised to write her name in gold print in the annals of world music.

As young girls, Askia and her sister grew up listening to various genres of music like Cameroonian Makossa, Nigerian High-Life, German Techno/Funk and, of course, American Hip Hop.  Even as a very young child, it was obvious that Askia had an interest in music. Now a nascent musical star, she has succeeded in blending the sounds of her multi-cultural heritage to create an ear-caressing sound she calls Afro-Urban music. She sings, she raps, she dances – she has it all.  Fresh from signing a record deal with American music label Sieni Brothers, Askia has just released her latest single “Tat-Obasseh” (roughly translated as “God has blessed me” from the Barondo dialect) amidst rave reviews.  Watch this space.

10 Fun Facts About Askia

1. Zodiac Sign: Gemini
2. Dream Car: Lamborghini
3. Relationship Status: Single
4. Dream Destination: Tahiti
5. Favorite Drink: Frozen Margarita
6. Perfect Date: The location would be Venice, Italy and the date would involve gondola rides, quaint restaurant, candle-lit dinner, nice wine, stimulating conversation and a string quartet.
7. Most endearing qualities in a man: I like a gentleman.
8. Biggest turn off in a man: Poor Hygiene and lies telling
9. Favorite color: Pink
10.  Favorite dish: Water-fufu and eru

The Interview

Q. Tell us, when did you become interested in music?

A. I think I was pretty much interested in music from childhood.  I remember singing with my sister as little girls. Moreover, I went to an all-girl boarding school at the age of 10; music was the only form of social activity that we carried out. After 5 years in this school, music became part of my everyday activities

Q. How would you present yourself to someone who has never met you?

A. I would present myself as a musician.

Q. What are your favourite songs and videos ?

A. If I have to make a list of my favorite songs, it is going to be a very long list but for now, you can have the first seven:

I was here –Beyoncé

Good life    – Fally Ipupa

Personally – P square

Outa ma mind – B.O.B

If u ask me  -Omawumi

I am your leader – Nicki Minaj

Arame       – Brymo

Q. What plans have you got for the rest of 2013?

A. For the rest of 2013, I am working on my album (EXPLOSION) that is going to be released early next year. I am working on some interesting collaborations with some big name African stars from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Congo and Cameroon. I have performances scheduled in the USA, Canada, Thailand and Nigeria and am also about to release a video for my hit single “Tat’ Obasseh.”

Q. – Which artists would you like to collaborate with?

A. Number one on my list is Bruno Mars. I think he is unique and I love to work with people who have something a little bit more than special. And also Drake, Kanye and M.I.

Q. How has your family encouraged you in your interest in music? 

A. My family appreciates my talent and I think that’s enough encouragement.

Q. Does anyone else in your family sing?

A. My older sister has an amazing voice.

Q. What songs did you listen to today?

A. If u ask me-Omawumi

Thursday nyte – Fluri Boys

Forever –Busta

Think like a man –J. Hud

What up – Wiz kid

Tat’ obasseh- Askia

Q. What embarrassing songs might I find on your MP3 player?

A. I do not think any song is embarrassing. I think every one is talented in a unique way, so I can only love and appreciate a person’s effort to be creative and to entertain.

Q. Where would you most like to perform?

A. I look forward to performing in Nigeria because I love their culture.

Q. If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?

A. Rock music

Q. What other hidden talents do you have?

A. I love to dance. That amongst others I won’t mention.

Iroko heritage prides itself in bringing its readers the stars of today and the stars of tomorrow alike. Thank you Askia and all the best for the future.