Jazzy Asa heading for SA

If international jazz sensation Asa had listened to her father, she would have ended up as just one of millions of desk-bound lawyers in the world.

It is her disobedience and will to excel, however, that led the 28-year-old to become one of the hottest artists in music.

The Nigerian, who now lives both in Nigeria and France, has been asked to headline next month's Arts Alive festival in Johannesburg.

Asa, whose real name is Bukola Elemide, did not disrespect her father's wishes completely, however, as she studied law for two years before she used her tuition fees to enrol at a music school.

Speaking from Paris this week, she said: "I was in college for about two years and nothing was happening. We were often on strike and I felt I was wasting my time, so I used my school fees to go to music school to learn how to play guitar.

"My father wasn't happy, obviously . so I met some resistance from him."

But Asa followed her gut.

"I had to fend for myself, which was a good lesson for me at the time."

Her gamble paid off when, in 2008, she won the Prix Constantin, an annual French music prize awarded to an artist whose album had immensely impressed music lovers that year.

She has also been signed by Dramatico Entertainment, the record label that also has British soul singer Katie Melua on its books.

While her self-titled debut album was both socially and politically bold, her new album, Beautiful Imperfection,is a lot more personal, even though it is still filled with songs about social challenges in her home country and the African continent as a whole.

"On the first album, I wrote about growing up in Lagos and the situation and life there.

"On this album, I write as a woman who has matured and travelled.

"It's more personal, rather than general. I'm bringing out my inner feelings," she said.

The Arts Alive programme includes film and theatre shows, the Soweto Wine Festival and stand-up comedy in areas such as Emmarentia, Orlando East, Brixton, Sandton, Eldorado Park, Newtown, Braamfontein and Rosebank.