Asa Interview: I Wasn’t Arrested At Heathrow, And I’m Not Gay!

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

courtesy Thenetng