Internationally acclaimed Nigerian singer, Bukola Elemide, popularly known as Asa, has announced the heartbreaking passing of her mother following a battle with a brain tumour.
The 43-year-old music icon shared the devastating news with her fans on her Instagram page on Tuesday.
Alongside a series of touching photographs of her mother, including moments spent with her in the hospital, Asa penned an emotional tribute to the woman she called her “unwavering pillar of support.”
Revealing that her mother’s death was sudden and unexpected, Asa described her as a deeply generous, loving, and kind presence in her life.
“My mother, my reason to be, my queen, my everything. A sudden brain tumor came without warning and took you too Soon,” the ‘Eyé Adaba’ crooner wrote.
Recalling her mother’s unique personality and quiet charm, she added, “You were generous. The kindest soul. You had your own quiet swag, you were extremely shy, and so funny. My biggest fan.”
Despite not having a musical bone in her body, Asa shared how her mother was always her greatest cheerleader.
“You couldn’t hold a note to save your life, but you sang every one of my songs with your whole heart. Your strength, your love, your spirit will remain with me forever. Rest now, Mum,” she wrote.
Born in Paris, France, to Nigerian parents on September 17, 1982, Asa relocated to Nigeria with her family when she was just two years old.
Growing up in Lagos before returning to Paris at the age of 18, Asa officially broke into the limelight in 2006 with the release of her debut hit single, ‘Eyé Adaba’.
She later signed with Naïve Records, an independent Paris-based record label, and went on to release five critically acclaimed studio albums: Asa, Beautiful Imperfection, Bed of Stone, Lucid, and V.
