I remember seeing this singer's posters plastered on the metro walls in Paris earlier this year, and I just sat down yesterday to listen to her most recent CD, Beautiful Imperfection. In short, it was phenomenal from beginning to end!

Asa (pronounced Asha) is a Nigerian - French artist inspired by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley and Sunny Ade. Singing in both English and Yoruba, her melodies are lighthearted but her lyrics are earthy and complex. She is definitely an artist to keep an eye on and is a nice change of pace for when you're tired of listening to the Rihannas and Beyoncés.