Asa (pronounced "Ah-sha" and meaning "hawk" in Yoruba) is a Nigerian singer/songwriter of exceptional talent. She sings about exactly what you'd expect...societal injustice, love, life experience, hope. But don't worry, you'll never be bored. The combination of her poetic lyrics, superior musical production infusing neo-soul, reggae, worldbeat and acoustic folk and her vocal ability to express outrage and vulnerability with equal credibility, makes this a CD you'll return to for many years to come.

While living in Lagos with her parents and three brothers, Asa discovered her love for singing at an early age and spent many hours feasting on her father's collection of great musical artists like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Sunny Ade and Bob Marley. During her teen years, her palate shifted to American neo-soul artists like Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Raphael Saadiq and Lauryn Hill as well as popular African artists like Femi Kuti and Angelique Kidjo. You can hear many of these influences in her music.

I don't want to do a disservice to this CD by overhyping it as the second coming of musical perfection. But I will say, from beginning to end, this is as good as good gets. And if her track "Subway" doesn't touch a tender spot in your heart, turn left at the corner and follow the yellow-brick road. There' s a wizard waiting to see you.