Akasa (band)
Akasa was a London-based pop band that had moderate success in the late-1980s and early-1990s.
Akasa | |
---|---|
Origin | London, England |
Years active | 1988-1994 |
Labels | EastWest, WEA, Magnasound |
Associated acts | The Alien Mangoes Magic Carpet Magic Carpet II |
Past members | Sophiya Haque John 'Jhalib' Millar Clem Alford |
History
The group was formed in 1988 under a deal with Warner Bros.
Akasa featured a very young Sophiya Haque as vocalist along with Clem Alford and Jhalib Millar. Supported by producer Martyn Phillips,[1] Akasa served as the stepping stone to further success for Haque.
The group's single "One Night in my Life" was well-received and several live performances followed at clubs in London. Akasa's style of music is represented by a healthy fusion of Western and Indian music.
Other notable Akasa tracks include "Kamasutra", "The Wheel of Life" and "Himalayan Hideaway".[2][3]
Following a couple of singles and an album of both band and solo material, the lead singer Sophie Haque went on to become one of the first pan-Asian V.J.s and attracted a regular audience.
Haque's untimely death, at the age of 41 on 17 January 2013 after a short battle with cancer, renewed interest in the group's contributions to the London pop scene.[4][5]
Band members
- Sophiya Haque: Vocals
- John 'Jhalib' Millar: Drums and Tabla
- Clem Alford: Sitar[6]
Discography
Singles
- 1989: One Night in My Life (WEA-Records)[8]
- 1990: Kamasutra (WEA-Records/EastWest-Records)[9]
Album
- 1992: One Night in My Life (Album) (EastWest-Records/Magnasound)[10]
Music videos
- 1989: One Night In My Life (Director: Jack Cardiff)[11]
- 1990: Kamasutra (Director: Philippe Gautier)[12]
References
- "Martyn Phillips". Martynphillips.com. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
- "Akasa – One Night in My Life". Martynphillips.com. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
- "What does akasa mean". Findwords.info. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
- "AKASA & SOPHIYA HAQUE Tribute". Facebook.com. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
- Barnett, Laura (17 January 2013). "Actor Sophiya Haque dies aged 41". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
- "Clem Alford | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
- "Akasa (Band)". Discogs. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
- "Akasa - One Night In My Life (Single)". Discogs. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
- "Akasa - Kama Sutra (Single)". Discogs. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
- "Akasa And Sophiya - One Night In My Life (Album)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
- "Akasa - One Night In My Life". YouTube. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
- "Akasa - Kamasutra". YouTube. Retrieved 2 November 2019.