Asikey
Asikiya Albright George, known simply as Asikey or Asikey George, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.[1] Her music is a mixture of alternative rock,[2] pop[3] and soul.[4][5] In 2017, she won Best Female Artist in Inspirational Music at the All Africa Music Awards.[6] Asikey was listed by the Daily Trust newspaper as one of the ten best Nigerian artists of 2017.[7]
Asikey | |
---|---|
Birth name | Asikiya Albright George |
Genres | Soul, alternative, pop |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, guitarist |
Instruments | Guitar |
Labels | Pendulum Records (left late 2017) |
Early life and education
Born in a family from Rivers State, Asikey spent her early years in Ogun State.[8][9] She is an alumnus of the University of Nigeria, where she studied history and international studies.[2] She describes herself as non-religious despite having a Christian background and incorporating religious themes into her music.[8]
Music career
Due to her style of music, Asikey has been likened to Aṣa by the media, with TooXclusive labeling her as "Africa's next Asa".[10][11] In a 2017 interview with Afrovibe, she admitted to the significance of Asa in her music, specifically mentioning the impact that Bed of Stone had on her.[8]
In 2016, Asikey released her debut extended play Human under Pendulum Records. It was promoted and marketed by Lanre Lawal's Bail Music Company. Comprising seven tracks, Human grapples with existential topics like freedom and existence. The EP's track list received critical response from critics and consumers, with many noting its unique style. Reviewing for 360nobs, Wilfried Okichie said Human "does not grab you by the balls demanding for attention, neither is it designed to do so. It takes a subtler path using understated production and effective song writing that can be a detriment in these parts."[12]
On May 1, 2020, Asikey released her 7-track second extended play titled Yellow. It was produced entirely by Mikky Me Joses and features a collaboration with singer Brymo. The EP explores topics such as mental health, self-love and upliftment. In a review for Pulse Nigeria, Motolani Alake awarded the EP a seven out of ten rating, praising its production and commending Asikey for making her words believable and being "cursed with projecting her honesty".[13]
Discography
EPs
- Human (2016)
- Yellow (2020)
Selected singles
- "Dark" (2017)
- "Love with You" (2019)
- "We (Don't Let Me Go)" (2019)
References
- "Who Will Stop Asikey (From Going)?". August 30, 2017. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- Johnson, Ayodele (December 20, 2017). "AFRIMA 2017 winner discusses career journey, plans for the year 2018". Pulse.
- "Asikey – "Earth Attack"". TooXclusive. September 22, 2016. Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- "Soul conversation with the Genie: a platform for soul music fraternity of Nigeria". Vanguard. Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- Praxis Editorial (September 30, 2016). "Notes on Asikey's Earth Attack". Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- "Wizkid Wins Big At AFRIMA 2017 | Full List of Winners". Rhythm FM. Nov 13, 2017. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- Kehinde, Opeyemi (December 26, 2017). "Top 10 hottest Naija artistes of 2017". Dailytrust. Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- Arinzechukwu, Akpa (September 13, 2017). "Asikey: Crazy Is a Combination of Great and Not Great". Afrovibe. Archived from the original on July 23, 2018. Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- lalaboiy (August 7, 2015). "VIDEO: Asikey – Let Us Be". Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- "Asikey – We (Don't let me go)". August 19, 2017. Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- Nwilo (September 25, 2016). "Music Review: "Earth Attack" by Asikey". Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- Okichie, Wilfried (November 14, 2016). "EP Review: Asikey – Human". 360nobs.com. Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- Motolani Alake (May 7, 2020). "'Yellow' sees Asikey's glowing tribute to mental health, self-love and upliftment [EP Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 7 May 2020.