Asikey
Asikey | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Asikiya Albright George |
| Genres | Soul, alternative, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter and guitarist |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar |
| Labels | Pendulum Records (left late 2017) |
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]
Early life and education[edit]
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[edit]
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 1 May 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[edit]
EPs[edit]
- Human (2016)
- Yellow (2020)
Selected singles[edit]
- "Dark" (2017)
- "Love with You" (2019)
- "We (Don't Let Me Go)" (2019)
References[edit]
- ^ "Who Will Stop Asikey (From Going)?". 30 August 2017. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ a b Johnson, Ayodele (20 December 2017). "AFRIMA 2017 winner discusses career journey, plans for the year 2018". Pulse.
- ^ "Asikey – "Earth Attack"". TooXclusive. 22 September 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "Soul conversation with the Genie: a platform for soul music fraternity of Nigeria". Vanguard. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Praxis Editorial (30 September 2016). "Notes on Asikey's Earth Attack". Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "Wizkid Wins Big At AFRIMA 2017 | Full List of Winners". Rhythm FM. 13 November 2017. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Kehinde, Opeyemi (26 December 2017). "Top 10 hottest Naija artistes of 2017". Dailytrust. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ a b c Arinzechukwu, Akpa (13 September 2017). "Asikey: Crazy Is a Combination of Great and Not Great". Afrovibe. Archived from the original on 23 July 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ lalaboiy (7 August 2015). "VIDEO: Asikey – Let Us Be". Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "Asikey – We (Don't let me go)". 19 August 2017. Archived from the original on 25 January 2019. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Nwilo (25 September 2016). "Music Review: "Earth Attack" by Asikey". Archived from the original on 19 July 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Okichie, Wilfried (14 November 2016). "EP Review: Asikey – Human". 360nobs.com. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Motolani Alake (7 May 2020). "'Yellow' sees Asikey's glowing tribute to mental health, self-love and upliftment [EP Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 7 May 2020.