Queen of Hikosso music, Yeye Asa, is popular as Floxy Bee. Well-travelled, versatile and talented, she has done music for over three decades. Special Correspondent, RENN OFFOR, cornered her, after a show recently, to talk about her aspirations, which range from supporting and mentoring up-and-coming artistes and sundry issues.
You put up a fabulous performance tonight! How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been doing it for 30 years! But I’ve been away from Nigeria. Since I came back, this is one of the few shows I’ve had, because in July (2015) I did the unveiling of my brand, ‘Yeye Asa’, and that of my designer wears, handbags, and all that. Today, I am doing the show of the century. Breeze was here, D’Legendary Sisterz were on, and a bunch of other artistes.
Who really is Yeye Asa?
I’m Foxy Bee, the queen of Hikosso music, Yeye Asa, mother of the culture. It is called mother of the culture because I’ve been promoting African music in the Diaspora. Now, I’m back home to continue, doing the same thing, and using the same forum to promote other artistes who are into promotion of African culture like Breeze, Starfaz, China Wonder, Judy King and a bunch of other wonderful artistes doing African music, and not deviating doing hip-hop, jazz, and all that.
What is Hikosso, and from where do you get your inspiration?
Hikosso is a mixture of Highlife and Makosso. I grew up listening to my father playing Nigerian highlife music. I grew up listening to Rex Lawson, Osita Osadebe, Victor Uwaifo, Oliver de Coque and the like. My father is an ardent lover of those highlife music. That is why I am in love with that genre of music. The best music that I deliver today is highlife. ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it’. For me, growing up actually moulded me to be what I am today.
In 2012, I was made the Yeye Asa (Mother of the Source) Ile-lfe lyanfoworogi, in recognition of my musical achievements and my efforts over the years to further the culture and musical traditions of Nigeria in the Diaspora. Since the age of 16, I have been performing and recording. I’ve received numerous awards for my Hikosso – a mixture of highlife, makossa, soukous, juju and afrobeat – music. I’ve also received citations from the cities of Boston and Newark for my efforts to bridge cultures through music.
My father was a captain in the Nigerian army, and growing up on the several army bases allowed me develop a deep understanding of the many cultural and musical traditions of Nigeria, as the army is the melting pot of all of Nigeria’s ethnic groups. Even going to Church gave me an understanding of the rich African Christian tradition. The traditional culture was inscribed in me as an infant and again as a young girl.
Achieving success for a woman in Africa is difficult, and as a singer even harder. The Yoruba believe that a person is born with a purpose. Anyone hearing me, Floxy Bee, sing would know that my purpose is to make music. And, truly, God on my side, I’ve done so well in Africa and in America.
You mix both Igbo and Yoruba languages in your songs.
(Laughs) That’s why I am the mother of culture. As a mother of culture, it means you appreciate a lot of cultures and should be able to sing in or speak several languages. I also sing in French, Spanish, Yoruba and Hausa. It’s only an ignorant man that will neglect his own culture and embrace another man’s culture. By embracing your culture, you are showing respect to your people.
You were away from Nigeria for a while. Now, you’re back. How would you rate the acceptance the Nigerian music scene accords to you and brand?
It’s been beautiful. Nigerian music scene is at its best right now. Nigerian artistes are so versatile and talented. And now they use their language to sing. They sing in Yoruba language, and the language is accepted in Cuba, Brazil and all over the world. A lot of people are learning Yoruba language, and they want to practise the culture. A lot of people want to hear Nigerian music, watch Nigerian movies because they know they’re coming from a place of originality.
What are the various things Yeye Asa is into, and how would you rate Nigerian music?
I’m into fashion and clothing. We sew clothes for women of plus sizes. Nigerian and African women must have the curves, that’s what makes the African women beautiful and unique. And the Nigerian music is totally different from hip-hop, jazz and what have you.
When are we expecting your new album?
I just dropped my new album with the video. It’s called Mo ye ge, meaning victorious. We released the album without fanfare, launching or party. It is out in the market, it is being played on television and radio. This year, I have released about six songs. Some of them are ‘Because I can help myself’, ‘Opami bi oti’ which is a love song. I also did ‘Moments of silence’, and ‘Eje ka t’aye se’, a song which people love. I wrote, arranged and produced the music myself.
What are some of the challenges you’ve had to contend with since coming to Nigeria and pushing your brand?
I shot the video to my music in Paris, but they refused to air it here on the excuse that it’s “Christian-like”. It’s so sad. I was asked to go back to the studio and re-do the song because there was a particular word that would not be acceptable. So, I went back to the studio and corrected it. Still they wouldn’t air it.
How does Yeye Asa relax?
I relax by playing my akungba drums or keyboard. I love to be among people. I like to laugh, smile. I love to be happy.
If you were to set up a legacy foundation to impact on people, what would you be focusing on?
My philosophy of life is, ‘Live, and let live’. Never judge anybody. Do not discriminate. Love everybody, because I believe in love. I would like to have an institute where they train artistes.
What is your advice for ladies who are struggling to fulfil their dreams?
I always say to them, ‘Go and get your education’, and after that come back to music. You should always have something to fall back on. The African music is very hard, except you make it big time. I’ve had to go to school. I am a chef, a personal trainer, voice coach. I’m also a security officer. I am so many things. And I love music; it’s my life and what I do best.
Where do dream to perform?
I’ve performed in Appollo Theatre and other big stages abroad. I’ve performed with Lucky Dube, the Lematoys Sisters, with our own Osita Osadebe, when he was alive. I performed for the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuade, and for (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo, I can go on and on! My target is where the Lord will take me to, the highest of heights!
