We have to admit, we’ve been a bit lax about featuring DJs and producers in our Musical Road to Womex section. But today, we’re making up for it by introducing you to a rising star in the Afro-electro music scene – Asna.
Asna, an Ivorian DJ, producer, and visual artist, blends traditional African rhythms with global club music, drawing inspiration from the likes of Youssou N’dour, amapiano, and baile funk. After her time in France, she immersed herself in Moroccan music, which shaped her unique style.
In July 2021, Asna debuted with ‘Atalaku’, a fusion of deep house, Congolese rumba, and Ghanaian highlife. Her collaboration with the Paris-based producer anyoneID on ‘Abissa‘, released in February 2022, further expanded her musical horizons while also drawing inspiration from the traditional Ivorian Abissa ceremony.
Their musical partnership also gave birth to the collaborative project Kass Kass Rizer and the release of Landing on More Time Records. The EP offers an infectious fusion of coupé-décalé and Afro-house, presenting a fresh interpretation of West African rhythms with an international club vibe.
Could you briefly introduce your music to someone new at Womex and share the key influences and origins of your unique sound?
It’s always challenging for me to respond to this question because the music I create is something I can’t define precisely. My universe is a hybrid, and I aim to blend many genres with the goal of achieving the best harmony between organic and digital elements. I draw inspiration from my African roots and traditional percussion (which I’m obsessed with) and attempt to explore it within the electronic music spectrum.
Could you share a personal anecdote or experience that significantly impacted your musical journey and the evolution of your sound?
In 2015, I attended a traditional celebration in a small town in Côte d’Ivoire. During this celebration, a sacred drum called “Ndombole” played throughout the afternoon and into the night. The first time I heard the rhythm of this drum, I fell into a trance, and a clear vision came to me about how I wanted my music to sound. Following that experience, I produced the track “ABISSA” with the French producer Anyone ID, who is a master in electronic club music. Simultaneously, we formed our duo KAss KAss RIzer, which blends our respective musical universes.
In a world full of diverse musical genres, styles, and traditions, how do you believe your music stands out and brings something fresh and exciting to the audience’s ears?
I consider music as a spirit. I know it can be boring to read that, but I truly perceive music as something alive. I communicate with it; I seek its guidance before creating anything. In my creative process, I always strive to capture a wide audience with my rhythms while respecting their individual tastes. This is why I use the term “hybrid” to describe my music.
As Womex is not only a Worldwide Music Expo but also a lively global music funfair, are there any showcases you’re looking forward to attending and artists participating that you would like to meet during those five days?
Absolutely! I can’t wait to see Pekidjinn and Kutu band perform. They are perfect examples of the hybrid character I always seek in my productions. Pekidjinn is a young Tunisian producer who has mastered the art of blending traditional Tunisian rhythms with electronic and other genres; he is a true genius. Kutu band has a similar vibe, as they’ve discovered the secret to infuse traditional Ethiopian music with a futuristic twist.
This edition of Womex will take place in A Coruña. Have you ever been there, and is there anything specific you’re looking forward to doing, visiting, eating, and/or drinking in the Spanish city?
It will be my first time in Coruña, and I can’t wait to explore this beautiful city!
Womex is a unique opportunity to share and showcase your music with new people and inform them about your upcoming projects. Could you reveal some of your plans for the future?
I’ve been working on a very special project for over a year, but that’s all I can say about it for now…
If you had to draft an invitation card for our readers to join you at Womex and enjoy your showcase, what would you write on it?
If you’re eager for a powerful, hybrid club music experience, come join us on the 28th at Womex and witness a small Ivorian woman behind the decks.
- Asna will be performing at the Playa Club on Saturday 28th October from 2.30AM -