Aṣa gave me the best concert of my life
Good times are always gold.
When tickets came out for Aṣa’s show, I saw the prices, looked at my account that was already red and said to myself, ‘not this time, Precious.’
But I knew I was lying. I knew there was no way Aṣa would perform in this same Lagos and I would be drooling away on my bed. No way. Not after all those nights I spent being transported across worlds on the wings of her deep and soulful voice, embracing pain, happiness and hope.
I remember when her fourth album, ‘Lucid,’ dropped. I wasn’t even heartbroken but that album broke my heart and then mended it. I would keep ‘Torn,’ ‘Femi Mo,’ ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ and ‘My Dear’ on repeat. The emotions were so palpable and raw. And when ‘V’ came out, it was great to see Aṣa singing from a happier place. ‘Good Times’ and ‘IDG’ were on everyone’s Instagram stories.
So I bought the tickets, and I came prepared for the night of my life. Safe to say, I got exactly that.
Aṣa owned that stage. Her voice was powerful and when she wanted it to be, playful. She danced, we danced, she sang, we sang.
I saw the power of music. I knew it existed, I’ve felt it in little doses, I’ve heard people talk about it. But yesterday, I lived it. At first, I didn’t understand why it was that good. I’ve gone for other Eko Hotel shows with big stars and state-of-the-art sound, but I didn’t feel nearly as connected. Then it occurred to me. This was music that spoke to me in ways other artists’ couldn’t. I might like a song and dance anytime it comes up but Aṣa’s music didn’t need you to gbese to it. Just listen, understand, feel.
I screamed ‘Bibanke’ like I spent the night before drowning in a pool of my own tears. But no, it was just a heartfelt story woven around great sound and served to me on the soft cloud that is Aṣa’s voice.
The lady next to me said this is music for the soul, and as cheesy as that sounds, it is true. Last night, I was so happy because my soul ate good. It felt wonderful to hear so many voices singing along to songs that before last night felt like they belonged to just me.
Aṣa sang her heart out for over 2 hours and I still wanted more. I wanted her there the whole night. If there is an Aṣa concert happening tonight, I’d still go and I will sing and scream and shout “I love you, Aṣa!” And quietly, a voice out of nowhere will creep up in my head and say, ‘I wish you the best, you magnificent and talented woman, and I truly hope you’re happy.’
My only regret? After attending so many concerts and recording half of it, I decided to do things a little differently and I recorded sparingly. This morning, as I watched those videos, I immediately regretted it. How can I relive this concert when I don’t even have videos of her singing my favourite songs? Never again!
P.S. Aṣa, pleaseeee, when next you have a concert, can I ask you to perform ‘My Dear?’ I’ll probably cry.
P.P.S. This is a shout-out to Bukky who is the best concert buddy by far! Here’s a tip, if you ever want to attend a concert, go with someone on the same wavelength as you.
P.P.P.S. Everyone has been asking me why I don’t write anymore. Turns out all I needed was an Aṣa show!
