“wordsofAzia” is an artistic identity crafted from a passion for songwriting, poetry, and spirituality. Azia often reflects her Ivorian heritage in her music. Her love for singing was ignited at a young age, influenced by her mother’s music rehearsals and a karaoke machine gift. She plays the guitar and writes in English and Bété, adding a unique dimension to her music. Her journey to the UK led to collaborations with local African artists, infusing her music with authentic sounds.
Azia is set to captivate audiences with the release of her new single, Oyè Wossô, on October 30th. Her music blends poetry, spirituality, and cultural heritage, reflecting her deep connection to her Ivorian roots and personal experiences. In an exclusive interview with Adekunle Owolabi, Digital Editor at the Africa Daily Post, Azia shared insights into her creative journey and the inspirations behind her work.
Musical Beginnings: Can you tell us about your early journey into music and poetry? How did your Ivorian roots influence your initial steps into the world of art?
“I grew up with music all around me. My mom is a singer, so I have a lot of early memories of her singing, listening to music, and dancing in the living room. Poetry came to me naturally as well, as I read a lot when I was younger, so it was a good way to express my creativity. I think I didn’t even realize how much I was influenced by my Ivorian roots until I came to the Ivory Coast and saw how I was similar to and connected with people there. It’s a big part of me and an aspect of my personality, so it came naturally when I started creating.”
Cultural Heritage: Your work blends spirituality, poetry, and your heritage. How do you stay connected to your Ivorian culture while navigating the modern music scene?
“I think by staying true to myself. I’m a mix of my culture and the modern music scene I’m a part of. I’m just trying not to do things to please others but to stay in tune with who I am and what I want to achieve in life.”
Creative Process: What does your creative process look like when writing and composing your pieces? Do you have a specific routine or environment that helps you get into the right mindset?
“In general, I start with the guitar. I’ll first look for chords, which help set the theme. Then I’ll start singing on top of it, and the words come out naturally. Once I have this foundation, I just elaborate and follow each idea to see where it leads.”
Inspirations: Who are some of your biggest influences, musically and poetically? How do they shape your sound?
“My mom is a big big influence. God is also a big big influence. After that, I listen to a lot of artists, but I try not to idealize or listen to too much music from any one artist in order not to mimic anyone. I will listen to tracks, songs, and artists, but very specific songs in general. Currently, I listen to Shabaka Hutchings, Thando Zide, Asa, The Cavemen… and a lot of other very talented artists. I think they inspire me in the authenticity I can hear in their music. I’m also very inspired by people who are just trying to make good music.”
About Lagô and Glory: Can you share the stories and themes behind your releases Lagô and Glory? What messages or emotions do you hope listeners take away from them?
“Lagô means God in Bhété. When I wrote it, I was expressing my desire to surrender to Him and feel His presence. ‘Lagô pouhome yeh’ means ‘God, save me.’ Glory was written at a time when I felt so content, full, and grateful to be alive, trying to walk the path that God has set for me.”
Challenges: What have been some of the key challenges in your career so far, and how have they shaped your journey as an artist?
“I think it’s about staying focused on the purpose and the creation, accepting to work with whatever you have in the moment. It’s very humbling. It’s also very unpredictable, and as humans, we try to control everything we can, when in fact, we don’t have much control over anything. It’s all an illusion. This process helps you let go as well.”
Spirituality in Music: Spirituality plays a central role in your work. How does it influence your approach to creating music, and what role do you believe it plays in connecting with your audience?
“Honestly, it’s a choice. For me, it has to be the center of my life, so if music is a big part of it, that has to reflect. I’m not exactly sure how it affects connecting with people, but I just hope it makes them feel good.”
Vision for the Future: Looking ahead, what are your goals or aspirations for your music? Are there any upcoming projects you can share with us?
“I want to create a great album, to see people singing in Bhété and feeling good while listening to my music—that’s what I would say. The upcoming project I’m working on is the release of Oyè Wossô!“
About Oyè Wossô: Oyè Wossô, meaning “he has risen,” is Azia’s musical offering of hope and strength to listeners everywhere. “The first half of the song celebrates the certainty of a new dawn, reminding us that no matter how long the night, the sun will rise again,” Azia explains. As the track progresses, it evolves into a series of personal affirmations designed to resonate with the listener’s own inner strength. “My hope is that Oyè Wossô will serve as a reminder that we are never truly alone in our struggles. There is always a source of support, be it divine, communal, or from within ourselves.”
Connecting with Fans: How do you engage with your listeners and community? What has been the most meaningful feedback or interaction you’ve received from a fan?
“I try to respond as much as I can, which isn’t very easy online, especially on TikTok. But I’m very grateful for all the meaningful words I receive daily—I could never have imagined that! I think the most meaningful gift I received was at a concert. A girl came with a little bag, a book, a letter, and some jewelry. It really touched me.”
Advice for Aspiring Artists: Lastly, what advice would you give to young African artists looking to break into the industry while staying true to their roots and identity?
“Connect with what makes you feel at home. Tap into that. Try to be as close to yourself as possible so you can connect, and just explore and have fun. Do it with love, not for love. Be generous.”
@wordsofazia deeply grounded.
♬ original sound – wordsofAzia
