Asa, known by her stage name, was born Bukola Elemide in Paris to Nigerian parents who relocated to Lagos when she was an infant. Her father, a cinematographer, gave her access to a record library of prominent musicians, which sparked her passion for music. Before beginning her music career, Asa relocated back to Paris as a young adult and had her big break when her self-titled debut album, "Asa-Asha," was released.