On this week’s episode, we’re spotlighting Ghanaian singer, Asi Renie, who has been on a steady rise in recent times. In the heart of Ghana lies Asi Renie, whose music is getting recognition by the day as she carves a niche for herself. We talked about her career, challenges and the journey so far.
49th Street: Introduce yourself?
Asi Renie: So my full government name is Renie Asi Bampoe-Abu (born 17th September 1999, Virginia US) but as an artist, I go by Asi Renie (raised between both Ghana and the US). I’m a singer and songwriter climbing up the ladder to become one of the world’s greatest vocalist and artist.
49th Street: For how long have you been in the music industry?
Asi Renie: My music career kicked off in 2019 with the release of her debut EP “Piece Of Me”. After the release, I’ve been busy releasing more music and performing on several stages locally and internationally.
49th Street: How has the journey been so far?
Asi Renie: It’s been a didactic journey so far, I’ve learned a lot, not just making music but managing people and doing the most with little resources. I’m creative with everything!
49th Street: What are the challenges you’ve faced so far?
Asi Renie: The biggest challenge was balancing my ongoing degree in Power and Energy Engineering with being a full time artist.
49th Street: How would you describe your style of music?
Asi Renie: My style cuts across Neo-Soul , Afro-soul, South African house, EDM, R&B /Soul, Afro-Blues and other genres I am yet to explore. The goal for my music is to be a movement that enlightens the masses, promote love and unity. I want to take my listeners on a journey, where they find themselves, reaching deep to return to their true self, understanding we all have roles for our collective rising; to see real change in our community. Especially in my home Ghana, then eventually to all of Africa. I want to be able to build a merger between different Areas of knowledge and ART, – being a powerful tool to raise awareness and make change in our community.
49th Street: What factors influence your music?
Asi Renie: My parents are a big factor, forcing me to go for piano lessons when I was 9 and constantly playing jazz and soul music at every gathering in my house.Travelling, mostly across Africa, and experiencing new sounds, culture, just soaking in my environment.
49th Street: What was the idea behind Chapter V?
Asi Renie: Chapter V explores the open ended nature of love and its complexities, inspired by ‘the mystery girl’ protagonist in Songs of songs, who is very vocal about her desires, and her need to give love and receive love. The songs present love as a giver of emotions rather than an emotion in itself. I was inspired so much by the story because I could relate so much to how she was feeling, having your heart broken over and over and still loving regardless.
49th Street: What was the reception like?
Asi Renie: I am still overwhelmed by the love the project has received, it’s beautiful to know people connect with your art.
49th Street: What was it like working with $pacely on Love Riddim?
Asi Renie: $pacely is one of my closest friends in the entire universe lol, the synergy was crazy and outcome beautiful.
49th Street: What should your fans be expecting from you in the nearest future?
Asi Renie: More music, more visuals, more shows, more art that inspires and radiates good and positive energy.
Listen to her latest EP, Chapter V