When Asa and I get on a Zoom call, she has problems with the sound of my mic. "You sound like you're in an empty room," she tells me and then proceeds to direct me on how to move and angle myself to help improve the sound quality while casually explaining how sound works in an open space. It’s impressive to watch her quietly, but confidently talk about sound. It's this intuitive understanding and mastery over music that has made Asa into the enigma that she is today.

Over the last decade, Asa has established herself as an A-lister. Her vocal ability—especially as a live performer—and her pen game are considered some of the best within Nigeria. She's had significant commercial success and is adored by the masses across the country, continent and beyond. Yet, Asa is in some ways removed from the music industry, existing as an entity of her own, crafting her sound, style and rules.

Asa and I talk about her fifth studio album, V, which she recorded and produced primarily in her home in Lagos—a first for the singer whose traveling and performance schedule has meant she has had to record, write and usually produce in between trips. But that’s not all that is different with this album; Asa now works with vocal collaborators. For the average artist, featuring and being featured by others is a norm, but Asa isn't at all average. Across her three studio albums, she hass yet to feature another act. With V, she is changing that with contributions from the likes of Wizkid, Amaarae andThe Cavemen.