Living in Canada for the past eight years and a recent citizen for two, Asuquomo is an Ottawa-based multidisciplinary artist and experimental emcee with roots from Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
His latest EP, Diobu, was released on June 12th, 2020. Recorded between Ottawa and The Banff Center for Arts and Creativity, the four-track EP named after his birthplace, is a study of the African diaspora in Canada and the collective recollection of ancestry. ‘YAHWEH’, the lead track of the EP, is an enchanting prayer which considers the understanding of patience and how it modifies one's relationship with time. The creation of Diobu received financial support from the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Ottawa.
The Fresh Committee describes Asuquomo as an artist who “seamlessly move[s] in between sonics with unprecedented ease...often painting distinct verbal visuals of his upbringing and cultural surroundings.”
Over the years, Asuquomo has received positive press coverage from CBC, HotNewHipHop, Bandcamp Daily, Apt613, and FACES Magazine. His newest release ‘YAHWEH’ was placed on countless online streaming playlists including Spotify’s Editorial Playlist: Boutique Tracks, Pitchfork, and a playlist curated by Japanese record producer Toshio Matsuura.
Asuquomo maintains an unmistakable and unique dexterity in both visual and auditory storytelling. His broad artistic range and energetic stage presence has earned him opening slots for the likes of Nigerian superstar Wizkid and Grammy-nominated Burna Boy. He has also shared stages with Mdou Moctar, Shay Lia, Zaki Ibrahim, Violent Ground, Jazz Cartier, Lido Pimienta, Cadence Weapon, Kimmortal, BROCKHAMPTON and Kodie Shane. Locally, he has played festivals like Marvest CityFolk, Ottawa RBC Bluesfest and Arboretum Festival.
Amid the international pandemic, Asuquomo continues to express his pan-African narrative and artistry. To support him, you can stream Diobu on all platforms and check out his upcoming drive-in performance for #CanadaPerforms with Ottawa RBC Bluesfest and the National Arts Centre on August 7, 2020 at Place De Festivals in Gatineau, Quebec.
