The Nigerian-French singer-songwriter is celebrated for her inspirational and thought-provoking music. Now, Aṣa is taking her talents to the Ivy League, following her selection as a 2025 Yale World Fellow.
Aṣa, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, has been selected as one of the 2025 Yale World Fellows, a prestigious program that brings together leaders from diverse fields for an intensive four-month experience at Yale University.
The Yale World Fellows program, run by the university’s International Leadership Centre, is a flagship initiative designed to nurture leadership and expand global perspectives. Every year since its launch in 2002, 16 individuals are chosen for academic enrichment and leadership training.
According to Emma Sky, director of Yale’s International Leadership Centre, “This training will enable selected individuals to increase their capacity to make the world a better place.”
Selected individuals for the 2025 Yale World Fellows programme, via worldfellows.yale.edu
Aṣa as a global changemaker
Beyond her voice, Aṣa is celebrated for her thought-provoking lyrics about universal themes such as love, identity, and social issues. Her lyrical depth and authenticity resonate with listeners, establishing her as a compelling storyteller through her music.
Aṣa has transcended cultural boundaries, earning recognition not only in Nigeria but also on the global stage. As a 2025 Yale World Fellow, Aṣa will join a global network of changemakers, further solidifying her position as a leader in her field.
As part of the program, Aṣa and the other 2025 Yale World Fellows will participate in an intensive four-month experience at Yale University, where they will engage in academic enrichment, leadership training, and networking opportunities. This experience will provide them with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive positive change and address critical global challenges.
Aṣa now joins an impressive roster of Nigerian women who have been selected for the Yale World Fellows program, including Stephanie Busari, Head of CNN Nigeria Bureau (2020); Simidele Adeagbo, Nigerian Olympian (2019); Biola Alabi, former Africa Managing Director of M-Net (2014); Hauwa Ibrahim, a Nigerian human rights lawyer (2019); and Tokunboh Ishmael, co-founder and Managing Director of Alitheia Capital (2014).
This esteemed honour is a testament to Aṣa’s remarkable impact on the global music scene, where she has captivated audiences with her unique blend of influences and evocative voice.
