In 2016, Asa Givens first stepped into the music scene under the name Ksongz, releasing his debut single “Ijo”. With his unique sound and powerful vocals, Ksongz quickly made an impression. However, just as his career was gaining momentum, life took a difficult turn. Asa faced a series of personal struggles, including health issues, a broken relationship, and undergoing multiple surgeries. These challenges forced him to take a break from music to focus on healing.
During this hiatus, Asa was signed by a record label with plans to groom him for his next big release. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as expected, and the partnership dissolved before new music could be released. Despite the setbacks, Asa never lost his passion for music. As he emerged from his personal trials, recovering physically and emotionally, he realized it was time for a fresh start.
In 2024, Asa made the bold decision to change his stage name from Ksongz to Asa Givens, signaling a new chapter in his career. He explained that the name Ksongz was too common, with many other musicians using similar names. Asa, taken from his Ghanaian name Asamoah, holds deep cultural and personal significance. In Igbo, it means “beautiful”, and in Yoruba, it means “love”—two themes that reflect the message Asa wants to convey through his music. The addition of Givens represents his realization that, after everything he has endured, life has given him another chance to share his talent and voice with the world.
During his time away from music, Asa reached a dark moment where he attempted suicide. Thankfully, he was rushed to the hospital in time and was saved. This life-altering experience made him realize that his time on earth wasn’t up and that he had been given another opportunity to share his story, voice, and talent.
In January 2024, Asa Givens made his musical comeback with the release of his single “Rington”. The song isn’t about his own resilience but instead celebrates the resilience of a friend and anyone who sees themselves as beautiful, bold, and proud. “Rington” speaks to those who love their skin and body, no matter the color, embracing their identity with confidence.
The journey from Ksongz to Asa Givens is one of survival, resilience, and transformation. Through his music, Asa hopes to help others feel loved and beautiful, just as he has rediscovered his own strength and purpose.
