2021 AFRIMA nominee Askia, has been able to climb the ladder to the peak of her career against all odds. She didn’t do it without battling some awkward career-ending decisions. It’s often said that the fruitful trees, receive more stones, and you might understand why Askia has not only been the most bullied, but also the most talked about in the industry for almost losing herself to drugs, to turning her career all around.
Askia Karin, popularly known musically as Askia or “Mami Bakala” has revealed that she was ousted from Alpha Better Records headlined by singer and producer Salatiel. Askia refused to blame Salatiel for sending her packing in 2016, and backs her former boss for his decision, saying he was building a legacy which involved many people and she didn’t expect him to jeopardize the work he was putting in to keep the dream alive just because of one person – her.
The now independent rapper, also reveals that she was into drugs which she was very addicted to, which led to her inconsistency and a lot of drama therein that couldn’t keep her at the growing label. Before getting kicked out from the label, she had just released “Ma Valeur” a song produced by Salatiel.
She was also part of the Alpha Better group alongside Mr. Leo, Blaise B and Salatiel himself. They released “Higher Higher”, a Christmas and new year jam which still hits hard especially during the festive period like this!
They often say that, if you sit with four great people, it’s either you’re the fifth, or will suddenly become the next one. As such, when we all thought she was settling perfectly with the boys who were on fire at the time too, she was shockingly sent parking without a clear reveal of what happened.
Since leaving Alpha Better Records, Askia has toiled from one place to the other, battled with Record Labels, but has somewhat settled jealously well, especially finding her form again and sticking to it. It can be debated that her ousting from ABR didn’t only make her discover herself more, but it equally challenged her to making some career transforming changes.
As we speak, Askia is a mother of one, got married in the process, and is an owner of several businesses like Qwin Mentality She redefined her stance in the industry as she stood out and up for many ladies, especially in the music industry, with her “Get the Bag series” which had nine episodes and a concert to her name.
While talking with Karawa still on ouzout, she made it clear that she has come a long way and sees no reason why she wouldn’t share her story to help other young ones grow and learn. In her words she said
“The reason why I’m Askia today is because of those of those little nasty things in the past. I don’t think i could have been who i am today, if i was a Nabila or a Daphne, No! It wouldn’t have worked.”
