All things spirituality, ethereal vocals, and impeccable songwriting, Words of Azia embodies them all. The Ivorian artist may have only a few songs in her discography, but each one offers profound insight into her artistry. Weaving together rich, spiritual elements with deeply personal storytelling. Her vocals pour straight from the soul, creating melodies that are both pleasing to the ear and refreshing to the spirit.
Azia is intentional about every aspect of her music. The instrumentation, the delicate interplay of guitar and drums, and even her visual presentation. All contributing to the allure of her artistry. Her music is so powerful that it has become my personal motivation to take Duolingo classes seriously. Simply just to fully grasp the depth of her lyrics.
Her discography is not just to be heard but personally experienced. No matter how well it is described, its true essence can only be felt. A common reaction from listeners perfectly captures this sentiment: “I might not understand the language, but it ministers to my soul.”
Azia Seyden Tshiala, known as Words of Azia, made her debut in 2024 with Glory, a soulful track that showcases her vocal and sonic brilliance. The song is an affirmation in itself, as she hums and sings, “Glory comes all over me,” blending cultural sounds with a deeply moving delivery. Co-produced alongside Steven Amoikon, Glory set the stage for what was to come. A discography filled with music that resonates on a spiritual level.
Following Glory, she released Lagô in 2024, Lagô, meaning God in Bhété, is a dedication to her journey and spiritual experiences. It’s a soulful rendition that leaves a lasting impression, prompting listeners to develop an interest in her language and cultural expressions. The song’s depth lies in its lyrical and melodic composition, with songwriting credits from Keïna Etenor, Nelly Azia Seyden Tshiala Changachanga, and Yao Rose.
The visuals for Lagô are equally striking. Azia is seen in regal attire, beautifully adorned, while seated alongside her mother. This reinforces the cultural and familial influences that shape her music. Every visual she releases is not just aesthetically stunning but deeply rooted in tradition.
Closing 2024, Azia released Oye Wossô, a track that encapsulates resilience and hope. The lyrics, “There is a light inside of you everyone can see, how gorgeous and shiny and warm it feels,” reflect the spiritual undertones of her music. It is an invitation to deep introspection and self-rediscovery. Oye Wossô translates to “he has risen” and draws from her traditional Bhété chants to emphasize themes of renewal and perseverance.
The track unfolds in two parts: the first half celebrates new beginnings, the arrival of light after darkness, and the renewal of life. The dawn is not just the start of a new day but a symbol of hope, divine intervention, and fresh starts. The second half shifts toward personal affirmations, reinforcing inner strength and faith.
Azia shares, “This song is a message of healing and strength. It’s about knowing that we are never alone in our struggles and that divine support is always with us.”
With visuals shot in Dalolo, Ivory Coast, Oye Wossô immerses the viewer in rich cultural landscapes. She follows this with Far from Land. It is a more fast-paced and energetic track featuring joint contributions from Project Anubis and Moussa Mouskabiri Traoré. Adding even more dimension to her evolving sound.
Words of Azia’s music is a reflection of her Ivorian heritage, deeply intertwined with cultural and spiritual influences. Her mother’s impact on her music is evident, shaping the foundation of her strong discography. By seamlessly blending Bhété and English, she adds a new dimension to her already poetic and spiritually resonant style.
Her music is more than just sound. It’s an experience, a journey into self-awareness, faith, and cultural appreciation. Whether through her breathtaking vocals, intricate instrumentation, or visually captivating storytelling. Words of Azia is crafting a legacy of soul-stirring masterpieces that will resonate for years to come.
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