Asa Asika was born in Lagos on August 20, 1990, but his roots trace back to Anambra State in Nigeria’s southeast. Though his father, Anthony Ukpabi Asika, held a notable administrative role during Yakubu Gowon’s military government, Asa didn’t grow up in political circles.
He lost his mother when he was only seven. That personal loss meant learning to handle life’s curveballs early. Asa is the oldest of three children, but there’s little public info about his siblings or their careers.
Growing up in Lagos shaped most of his early experiences. He’s Igbo by ethnicity and practices Christianity, and even though his upbringing was rooted in discipline, he never saw formal education as a one-size-fits-all formula for success.
Education and Views on Schooling
Asa spent his childhood and teen years in Lagos. He attended White Sands School in Lekki for his secondary education, graduating in 2008.
Unlike many of his peers, Asa decided not to pursue higher education. He believed that academic qualifications didn’t always translate to success. His stance was clear—while some people with advanced degrees struggle with job security, others with basic schooling manage thriving careers. Still, he supports acquiring knowledge in any form that works for the individual.
Breaking Into the Music Scene
Asa’s entry into entertainment wasn’t random. His uncle, Obi Asika, co-founded Storm 360, a well-known Nigerian music label. His cousin, Naeto C, is also a rapper and record producer. So, it’s fair to say music ran in the family.
At just 16, Asa got his start at Storm 360. He wasn’t just tagging along; he was involved in event coordination and working closely with big names like Naeto C, Ikechukwu, Sasha P, and ELDee. He also played a role in major concerts like MTN’s Homecoming and Samsung’s Love of Music.
Storm 360 eventually hit a crossroads when its co-founders, Obi Asika and Olisa Adibua, split in 2012. Asa had to figure out his next steps solo.
Managing Davido and Early Success
Asa and Davido knew each other before business came into the picture. They connected personally first, and that bond turned into a professional relationship. At just 20 years old, Asa became Davido’s first manager.
Things didn’t stay smooth. In 2013, they parted ways. Davido later said Asa lacked experience and wasn’t equipped to handle the growing demands of his career. There were also money issues. Despite the split, they remained on good terms.
By 2017, Davido had cut ties with his then-manager, Kamal Ajiboye, and brought Asa back into the fold. Davido shared the news on Twitter, explaining that he needed someone who truly understood his brand and could push his global reach. Since then, Asa has stayed on board as his manager, and their partnership has been productive.
Starting Stargaze and The Plug
Following his initial separation from Davido in 2013, Asa didn’t wait around. He launched his first company, Stargaze, focused on managing a wide range of talents—from singers to DJs. The artists under Stargaze included D’Banj, Ayo Jay, YQ, Boj, Ikechukwu, and even R2Bees from Ghana.
Then in 2016, he took things a step further. Alongside Bizzle Osikoya, he co-founded The Plug Entertainment. This company wasn’t just another management agency; it offered music licensing, publishing, distribution, and brand development. Names like Peruzzi, Mayorkun, Jinmi Abdul, DJ Obi, and of course, Davido, are part of their roster.
The Plug is structured as a holding company with several branches. One such arm, Plug NG Sports, launched in partnership with Pro Kicks UK Limited in December 2019. Under the leadership of Lanre Vigo, this division manages talents like footballers Asisat Oshoala and Henry Onyekuru.
In 2021, Plug NG Sports and K.S. Management introduced Plug Sports Elite U-20 Champions, a program focused on developing young athletic talents. Since then, they’ve organized competitions to scout new players.
Awards and Career Recognition
Asa has earned industry recognition over the years. In 2017, he received a nomination for Music Manager of the Year at the City People Music Awards and at The Beatz Awards. The following year, he won the City People Award for Artiste Manager of the Year and was nominated as Entertainment Personality at the Maya Awards Africa.
His work in 2019 was acknowledged again at The Beatz Awards, where he took home another Artist Manager of the Year trophy. He was also nominated at the African Entertainment Awards USA. In 2021 and 2022, he continued getting nods at The Beatz Awards and Muzikol Music Awards for his contributions.
In March 2021, Asa received plaques from the RIAA for his work with Davido and Ayo Jay, marking major streaming achievements.
Personal Life and Relationships
While Asa tends to keep his personal life quiet, his name once made headlines for his relationship with DJ Cuppy, the daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola. Before dating Cuppy, he was linked to another woman whose identity wasn’t made public.
Asa and Cuppy kept things subtle in the beginning. When asked, Cuppy said they shared a lot in common and that Asa inspired her. Eventually, they began posting photos together and exchanging public tweets, confirming their relationship.
Their romance ended in 2020. Later, Cuppy revealed during an online session that she was the reason for the breakup, saying she “messed up.” Since then, Asa has kept his dating life under wraps and seems focused on his work and growth in entertainment.
Staying Consistent in Entertainment
Asa’s story isn’t about overnight fame—it’s about staying in the game for the long haul. His work with Storm 360, building his own firms, and handling big names like Davido and Mayorkun all point to a hands-on approach and smart business choices.
He’s also been part of Nigeria’s growing creative industry by promoting concerts and nightlife through clubs like Rehab, one of Lagos’ go-to spots back in the day.
What makes Asa’s journey interesting isn’t just his professional wins but the way he has been in the entertainment world without relying only on family ties. His rise came through active participation and a knack for identifying opportunities at the right time.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
