( CNN ) -- She may be a fully-fledged pop star with a growing global appeal but Nigerian singer , Asa , is determined to remain true to her African roots . The 29 year old artist initially found fame on her home continent thanks to her soulful musical melodies , which have since proved popular with audiences in Europe and beyond . She has since opened live shows for the musical superstars such as Beyonce , Snoop Dogg , Akon and John Legend . Ghana 's Bob Marley spreads message of brotherhood . But despite sampling the sweet taste of global recognition , it is Nigeria and Africa that remain the singer 's main sources of inspiration . `` I 'm proud to be Nigerian and I also hope other Nigerians feel proud that they have a great country , she adds '' `` People have preconceptions of Nigeria ... so for other Nigerians we need to know that we can not hide , we need to defend , and how do we defend , we need to be good at whatever we do , '' she adds . Asa is just the latest in a long line of African artists to make it big on the world stage . Singer Nneka tells world of love and injustice in Nigeria . Traditional acts such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Salif Keita have blazed a trail in years gone by , while up-and-coming hip hop artists such as K'naan and 2Face Idibia have taken on the mantle in recent times . In the gallery above , CNN takes a look at some of the continent 's most famous and much-loved musical exports .
She is a Nigerian singer songwriter . Her soulful melodies have led her popular with audiences in Africa and beyond . The century - old artist is the latest in a long line of African artists to make it on the charts .