Abigail Asante talks challenges, empowerment, and her eclectic diversification from the drill scene
SONGWRITER Q&A: Abigail Asante
Hackney songwriter-rapper, digital creator and community leader Abigail Asante discusses her male dominated drill roots, female empowerment, mental health, and her continued plans to broaden her eclectic music catalogue beyond just drill. Get the full story in our exclusive Q&A below.
How did growing up in Hackney influence you to start making music? And how does it still inspire your music today?
To be honest, I can’t really say growing up in Hackney influenced me to start making music, because I became a rapper by accident lol – so it wasn’t something I ever really dreamt of. I always wanted to be on stage as a dancer or be in music videos, but never being the actual artist front and centre. I guess when I started making drill music – which is heavily dominated by males – that boyish, masculine persona was easy to fit into as I’m from the hood, the streets. I grew up specifically in Dalston, where 27 years later I have a billboard of my face on the same road I was born on, due to being recognised for my story within music and overcoming the challenges of mental health.
What’s behind your debut single ‘The Situation’? What is the situation exactly?
‘The Situation’ is just a single embracing female empowerment. Me and Ivorian Doll marketed the title like that in order to be strategic, as we were part of a viral situation at the time so it helped people tune in, as controversy sells. We don’t dwell on the past though, the past is the past and now we’re both successful individually.
Musically, what’s been a standout collaboration for you? And why?
I haven’t had any standout collaborations yet as I’ve been extremely up and down with music. I’ve taken many pauses and breaks, as well as made decisions of giving up on it due to personal reasons, so those big breaks definitely stopped me from progressing, but I’ll never give up. 2026 is the year of collaborations for me. I’ve been working very hard behind the scenes to explore new sounds such as RnB, real rap, hip hop, afrobeats plus more, but to also prioritise my health and mental state before returning to the music scene.
What has been the biggest challenge or obstacle in your musical journey so far? And how did you overcome it?
I think the biggest challenge was actually me and Ivorian’s duo split as it was super public and unexpected. Picking myself up from friendship heartache after years of friendship was so hard because I loved my best friend very much. So us splitting so soon wasn’t in the pipeline or even splitting at all. It was much more personal than what was out there in the media, but it’s not for the public to know but either. She’s doing amazing and I’m proud of her.
What’s the meaning behind the title of your latest single ‘Odo Bra’? What’s this song all about?
‘Oda bra’ was actually a paid collaboration that I accepted, and I would like to embrace my Ghanaian culture much more. Yungg Zues reached out to me, pitched the idea and I directed it and we made the song. Odo bra means “my love, come” in Twi, which is the native Ghanaian language. It speaks about the man wanting to marry his love, embracing her, her body, and their bond – where I respond embracing my worth, my standards and also my Ghanaian heritage.
You’re also a digital content creator and community leader. How much do you think the music industry and social media are connected these days? And do you think this is a good or a bad thing? Or both?
I would say I’m a content creator who appears on shows here and there, but I haven’t shown my full potential with content creation. I love that people still know me as one because I don’t feel like one just yet. My vibrant, bubbly and confident personality usually opens doors for me, whether that’s content creation, music opportunities, or industry events. Music is art. People want to know you personally as the artist, not just the music, so it’s important to portray that. Being a community leader can be a bit of a clash, as I work with young people who can also be my supporters. However, I’ll always stay true to myself and my artistry because what I post/say in my music is who I am and I won’t change for anyone. I just respect boundaries, I don’t oversexualise myself and I’m real. That’s what makes me an influencer.
What inspired you to start The Asante Touch? Does it have any connection with your music in any way?
The Asante Touch was inspired by not having any sisters. I have three brothers and no sisters; and I’m genuinely a very giving, nurturing person who wants to uplift young people. Especially dealing with rape at a young age, trauma, PTSD, and depression, but still being able to be strong, independent and hold a name for myself. I want young people to strive and know that with the right guidance, anything is possible. I’m all about female empowerment and building safe spaces, sisterhood, and I believe that it is my purpose to uplift others. It’s like a super power I have.
If you could pick anywhere in the world to play a show, where would it be and why?
I would love to play in America because my love for music is inspired by American artists, such as Missy Elliot, Beyoncé, Cardi B , Keisha Cole, Mary J Blige, Chris Brown, Usher, the list goes on! America seems to have more positive vibrant energy and support more than in the UK. They appreciate us and they love our accent so that helps lol.
What’s your favourite thing about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
I don’t actually like being an independent artist, as I went from having label backing and management to having to do everything myself. Even though it was my decision to leave my label, I had to be true to myself because I was depressed and wasn’t producing my best quality of music at the time. The only thing I like is the creative freedom to drop when I want, with who I want, and how I want.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2025? Can we expect an album in the near future?
I won’t be dropping any music this year unfortunately, as my health has been up and down. I needed to take a break off social media for my own sanity. I’ll be teasing a sneak peak soon though for my return early in 2026 – in which I’ll be returning, and staying for good consistently.
