Askia Birthday: June 12, 1994
Askia Karin, born on June 12, 1994, in Limbe, Cameroon, is a well-known Cameroonian rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress. She is popularly recognized by her stage name Askia and the nickname Mami Bakala.
Education and Ethnicity
Askia comes from the Oroko ethnic group in the South West Region of Cameroon. She grew up in Limbe, where she completed her primary and secondary education. Her love for music developed at a young age, prompting her to perform at local events during her childhood.
Musical Career
Askia’s professional music career kicked off in 2014 with the release of “Allez les lions,” a collaboration with J Millie of Fluri Boys. Initially, she was signed with Sieni Brothers but later moved to Mutumbu Records, where she released the mixtape Under Construction. In 2017, she joined Alpha Better Records and launched the single “Ma Valeur.” However, her time with the label was short-lived, and she left in 2018.
Askia’s music is characterized by a blend of Afrobeats and modern hip-hop, often tackling social and political issues. Some of her notable singles include:
“No Worry Me” (2015)
“Ma Valeur” (2017)
“Mami Bakala” (2018)
“Tat’Obasseh” (2019)
“Let’s Talk” (2020)
“La La” (2023)
“It’s Ya Birthday” (2025)
Her discography includes the albums:
I Tried to Return Your Missed Calls (2020)
Aries (2020)
Love & Life (2023) Postal Code (2025)
She has worked with various artists, featuring in songs like “Higher-Higher” and “Qu’est-ce qui n’a pas marché?” alongside Mr. Leo, Salatiel, and Blaise B.
Personal Life
Askia was previously married to fellow rapper Qilla, and they have a daughter named Nairobi. The couple eventually divorced. Askia has an estimated net worth of $10,000 (5.5 million francs CFA).
Awards and Recognition
In 2023, Askia was honored with the Best Female Rapper award at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) held at the Meyerson Symphony Centre in Dallas, USA. This award recognized her song “Ngarma,” a collaboration with Mr. Leo.
Expanding her artistic range, Askia made an appearance in the 2023 film Nganú, directed by Kang Quintus.
Askia remains a prominent figure in Cameroon’s music industry, celebrated for her impactful lyrics and energetic performances.