elijah jamal asani is a Nigerian-American experimental artist whose work invites listeners to slow down and engage deeply with sound. His compositions, often created from field recordings and instrumental improvisations, explore the intersections of nature and music. In 2022, he served as an artist-in-residence at the Grand Canyon, producing works that reflect the profound influence of the natural world on his art.
Country | United States |
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Alumni of | Marquette University |
Knows languages | english |
Occupations | musical artist, composer, filmmaker |
Genres | Ambient, Experimental |
Real name | elijah jamal asani |
Instruments | Guitar, Piano, Zither |
Alma mater | Marquette University |
Early Life and Education
Born in Vancouver, Washington, elijah jamal asani grew up immersed in a rich cultural environment that shaped his artistic sensibilities. He pursued higher education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he studied creative writing. During his junior year, a leg injury led him to spend significant time in introspection, fostering a deeper connection to music and sound exploration.
Artistic Residency at the Grand Canyon
In the summer of 2022, asani was selected as an artist-in-residence at the Grand Canyon National Park. Over sixty days, he immersed himself in the canyon's environment, capturing field recordings and composing music inspired by the landscape. This period culminated in the creation of his album ',,, as long as i long to memorise your sky ,,,,' which serves as an audio journal of his experiences and reflections during the residency.
Collaborations and Performances
Throughout his career, asani has collaborated with various artists, including Angel Bat Dawid and Brandon Markell Holmes, contributing to projects like 'ephemerals' forever(s)' under the ensemble name ẹ̀bà. His performances often blend live instrumentation with ambient soundscapes, creating immersive experiences for audiences. In May 2025, he performed alongside Ben Seretan at dublab in Los Angeles, showcasing his latest works and discussing the relationship between music and nature.
Discography and Film Work
asani's discography includes several notable releases, such as 'memento{us}' and ',,, as long as i long to memorise your sky ,,,.' His music is characterized by its contemplative nature and use of field recordings. In addition to his musical endeavors, asani has ventured into filmmaking. His short film ',,, so thee lilac never wilt alone ,,,,' serves as a visual accompaniment to the album 'ephemerals' forever(s)' and has been featured in various film festivals, including the Afrofuturist Weekend in Chicago and the Seattle Black Film Festival.
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