We didn’t just pick a name off a list — we went looking for something that felt like us.

We roamed across Africa in words: Twi and Ga from Ghana, Kiswahili rolling off the Kenyan coast, and so many other tongues carrying the weight of stories older than we are. Each one had its beauty, but none held the mirror up quite right… until we found Asali.

In Hausa — one of the most widely spoken languages across the continent — it means origin, essence, originality, purity. The moment we said it, it clicked. Asalinmu. Our truest essence.

And this is just a stop on the journey. Africa is wide, and we’re growing with it — more languages, more voices, more representation, step by step.

When The Wordliners pitched the idea of a regular open mic, we didn’t think twice. Asali Open Mic Sessions was born — a once-a-month gathering where people show up, grab the mic, and let the stories spill. Hausa, English, Arabic, Pidgin, whatever language holds the truth that night — all of it lives here.

There’s something wild about it. Strangers come in, share their words, and leave a room buzzing. And the energy doesn’t stop when the lights go out — Asali stays with you, echoing, connecting, leaving little sparks behind.

We’ve poured love into this space, making sure it feels like home. And now we’re building a bigger stage — taking Asali digital, so anyone, anywhere, can find themselves in it. A place for the stories, the artists, and the communities they carry.

Two sessions in and we’re deeply grateful — alhamdulillah — and even hungrier for what’s next: more voices, more collaborations, more stories that sound like home. View some highlights

This is Asali.
Brought to you by Cavemen Africa and The Wordliners.