The participation of Assietou Gaye in Antonio Vergara’s acclaimed album The Fury has been recognized with a nomination for the 2025 Grammy® in the category of Best Contemporary Blues Album. This nomination marks a significant milestone in Assietou’s career, who played a key role in the creation of a project that not only celebrates the roots of blues but takes them to new heights with its fusion of traditional and modern sounds.
The Fury, released on August 29, 2024, features 13 tracks that explore the richness of contemporary blues while incorporating innovation from artists around the world. With contributions from several international collaborators, the album stands out for its musical diversity and the impressive quality of its compositions. AMARU was a part of this groundbreaking project, adding a unique layer of emotion and authenticity.
The participation of Assietou Gaye in The Fury has been crucial to the album’s distinctive character. Assietou joined a talented group of musicians and artists to create an album that goes beyond traditional blues, blending influences from various cultures and sounds. Their personal contribution highlights the depth of the project and underscores the impact of collaboration in contemporary music.
The Grammy® nomination for The Fury reflects the magic that is created when artists from around the world unite with a shared vision. With contributions from renowned international artists, the album has crossed borders and reached a global audience. The inclusion of Assietou in this project highlights the power of music to connect people from different cultures and create a dialogue that transcends the musical.
This project reaffirms the place of Antonio Vergara and all of its collaborators at the forefront of contemporary blues, showing that the genre continues to evolve and resonate with new generations. The Grammy® nomination not only celebrates the individual talent of the artists but also the power of collaboration and the ability of music to transform and inspire.
MEET ASSIETOU GAYE
Assietou Gaye is a singer, songwriter, and music researcher. Born with a passion for singing, she began her musical journey at the age of 8, becoming the lead vocalist in her middle school choirs. At 14, she recorded her first cover, catching the attention of a music manager who offered her a deal, which she declined to focus on her education. Her academic excellence was later recognized by the President of Ivory Coast, who honored her as one of the country’s top students in a special ceremony at the presidential residence.
After completing her secondary education, Assietou relocated to France for college. During her freshman year, she was cast by Disneyland Paris to record the anthem for the charity “Tremplins Blaise Matuidi,” founded by World Cup champion Blaise Matuidi. This experience allowed her to record in the iconic Disneyland Paris studios and perform live on TV, radio, and at events attended by some of the biggest names in soccer.
Pursuing a dual master’s degree in Data Analytics and Digital Marketing, Assietou began sharing cover songs on her Instagram, quickly gaining recognition from industry professionals.
By the age of 21, she became a member of the Recording Academy’s GrammyU program and authored a thesis titled “The Emergence of the Afrobeats Style in the United States Through Social Media: The Case of TikTok,” which earned an “Excellent” grade. In 2023, she graduated with dual master’s degrees at the age of 22 and moved to the United States. There, she immersed herself in the music scene, attending various Grammy events in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Nashville, while being mentored by a Grammy-nominated artist.
In 2024, Assietou made her mark as a background vocalist on the album “The Fury,” which earned a Grammy nomination in the Best Contemporary Blues category. She is currently working on her debut single, set for release soon.