Asya Satti is building a strong following on TikTok

A SINGER-SONGWRITER living in Hampstead is proving a hit on TikTok with her take on traditional Sudanese songs.

Asya Satti has attracted thousands of followers and racked up millions of social media views with her music videos. She said her aim is to show a different side of Sudan, which has been torn apart by war since April 2023.

The conflict has killed thousands and displaced millions, including some of Ms Satti’s own relatives.

“The news is very distressing,” she said. “It’s affected actual family members.”

Although she has never lived in Sudan, her heritage has kept her connected to the culture.

Ms Satti said her online platform has helped her cope with the ongoing crisis.

“Reading about Sudan is really hard, to be honest,” she said.“It is very, very difficult. I have to force myself to read about it. The TikTok is a way to stop feeling so helpless and Sudanese audiences really appreciate it. I wanted people to understand how phenomenal Sudanese music is. I love blues, and Sudanese music is the root of that music genre.

“The talent is exquisite. I reinvent the songs for old fans and new ones.”

Ms Satti said she hopes her videos also reach audiences who may not know much about Sudan’s culture and history.

“Sudan isn’t just war,” she said. “It has rich history. It’s the cradle of civilisation in that region.”

She has spent time living in north London, Sweden and Egypt and works with Humanitarian Action for Sudan, a charity that supports people affected by the war.

The organisation is led by members of the Sudanese diaspora and their supporters, including those who fled the war.

“It’s non-partisan,” Ms Satti added. “All we care about is basically raising funds and putting it as quickly into the hands of people who can mobilise that money and make use of it – and get basically the necessities that are needed there and then without the bureaucracy that sometimes gets in the way.”