Genesis Owusu

Sydney

— July 9, 2019 —

Genesis is a Ghanaian-born, Canberra-based artist whose music is pure sunshine. Honestly, pop his track ‘WUTD’ on the speakers and try and be sad, we dare you! 

Aside from being a natural in front of the camera and a wizard in the studio, Genesis sure does have a way with words. In fact, he got into the rap game by writing poetry. Swoon! If you need more evidence, we’re passing the mic over to the witty wordsmith so you can get to know him a lil’ better in 3, 2, 1… 

Where are you from originally, and where do you live now?
I was born in Koforidua, Ghana, and now I live in the CBR ZOO, Australia.

How do you think your upbringing helped to shape your worldview?
Growing up almost exclusively around Brandons and Jakes in Canberra taught me that assimilation is a trick by Diablo Blanco, and that if you’re not wearing your real ass self on your chest then you may as well be naked.

Where would someone visiting your hometown for the first time? 
My momma house for some Ghanaian food and black woman wisdom.

How did you get into music? Do you remember the moment you realised you were good at music?
I got into rap through writing poetry—I thought I was good at music way before I was actually good at music. I’m probably still trash.

In your mind, what makes a good song?
Having a person who likes it.

Who/what inspires your creativity?
Colours I haven’t seen yet.

How would you describe your creative output in five words?
1. Just 
2. listen 
3. to 
4. the 
5. music.

Do you consider yourself a spiritual person?
I guess, but not really. I grew up in a Pentecostal church, so organised religion was a big part of my upbringing. It wasn’t until my teenage years that I decided it wasn’t for me, but for all my life up to that point, that was what I was taught was right. So that sent me into years of what might have been a minor existential crisis, until I just became content with not knowing. I think there’s more out there. I don’t know if that “more” is called Allah or Vishnu or Kanye West—I don’t know if I need to pray to the east or cleanse myself with crystals, but I think I’m good with not knowing and just being.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t take everyone’s advice.” I think I gave it to myself.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Look Death in the face and give him a smooch. Then I say wassup to mum and take a shower.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ghanaian jollof rice. Nigerians, don’t @ me and keep my name out ya teeth.

What’s the coolest or most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
JAY-Z just became a billionaire. Which is wild ‘cause he used to sell crack. That’s a businessman. 

How do you unwind?
When I Get Home – Solange (2019).

Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I’m writing this at 3:03 am.

What are you most looking forward to for the rest of 2019?
Watching my friends shine.

What books are you reading at the moment?
Pimp by Iceberg Slim.

Favourite movie?
Perfect Blue. It’s a 90s anime film about a pop idol who changes careers and becomes an actor, but the stress from the career change and a lurking stalker causes her to start losing her mind. She can’t tell the difference between reality, her dreams, and the scenes she is acting out during her films, and as the audience looking through her eyes, we can’t either. Super wild shit.

Are there any cultural shifts you hope will happen in the next 10 years?
Mainstream accessibility to (good) men’s flared pants. Better pockets for women’s pants.

Why do you think friendships are so important?
Humans are social creatures and without friends for nutrients we shrivel and become gremlins.

What does ‘cool’ mean to you?
It’s too fluid to mean anything to me.

 

Feature: Madeleine Woon     Photos: Ellen Virgona    Fashion: Miguel Urbina Tan

Shot on location in Sydney

                    

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