A Journey of Artistic Evolution and Personal Reflections
Genesis Owusu, a name that once caught the attention of none other than Barack Obama, is now making waves with his latest album, Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge. This eclectic and politically charged project has not only garnered critical acclaim but also highlighted the artist’s unique ability to blend diverse sounds and themes into a cohesive narrative. The ARIA-winning musician, whose real name is Kofi Owusu-Ansah, has seen his third album receive praise from some of the most respected names in the music industry, including The New York Times, Pitchfork, and The Guardian, as well as a glowing review from Anthony Fantano.
Speaking over Zoom from his family’s home in Canberra, where he’s taking a rare break before heading to Europe for a series of shows in Paris and London, Owusu reflects on his journey. “They can’t take Canberra out of the boy,” he says with a laugh, highlighting how his roots remain a vital part of his identity despite his global travels. “The boy’s globetrotting, but my heart is always here.”
Personal Insights and Life Lessons
Worst Habit?
Procrastination is a challenge for Owusu, who admits to being a “big chiller” who prefers to take things slow. Even now, while he should be packing for his upcoming tour, he finds himself avoiding mundane administrative tasks until the last minute. While deadlines often serve as a motivator, he notes that this doesn’t apply to his music. “My art’s the only thing where I’m like, ‘Okay, let’s get this out now.’”Greatest Fear?
Owusu’s greatest fear is stagnation and mediocrity, both personally and in society at large. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and growth, explaining that his music often explores different genres and sounds to push boundaries. “It’s why my music touches on so many different sounds and genres,” he says. “If I stop doing that, I feel like I’ve betrayed myself.”The Line That Has Stayed With You?
One of Owusu’s most memorable lines is “Think globally, act locally,” which he heard from Fred Hampton of the Black Panthers. This philosophy resonates deeply with him, especially in today’s world filled with complex global challenges. “Sometimes you feel powerless with all these crazy things that are happening,” he explains. “But all you can do is what you can do, and often that starts in your backyard and in your community.”Biggest Regret?
Owusu recalls a missed opportunity in 2014 when a friend suggested investing in Bitcoin. “I was like, ‘Hell no, bro, keep me out of it.’” Now, he admits he wishes he had taken the chance. “He only wanted me to put in, like, 100 bucks at the time, which would have been pretty significant now.”Tell Us About Your Turning Point?
For Owusu, his path has always been one of forward momentum. “I think I’ve always been on a relatively straight path,” he says. “There weren’t any 180s; it’s always been forward velocity and compounding evolutions.” From a young age, he knew he would end up in the music industry or something equally unconventional. “Whenever people would ask what I was gonna do when I was older, I would literally say, ‘Something crazy!’”The Piece of Art You Wish Was Yours?
Owusu expresses admiration for Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers live show in Sydney in 2022. “It was so good that I got mad,” he says. “When I watched that show, it was the ultimate version of what I always dreamed my show would be.” Although he felt a bit envious, he was ultimately impressed by the level of theatricality and creativity on display.If You Could Time Travel, Where Would You Go?
While Owusu isn’t particularly interested in time travel, he jokes that if he had to choose, it would be back to 2014 to invest in Bitcoin. “I don’t really want to go back to any time that’s more racist than now,” he adds. “And if we don’t do stuff in the present, then the future’s not looking too hot either.”
Conclusion
With Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge now available, Genesis Owusu continues to captivate audiences with his bold artistic vision and deep personal reflections. His journey from a young dreamer to an internationally recognized artist is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries. As he prepares for his European tour, Owusu remains grounded in his roots while embracing the global stage.
