Genesis Owusu

Genesis Owusu is a Ghanaian-Australian songwriter and performer whose genre-defying music blends laid-back funk, hardcore rap, and the energetic vibes of alternative rock. Influenced by the likes of Frank Ocean, Kanye West, OutKast, and Jimi Hendrix, his songs resonate with a mix of celebration and introspection, often addressing important social issues like cultural appropriation and police brutality. Emerging from Australia, Owusu gained recognition with his early works such as the EP Cardrive in 2017 and his dynamic live performances. In 2020, his track “Don’t Need You” caught the attention of music influencers in both the U.K. and the U.S., setting the stage for his debut album, “Smiling with No Teeth,” which took the music scene by storm in 2021, earning the prestigious Album of the Year title at the ARIA Awards. Born as Kofi Owusu-Ansah in Ghana, he later moved to Canberra, Australia, at a young age. His musical journey began with the Ansah Brothers duo alongside his brother Koji, also known as Citizen Kay, before he embarked on a successful solo career as Genesis Owusu. With his signature style and captivating performances accompanied by his troupe of dancers, the Goons, Owusu became a standout figure on the Australian music scene, receiving accolades such as ACT Live Voice of the Year. His singles like “Sideways,” produced by Hiatus Kaiyote members Perrin Moss and Simon Mavin, and hits like “Wit’ da Team” and “WUTD” further solidified his place in the industry. The release of his debut album marked a milestone in his career, garnering critical acclaim and multiple ARIA Music Awards. In 2023, Owusu followed up with his second album, “Struggler,” featuring a unique fusion of punk-rap elements and collaborations with prominent producers like Mikey Freedom and Jason Evigan.

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