Take 5 with Genesis Owusu

Genesis Owusu is one of Australia's most thrilling new artists.

Born Kofi Owusu-Ansah, he immigrated to Canberra with his family when he was just two years old. Almost immediately he felt like an odd one out. And he used that feeling to get weird.

20 odd years later, his music, visuals, and storytelling has resonated with millions. He's won the ARIA for Album of the Year twice (first for Smiling with No Teeth in 2021, and then with Struggler in 2023), and leads the nominations again this year for his third album, Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge. All across the world people sing his praises. Barack Obama has a Genesis song on his summer playlist ('Gold Chains'). And he's done it all, his way.

Genesis Owusu's song choices:

Cibo Matto - 'Birthday Cake'

N.E.R.D. - 'Rock Star'

Lupe Fiasco - 'American Terrorist [Ft. Matthew Santos]'

Prince - 'All the Critics Love U in New York'

Tyler, The Creator - 'I Think'

00:00 Introduction: From Ghana to ARIA Award-Winning Musician

02:06 Early Life: Family, Music, and Immigrating to Canberra

04:50 First song: Cibo Matto, 'Birthday Cake' & Jet Set Radio Future