Genesis Owusu
Credit: Supplied

Smiling With No Teeth sounds like something counterproductive for most grill-wearing hip hop artists – but not for Genesis Owusu. The Canberra native has been finding ways to surprise, delight and contradict with his music long before 2020 when his hit “Don’t Need You” made Triple J’s Hottest 100. The Aria nominee’s debut album, Smiling With No Teeth, is no exception, merging influences from ’80s rock, funk, hip hop and R&B into a soaring 17-tracks. The album is difficult to pin down as is the artist, one among many singers who are collectively hammering the final nail into the coffin of straight genre.

The Ghanaian-Australian singer has quietly been carving out a successful career, even amid the pandemic and finally we can experience his tunes in person as he embarks on tour this April. Owusu will kick off his hotly-anticipated live shows in Brisbane before heading to the Sunshine Coast and Sydney and onto further capital cities across the country. Tickets are selling fast.

In the meantime, ICON had Genesis answer 10 quick-fire questions, so that you can get to downloading his music on Spotify sooner.

Your life motto?
“Who knows?”

One career highlight?
My crowd breaking a gaping hole in the dance floor at Falls Festival.

Dream collaboration?
Eric Andre.

An ideal day off?
Just hibernating like a bear in winter.

Biggest inspiration?
Anime coats.

A style you’ll never stop wearing?
I don’t plan ahead.

And a trend you hope never comes back?
I’m down for all da bullshit. Bring back planking.

An album you’ll never get sick of?
In Search of by NERD.

All-time favourite film?
Perfect Blue.

Your favourite city?
Canberra. Best tap water you’ll ever taste.