Genesis Owusu at Heaven

The stage was thick with smoke and the room dense with anticipation as onlookers waited within the arches of Heaven for Genesis Owusu to take the stage. The Ghanaian-Australian rapper is currently on a world tour to promote his second studio release Struggler, which has been a complete hit after winning three prestigious ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) music awards.

Chatter filled the room before we were silenced by a dull bassline, seizing the audience’s attention. Owusu took to the smoke-filled stage wearing a dramatic floor-length leather jacket and sunglasses. The stage was minimalist with only a small table bearing a book and a colossal, shrouded object in the centre. Owusu opened with Leaving the Light, the inaugural track from Struggler, its energetic bassline electrified the atmosphere, truly setting the tone for the night. In a dramatic reveal, the black veil lifted to reveal a towering box of strobing lights, synchronising seamlessly with the music, lighting and choreography, a flawless symphony.

As the performance unfolded, Owusu’s stage presence enchanted the audience further. Amidst musical interludes, he frequently turned to the book on the adjacent table. Its pages, when opened, illuminated his face in a golden glow, accompanied by a robotic voice from above. “We keep running and fighting, but what’s the point?” it spoke, and the soft groove of See Ya There faded in. This smooth jazz track changed the energy of the room dramatically, almost like an auditory breath of fresh air, showcasing Owusu’s versatility and the emotional range of his performance.

Owusu’s interactivity was a standout feature. Sharing insights, he mused “(Struggler) is about the strength that we all have within us that I don’t think we appreciate in ourselves,” before introducing the next track Stay Blessed. This song was possibly the highlight of the night as Owusu descended from the stage into the crowd to join his fans and mosh with them during this high-energy track.

Genesis Owusu emerged not only as an exhilarating performer but also as a masterful curator of musical balance, seamlessly blending moments of frenzy with interludes of serenity. As he exited the stage, leaving behind a resonant echo, one word lingered in the air, “Peace!” a fitting conclusion to a night that transcended mere entertainment, leaving a permanent mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness the captivating synergy of sound and spectacle.

Charlotte Gornall
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Genesis Owusu’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Stay Blessed here: