Genesis Owusu, born Kofi Owusu-Ansah, is a Ghanaian-Australian artist that has recently been making serious waves in his home country. His 2021 debut album, “Smiling With No Teeth,” released to widespread critical acclaim. Even a brief look into him will reveal he has won dozens of awards from a variety of Australian organizations ranging from the Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards to the Rolling Stone Australia Awards. His song “Gold Chains” even appeared on Former President Barack Obama’s 2021 year end playlist. Despite all this, his notoriety in the states remains minimal. This is why when I heard he’d be opening for Paramore on May 23rd in Charlotte, North Carolina, I had to be there.
An opener in designation only, Genesis Owusu, even without the support of The Black Dog Band, put on a charismatic and dramatic performance. The Spectrum Center darkened suddenly as Owusu was brought on stage seemingly on the shoulders of those under a shroud, himself covered in a dark cowl with disembodied hands all across the collar and shoulders. He began by performing his newest single “Leaving the Light.” It became instantly clear what the crowd was in for as his powerful, bellowing voice and the driving dance beat filled the arena. Owusu’s breath control was impeccable. The use of back tracks was minimal to non-existent and he never missed a beat. In fact, for the full thirty minutes he performed, he didn’t pause for a break even once.
As the first song came to end, his backup dancers, and his outfit, were revealed. A bright red latex suit, with the top cropped and open to reveal the fishnet across his chest. His loud outfit was matched by an equally exuberant presence. His charisma was undeniable and his stage presence was unmatched. Owusu was frequently on stage by himself for entire songs, and yet even when he got into his slow jams, he remained captivating. He was the definition of a consummate performer.
Owusu and Paramore are, initially, an odd mix of sounds. Genesis Owusu is a genre-chameleon of sorts. He has made songs in a more punk-leaning direction, but his usual stomping grounds of neo-soul, funk, and alternative hip-hop were the focus of his set. Bloc Party, who came after, were more in line with the sound of Paramore’s post-punk turn on This is Why. Regardless, Owusu’s stage presence, energy, and undeniable catalog won the audience over in the end. It is not often that an opener has a crowd cheering as loud as they were as he departed the stage.
As a personal fan of Owusu’s work, the performance was an absolute treat. It had a comfortable mix of new singles, unreleased tracks, and some highlights off of his debut. His live renditions of “Don’t Need You” and “Get Inspired” were particularly fun. In just thirty minutes, Owusu had given a concert experience so good I was sad to have it end. He will be returning to Charlotte in October for his headlining tour, and I absolutely plan to return.
His sophomore album “STRUGGLER,” releases August 18. If the singles and live shows are anything to go by, it's set to be yet another hearty round of awards and accolades for the young artist.
