Genesis Owusu Discusses Struggles With Depression On Album Release Day
"What I can say, is that this album is really about figuring out life. First half of this year I was depressed as fuck. Burnt out as shit. "
Genesis Owusu (Instagram)
Genesis Owusu opened up about his previous struggles with depression on the day of his latest album’s release.
On Friday, August 18, the Ghanaian-born, Canberra-based singer and rapper (real name Kofi Owusu-Ansah) took to Instagram amid the release of STRUGGLE, where he gave insight into his personal struggles throughout the first half of 2023.
“I feel like I've got a lot of shit to say, but when it comes time to say it, sometimes I have trouble getting the words out. I guess that's why I make the music,” he began in the post.
“What I can say, is that this album is really about figuring out life. First half of this year I was depressed as fuck. Burnt out as shit. STRUGGLER isn't necessarily about me, but I was def going thruuuu it. But at its core, the album is really a celebration of how we, as humans, manage to keep going through all of the shit that should have logically destroyed us a long time ago. The stubbornness of the human will to survive and persevere and make it to tomorrow. Like some lil roaches.”
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“I'll probably have a lot more to say about it once the dust has settled a little, but for now, I'll start with some thank yous,” he said before shouting out to those who helped him on the journey of creating STRUGGLER.
“Everyone reading this - do you know how hard it is to market an album about roaches and existentialism?? Thank you to everyone listed for taking the challenge and absolutely sprinting with it.”
He concluded, “And thank you to all the fans and supporters for rocking with me this far!! With all of this said, I humbly and happily present to you STRUGGLER. And yes, it is a Berserk reference. With Love Genesis Owussy.”
Owusu’s 11-track narrative journey that revolves around the metaphor of a Roach evading the divine presence. The story celebrates the determination of human survival in the face of challenges like pandemics, bushfires, and wars.
Blending diverse musical styles like Post-Punk, Poetry, Theatre, Garage Rock, Funk Rock, Hip-Hop, and Heavy Soul, and influenced by thinkers like Albert Camus, Franz Kafka, and Samuel Beckett, the album delves into themes of resilience, hope, doubt, and existential questioning.
The record — a follow-up to his debut album, Smiling With No Teeth in March 2021 — paints a multidimensional portrait of human experience, using genres as diverse shades of paint to explore the fundamental question of life's purpose.
You can check out the album and its tracklist below.
STRUGGLER ALBUM TRACKLIST
1. Leaving The Light
2. The Roach
3. The Old Man
4. See Ya There
5. Freak Boy
6. Tied Up!
7. That’s Life (A Swamp)
8. Balthazar
9. Stay Blessed
10. What Comes Will Come
11. Stuck To The Fan
If you are suffering from any of the issues that have been discussed or need assistance, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.
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