Last month, Genesis Owusu turned Sydney’s FBi Radio into his personal playground.
For one night only, the ARIA-winning artist co-hosted a special “PIRATE RADIO” takeover with FBi’s Ruby and Al, fielding questions from fans (some of whom packed into the studio), before jumping on the decks with Motorik for a back-to-back DJ set.
The night showcased why Owusu, born Kofi Owusu-Ansah, is one of Australia’s most creative artists, with his unfiltered energy, fearless experimentation, and an instinct for community all on show.
Owusu’s debut album Smiling with No Teeth took out the top spot in Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s Best Australian Albums of the 2020s So Far list. Purportedly a hip-hop album, it found Owusu journeying dizzyingly through jazz, rap, and soul, whatever genre he fancied exploring.
The takeover came in the lead-up to new music, and it wasn’t the first time Owusu blurred the lines between artist and audience. In recent months, he’s been breaking bread (literally) with fans, hosting intimate dinners where he shares meals and unreleased songs.
“I think it’s more important than ever right now to see people face to face, and speak human to human, rather than just be caricatures on someone’s TikTok feed. That’s why I’m actively trying to tap back into the community, so it’s been amazing to have the support of institutions like FBi and to also be able to support them back,” Owusu said of the takeover.
FBi Radio was chosen specifically for its role in championing homegrown talent, but reflects more widely on how independent artists, labels, and community radio can support each other in meaningful, future-facing ways.
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“Independent labels and community radio stations like FBi go hand in hand – together we give local artists that might get overlooked elsewhere the spotlight,” FBi Radio’s Tyson Koh said.
“We don’t wait for acts to make it big overseas, we support them straight out of the gate. It’s more than airplay, too. We push talent online, give them a stage at live events, and work everyday to build a thriving, connected music community.”
That mutual support is exactly what made the collaboration feel so right, according to Andrew Klippel, founder of ourness, the label behind Owusu.
“For an independent label, community radio is one of the most important bridges between artists, fans and the industry. FBi has played a huge role in championing talent beyond Sydney, so working with them on the ‘PIRATE RADIO’ takeover felt completely aligned with Kofi’s vision and themes as he launches this new album cycle,” he explained.
“Partnerships like this highlight how artists and stations can grow together — building authentic experiences for audiences and fans while ensuring community radio continues to thrive.”
