.jpg)
FGLF 2016 Author Interviews : Omar Musa
Longlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award, 2015.
Omar Musa is a Malaysian-Australian rapper, poet and author from Queanbeyan. A former winner of the Australian Poetry Slam and Indian Ocean Poetry Slam, his international hip-hop tours have included supporting legendary poet/singer Gil Scott- Heron in Germany. Omar has released three hip hop albums and two poetry books, including Parang, 2013. His critically acclaimed debut novel Here Come the Dogs was long listed for the Miles Franklin Literary Award and he was named one of the Sydney Morning Herald's Young Novelists of the Year in 2015.
Rapping and writing – how did these diverse and interesting passions come about for you?
My father was a poet in Malaysia and my mother was in the theatre. They showed me that through expressing myself through words I could turn my frustrations and anger into something beautiful and positive and empowering. I got into hip hop in early high school and never looked back. I see writing novels, poetry and hip hop as simply sailing down different branches of the same river.
What’s the thing about poetry you love the most?
That it makes the unseen seen. That is conveys through words the mighty matters of the heart.
What do you love most about hip-hop?
That it is poetry.
3 things you NEED to write successfully?
Fearlessness, persistence and playfulness.
3 things no one knows about you?
I’m good at pool, I like cats and I was once good at hurdling and running.
The most cherished comment or compliment you’ve ever received from a fan?
I received a bunch of letters from women in jail saying that my words had resonated with them and kept them going in hard times. There is nothing better than that.
Tell me about Here Come the Dogs. How did it come about?
I saw the Canberra bushfires up close and new that one day I would write about them. Later, I realised I would use a bushfire as the backdrop for a story about hip hop and race relations in Australia.
Expectations for GLF 2016?
Good people and fiery debate.
Expectations for Sri Lanka?
I’ve been before and I loved it. The food was some of the best I’ve ever had and the vibe reminded me of my father’s homeland, Malaysia, somehow.
Future plans?
A second novel, a book of short stories and a third hip hop album.
Omar Musa is one of the many writers who’ll be attending the Fairway Galle Literary Festival 2016.
Interviewed by Jennifer Rodrigo
.jpg)
0 Comments