The 2021 ARIA Awards truly belonged to Genesis Owusu, with the rapper claiming four trophies, including the evening’s showpiece; the ‘Album of the Year’ award for his outstanding debut Smiling With No Teeth.
Having also bagged ‘Best Hip Hop Release’, ‘Best Independent Release’ and ‘Best Cover Art’, there’s no doubt that 2021 has been one hell of a ride for the soulful star, whose tireless work since being discovered via Triple J’s Unearthed High in 2015 has truly begun to pay off.
“This is insane,” he said, listing his team as “geniuses.
“I used to get side-eyed when I was younger….but all the people I loved and respected always stood firm because we knew the power and had to love for what we created.
“For eccentrics, black people – it’s not up to us to change…it’s up to others to catch up on.”
Owusu said earlier of the release that ““Smiling With No Teeth is performing what the world wants to see, even if you don’t have the capacity to do so honestly.
“Slathering honey on your demons to make them palatable to people who only want to know if you’re okay if the answer is yes. That’s the idea, turned into beautiful, youthful, ugly, timeless, and strange music.”
Combining elements of hip-hop, soul, EDM and more, it’s a kaleidoscope of Owusus’ brilliance, showing off incredible skills that we will no doubt hear much more of in the years to come.
Other notable victors for the class of 2021 included RUFUS DU SOL for ‘Best Dance Release’ and ‘Best Group’, and The Kid LAROI taking out ‘Best Artist’ and ‘Best Pop Release’.
Check out the complete winners’ list for 2021 here.
