World Music Wednesday is a new weekly segment on The North 103.3 FM. Every Wednesday at 4pm on Northland Afternoon, we will feature a brand new release or a significantly important past work from our vast library of music from around the world.
Support for World Music Wednesday comes from Simply Ballroom in Duluth's Craft District. https://www.simplyballroom.com/duluth
This week's World Music Artist Spotlight is Immy Owusu.
Immanuel “Immy” Kwabena Dreessens-Owusu is an artist of Ghanaian-Dutch heritage from the seaside town of Torquay in Australia - known as the Surf Coast.
Immy Owusu grew up living and learning in two worlds; the coastal rock scene of Australia, and the West African culture of his Ghanaian roots. Wishing to explore the origins of Rhythm and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll, in 2016 he travelled to Ghana to study under his grandfather, Koo Nimo, a highly renowned Ghanaian Hi-Life musician.
Immy’s family’s musical legacy informs his songwriting, and Immy fuses traditional styles with psychedelic, rock, afrobeat, and funk - a sound described as 'Afrodelik.'
During the 20-21 lockdowns he holed himself up in a caravan deep within a bush property on Bells Beach, took up surfing, and began writing songs for his official debut album.
In July of 2023, his debut album ‘LO-LIFE!’ was released on Hopestreet Recordings and features his father Kojo Noah Owusu and Ghanaian drummer Julius Sackey, and members of cinematic soul bands Karate Boogaloo, Surprise Chef, and The Senegambian Jazz Band
Immy teaches drums and has been the touring and studio drummer for artists such as Yirrimal and One Spirit Africa. In addition to drums, guitar and vocals, Immy plays balafon, seprewaa and djembe in the Ashanti tradition.
