Interview: G.O.

Image edited by Naledi Sibisi

The finer things in life are often associated with champagne glasses and French dishes one can confidently pronounce once they begin to embody that Tom Buchanan, millionaire on East Egg lifestyle. For some of us, the finer things are fairly simple: good company, cheap wine and poetry that makes me feel things I forgot I was capable of feeling. 


I stumbled upon a poem on Tumblr and couldn't help but to hunt the writer down on another social network, at which point I proposed to him jokingly for the sake of maintaining groupie dignity or something of the sort. I later had the pleasure of listening to some of his pieces performed live and watched the goosebumps raindrop on every audience member in the room.

Months later, I have the privilege of exchanging a word or two with the well received Cape Town based poet G.O. Here's what he had to say:
   

Tell me about yourself

My name is 'G.O.' and I'm a Writer, Poet and Musician.  I'm also a son, a brother, student, an uncle, a friend and lover of Conscious Art forms. I'm the Lead Singer of 'NativeRefugee'. A Musical Band that blends between Poetry, Soul and Hip Hop. I was Born in Cape Town and raised in Durban by my Grandmother.

How long have you been writing and when did you start performing your pieces?

My Grandmother laid a Pen in my hand when I was 6 years old at an attempt to help me deal with my parents' separation. So, the year I first went to school, was the year I started writing. I wrote my first 2 page short story when I was 7 and a half, and haven't looked back since.  I became a performance poet in high school when I started being frequently asked to recite during Cultural Evenings and Assemblies. This was where I found my performance voice and stage presence - ignited by an incredible English Teacher that I had.

Who is your greatest poetic influence and which other artists do you admire?

Saul Williams would have to be my greatest poetic influence. A difficult question to answer; I draw from so many different techniques from several poets. But, Saul is it. Followed closely by Sunni Patterson, Gcina Mhlophe, Gwendolyn Brooks, Bassey Ikpi, Jessica Care Moore, Black Ice, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def. This list is endless. But nevertheless, filled with artists I admire for conscious content.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

My most treasured desire is to reach more people and it's also my biggest dream. In 5 years time, I see myself travelling further to perform; reaching different people, different stages, expanding my art and brand. And also, growing the Poetry Culture in our country. People are writing, but it's the culture that needs to grow.

Words of advice for upcoming and aspiring artists?

This is easy; I'm also an aspiring artist. What would I tell myself? Simple. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Only you know your limits. Only you can define them.
Trust your gut. It'll lead you to what will sell. Keep your integrity intact.  Hone your craft. Your talent. If they take away everything, your talent will remain. Value it.  Lastly, enjoy the pursuit of your dreams too. Laugh at yourself. Make mistakes. Make more. Thank God daily.

Where can we expect to see you performing next?

I'll be at Stellenbosch University on the weekend of the 17th of May performing at the InZync Poetry Sessions. For more info, please find my NativeRefugee Facebook Page or follow me on Twitter @NativeRefugee
@G_O_NativeREF

So, there you have it. "And on the count of three everybody run back to your fantasy, now G.O."