Meet Olu ASÉ | Emcee, Poet, Historian & Community Organizer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Olu ASÉ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olu, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
One of the determining factors in the continued pursuit of a goal, or objective, is your ability to recognize what works and what doesn’t. I believe that no one ever truly gives up, they just find find landmarks on the way to their true purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Husband/Father/Emcee/Poet/Griot/Community Organizer/Fashion Designer … the list goes on. Combining African Spiritualist concepts with varying aspects of Hip Hop Culture, I literally paint pictures with words and allow the listener to journey through what I call “The Experience”. After my second independent release, SOLID (Standing On Land I Designed) the thing that I’m most excited about has been the continued support and encouragement that my work has garnered over the last few years. Anything worth having will take determination, persistence, and dedication. Nothing has come easy to me in life, and for that I’m thankful. When all is said & done, I want the world to know that I stand on business, I’m for the advancement of my people on a global scale, and I’m only getting better at my craft. I will show through actions and deeds that one does not have to become a spokesperson for the stereotypes that the world perceives of so-called Black people in the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Depending on the time of day, some of the places that I would take my guest for drinks and good food would be Carribean Hot Pot, Kulture, Taste+Bar, Reggae Hut, The Breakfast Klub or Lucy’s Ethiopian restaurant. If you’re looking for a place to hang out, the top 2 places that I would recommend would be Alley Kat for night time and The Library for some relaxed and meditative day vibes. One of the places that you can go to find interesting, exciting people & gain some knowledge is The Shrine Of The Black Madonna’s Buy Black Market Place. With a vast array of vendors with everything from Spiritual items, clothing, scented candles, organic soaps and body scrubs, this is definitely a great place to bring the family.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my wife Niaza and our entire families. The ASÉ Project, Audio Intelligence, 4ORTYAKRZ, 90.1 FM, The Shrine of The Black Madonna, The BLA, & every energy that’s been vital in my growth.

Instagram: @olu_ase
Twitter: @olu_ase
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKm-VTBtN37nYJHAjb5BcSg
Other: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1521610188

Image Credits
@th3rdeyestudios