God Knows: “We really, really should embrace our own things”

The rapper and musician, born in Zimbabwe and now based in Co Clare, talks‍ about finding Irishness in the countryside, the ‍power of music as escape, and challenging perceptions of where talent comes from.

From Zimbabwe to Clare: A ‍Journey of Identity

God knows,whose real name is Owen Mutenga,wasn’t‍ raised with a strong sense of Irish identity,despite arriving in Ireland at a young age. His connection to this country has blossomed not through passports or paperwork, but through a deep-rooted appreciation for place.”My Irishness, for ⁤me, comes from pride of place. ItS not based on a maroon passport, ⁣I’ll tell you that now,” he ‍laughs. “I love being irish. I love living in Ireland,especially the countryside.”

Growing up, music was a constant, a lifeline in a challenging environment. He recalls a childhood in Zimbabwe where music wasn’t just entertainment, ‍it was essential. “Music is a ⁢way of life where I’m from. We‍ love‍ music ⁢so much that we don’t have a problem if someone’s playing loud music next door. Music is life, because we come from a place of deep poverty, so that⁤ distraction was a very welcome and loved thing.” This upbringing instilled in him a profound respect for the power of music to uplift and connect. his uncle, Cde Chinx Chingaira, a celebrated Zimbabwean musician, was a notable influence. “He was regularly number one, and in movies. He actually played Connolly’s of Leap, which is something I only found out when I played recently.”

Challenging Perceptions and the Power of Representation

God Knows‍ is acutely aware of how perceptions are formed, and how those perceptions can be damaging. He reflects on the limited representation of Africa in Irish media during his childhood. “I think a lot of the discrimination black people faced in Ireland around that time came⁢ from the ⁤likes of ads from Oxfam and Concern. The ⁣only image Irish people would have seen of black‍ people, or Africa, were the clips of kids with flies in their eyes.” He draws a parallel to current events, noting how media coverage shapes understanding. “It’s the same way we see Gaza now. That kind of thing is a learned behavior, rather than coming⁣ instinctively, so there is hope for us all.”

This awareness fuels his desire to change the narrative, to showcase the vibrancy and talent emerging from Irish⁣ towns and counties. He questions why we don’t readily know the popular music from other european countries, contrasting it ⁤with the widespread knowledge‍ of⁤ music ⁣across African nations. “In Africa it’s really normal to know the big songs from all the different countries. like, even today, I can tell you the biggest songs from Nigeria, The Ivory Coast…⁤ I ‍find it weird that we don’t know music from Sweden or Norway unless something really cuts through.”

Building a local Legacy

God Knows ⁣is steadfast to build a‍ musical legacy rooted⁢ in Irish soil,inspired by artists who have championed their own communities. He asks, “Why don’t we make it like Bob Marley and those guys made Trenchtown? ⁢Or how Wiley and Dizzy make being from east London?” He envisions a future where counties like Clare and limerick are recognised as ⁢breeding ⁤grounds for musical innovation. “I’m hoping that one day people get to be like, Yo, Co ⁤Clare⁣ gave us Denise Chaila, ‍and Limerick gave us ⁤Strangeboy and Citrus and Pellador.”

He believes in the importance of⁢ embracing local talent and celebrating regional identity. “I want people to be proud to say, ‘That’s my neck of the woods’. Because I think sometimes we don’t embrace our own things, and we really, really should.” He playfully defines his own “culchie” status – “If I throw a stone, I can hit a cow. That’s⁤ culchie” – acknowledging the subtle stigmas that still exist, but ultimately advocating for pride in one’s origins.

God Knows’ album A Future of the Past is out⁢ on September 26th. He plays Sounds From A Safe Harbour in Cork City on September 12th.