Podcast appearances and mentions of otis mensah

We chat with Sheffield's former Poet Laureate, Otis Mensah. As part of The Lord Mayor's Big Read, listen to well-known Sheffield personalities chat about the books they love. Listen online and let us know about your favourite reads on social media, #SheffReads. Discover more about the Lord Mayor's Big Read at https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/libraries-archives/lord-mayors-big-read Learn more about Otis and his work at https://otismensah.com/

Dear ones, My life is a f**king magazine. Pages of projects, my life, twixting and twaining. I've grown up in them. You are your experience, and in the same way that you are what you sleep with, you become what you do, I guess.I wasn't sure whether to hammer your inboxes daily with micro-content, a la Patti Smith, in the run-up to my biggest news to date (beyond Psychomachia) or to just throw it ALL down here.Because what I really want to share is our. Beautiful. Single. (You can nab a pre-order of here).But it feels more honourable to make a cover star award of Geoff Travis, founder of Rough Trade - arguably the most important indie label in the history of the British recording industry.  We met as judges on the Doc n Roll Festival, he memorably said, “I bet you like performing,” as we hustled together for a group shot. He's right. Just gotta stay away from manifesting drama in one's personal life, and love you what you do - but like all those Wellness Live Ya Best Life aspirational platitudes - how do you jump off the cliff by a bungy rope if you ain't stapled in financially?When I went back to university at 25, bounding in all Educating Rita, like a spring daisy from another nervous breakdown/rehab (again), I did a BA in New Media Journalism and Radio, it taught me to be pretty self-sufficient and DIY, editing across media, coding, I was working in BBC Radio as a researcher by the second year, reporting at celeb parties and on September 11th, before making radio documentaries for 1XTRA, R2, etc. Authenticity has become more and more apparent to my sanity over the years. I've taught Media Ethics, Broadcasting, Pop video courses, loads of zine workshops with victims of torture, and minority groups, after school clubs - that sort of thing before getting more and more quasi-academic, and wannabe Doctor, shifting between teaching vocational media work to City & Guilds, B-Tec, undergrads and some Masters (in a particularly sketchy institution).  I've also consulted internationally for cash. I've become more and more capable over the years, but it also means I am pretty multi-skilled and good at problem solving, but it also prevents me from working to true calling. As life does for most people who have to earn a living.  The reality of being a writer and performer is that without compromise to industry demands, you're on your own.Which flips me back to Geoff Travis -  there was a crossover period when I was still trying to lecture and edit Ambit (Ambit won in the end, despite it being a charity, and the money not being as good as teaching, I felt more committed to the responsibility of helming this great institution).I invited Travis to give a guest lecture when I was leading a class on the Music Industry to American undergrads (employed by the brilliant writer, Heidi Dunbar James).  I was surprised what I knew, despite having written about music since my early days, DJing etc, you may know from PSYCHOMACHIA, which examines  the patriarchal nature of the 90s music industry as fiction, I've been around it forever -  before editing Ambit I was the “Off The Floor” editor of the arts on DJMag, but have never felt part of the boys club -  despite knowing so many of the wheeler dealers who have hustled through life making money from music -  we all feel like outsiders sometimes. My DJ moniker took a non-female angle, K-Rocka - a nickname, and it was through doing a series of lectures about the music industry in the UK, I kinda realised that actually I'm likely qualified as much as anyone else -  but the guest lecture from Geoff Travis was landmark - I hope you may have time to listen to this founder of Rough Trade, I've added the lecture as a podcast here.  It's a masterclass in independence. He's very cool, casually reeling out how he didn't sign The Stone Roses, and being at one of The Strokes first gigs, and not knowing that one of The Libertines was going to end up a heroin addict. There's also the pain of board meetings, not really being in it for the money, and the backend of the music industry. It's solid - thank you to the students of that class for their questions…Gil and I started sharing our work live in 2018.   He's what one may call a “professional musician”, his first A&R was John Niven and he's been signed to major labels and produced John Martyn among others. He was performing with Little Barrie when we met, at a book reading for Tony O'Neill (who also used to work in music, playing keys for my friend Kelli Ali, but also Kenickie, Marc Almond and others. His first book, Digging the Vein was published by Wrecking Ball Press who put my novel out). Gil and I became friends after that signing, and in the maelstrom of our relationship, his band with Little Barrie imploded - as bands do - despite their only single as Pet Weapons being loved and played by Lauren Laverne.Gil commenced on The Long Road of who am I, why am I, etc.  The important road.We collaborated before we got together -  co-writing a poem that introduced him at Red Gallery, 15 December 2015.  And by NOLA, 2018, we were making a film for Jeffrey Wengrofsky's festival in NYC, me writing a poem, chalking it up in the streets, filmed, and Gil then made music to accompany it.  We later showed it at the Liminality show at Gallery46, first performing together there. We then played other galleries, like the Bomb Factory in North London. In Berlin, The Social, Pikes Ibiza.   We've now done a couple of tours.Our friend Martyn Goodace did the Das Wasteland compilation which was our first  release, on vinyl, from Berlin days…We met Blang! Records boss Joe, who works with Paul and Jules, Beth and La, with his wife, after the first show we did out of lockdown, in Sheffield at Sidney & Matilda, a great venue, supporting Band of Holy Joy. (There's a documentary about Blang! Records which is worth finding - about antifolk and why they started)The sound guy at Sidney & Matilda was good, turned me onto local hip-hop poet Otis Mensah - but in the basement, people were conditioned to not stand close to each other and it felt like we were defo sharing air.  By the end of the tour - it was a futile underground party of sweat-filled sardine dancing in venues in Edinburgh and North Shields.  But that first night, it was that kinda romantic dream: a record label coming up to you after a show and showing interest.  Blang! Records were later doing a residency at the Hope n Anchor is Islington and asked us to play.  We filmed the shows for them, and they offered to put out a single.  Initially it was suggested we did it with Pink Eye Club on the flipside, but we played them Rock n Roll Is A Deathwish, after they'd chosen Paradise Burns - that's what's coming.  There are 50 lathe-cuts. The artwork's by the brilliant Bert Gilbert - “northern Marina Abramović” -  who's showing at the forthcoming Horror show at Somerset House, curated by Jane Pollard and Ian Forsyth (who directed 20000 Days with Nick Cave).  We've done a beautiful UV spot bespoke print and they really are limited and beautiful. Bert used Gustave Doré as her main influence on the piece.  A modernised rising of a new enlightenment, we can but dream.David Erdos has been super-kind in his review of the single in International Times. Comparing us to everyone between early Dylan (the first record I ever DJed was Subterranean Homesick Blues), and my vox being halfway between Wendy James and Siouxie Sioux. (It's in that link…he's a genius, love his acting too…)****I would like to invite you to our single launch at Rough Trade East on Wednesday -  there are some free tickets, but they are going fast…Jonny Halifax Invocation, Sharon Gal, Savage Pencil, Gil, some poets, we'll all be celebrating the first look of The War Issue of Ambit, which coincidently is equinox (the end of summer) and World Peace Day. I began talking about this “War issue” of Ambit back in 2020, with a submission that stood out, and went public on it in April. It's resulted in 50+ international contributors selected by myself and my brilliant co-editors in Beirut, Sarah Chalabi and Zeina Chamseddine of Dongola Books. We launch in Beirut,  supported by British Council Lebanon, 18 November.There's so much to say about this issue -  and the magazine does it.  Order here.  It's a reaction to the spectacle of War we receive in mass media through mainly direct experiences from Poets, Writers, Artists.  For me, it says more than most news orgs.****If you sneak onto our Bandcamp - you'll see the artwork, but as there's a holiday tomorrow, perhaps I'll have time to make a lil video.x. Love n light.Please come on Wednesday if you can. A few free TICKETS HERE. To hear more, visit kirstyallison.substack.com

In what is only my 2nd in-person interview for the Pod, we link up with dual threat artist, Treasure Bloom. Those who follow my photography, know that I discovered TB off the back of his support act for other #FriendOf5E, Otis Mensah. (2nd Interview with Otis off the back of that show can be spun here.) Now, a few months after, we link with Treasure Bloom to have food outside the Camden Diner and discuss his beginnings, how he found his taste in Metal music, how those roots brought helped him become the Treasure Bloom he is today and - of course - his Top 5.And on top of the interview, I got to see him that night for a showcase of Alt R&B talent. You can find that story and photos on my photography site. It's dropping in conjunction with this episode.Rate & ReviewE-Mail: the5thelelmentpub@gmail.comTwitter: @The5thElementUK5E Community DiscordWebsite: www.the5thelement.org.uk/5epnLINKS TO TREASURE BLOOMIntro Music - "Baxter" By Brock BerriganInterlude - "To Wherever" By GYVUS ChillHop MusicOther Podcasts Under The 5EPN:Diggin' In The Digits5EPN RadioBlack Women Watch...In Search of SauceThe Beauty Of Independence

And just like that... WG Interviews back from the dead! For this one, a dear friend of 5E comes through for his 2nd appearance. Sheffield (Soon to be Germany) based Otis Mensah is back after me seeing him live in May, off the back of his new (& self produced) EP "things i should have said a year ago".But this is a WG interview like no other. For this one, co-host of "In Search Of Sauce" Ryan Gaur comes through to co-host, blessing me with the opportunity to kick it with Mensah. We talk about the new EP, his artistic evolution, how he approaches music video & production; North vs South, UK vs USA and, of course, his Top 5. Thank you for listening! If you want to contribute to the show, whether it be sending me questions or voicing your opinion in any way, peep the contact links below and I'll respond accordingly. Let me know "What's Good?"Rate & ReviewE-Mail: the5thelelmentpub@gmail.comTwitter: @The5thElementUK5E Community DiscordWebsite: www.the5thelement.org.uk/5epnIntro Music - "Too Much" By VanillaInterlude - "Before Venice" (Instrumental) By Otis MensahChillHop MusicOther Podcasts Under The 5EPN:Diggin' In The Digits5EPN RadioBlack Women Watch...In Search of SauceThe Beauty Of Independence

Writer and presenter Kayo Chingonyi, Sheffield Poet Laureate Warda Yassin and alt hip-hop artist and poet Otis Mensah join Richie to discuss the legacy and evolution of the Black British poetry scene over the last 20 years. @1Xtra on social and #1XtraTalks 1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave is the biggest group chat of the week, with discussions about issues that affect Black communities across the UK.

Emily Pilbeam presents a mixtape of her personal selection of tracks from BBC Introducing, with tunes from Louis Seivwright, Luke Royalty, Gabriel Gifford, BDRMM, TIMANTI, The Lounge Society, Otis Mensah, DYLAN, LaJay, Harry Edwards, Far Caspian, Slow Bones, Kate Bond and Ruby Duff.

On this Episode of Dad Is Not A Noun I  celebrated my birthday with two extraordinary poets I admire Roscoe Burnems and Otis Mensah, who are both Poet Laureates because of their amazing gift to empower people through spoken words.  We had an amazing conversation on how poetry can help and hinder our journey through mental health.. Follow Roscoe Burnems on IG: https://instagram.com/roscoeburnems?utm_medium=copy_link Twitter: https://twitter.com/roscoeburnems?s=09 Website : https://roscoeb.webs.com/ Follow Otis Mensah on IG :https://instagram.com/otismensah?utm_medium=copy_link Website:https://otismensah.com/ DINAN intro produced by Amerigo Gazaway Follow him on IG https://instagram.com/amerigo.gazaway?utm_medium=copy_link Check out his website https://linkin.bio/amerigo-gazaway DINAN intro lyrics by Skyzoo Follow him on IG https://instagram.com/skyzoothewriter?utm_medium=copy_link Support his new project "All Brilliant Things" https://smarturl.it/BrilliantThings

An hour of top tunes from Bill Fever, Lynks ft. Charlie Steen, Detweiler, Otis Mensah, Hadda Be, Amelia Coburn, Rarelyalways, Ravenous Hounds, Cherryade, Pale Fire, Tzarina Nassor, Dressed Like Wolves, porij, Oscar Mic & Fructose Father, retropxssy, Billie Bottle & The Multiple, handpicked by Tom Robinson from the BBC Introducing Uploader.

To hype you up for SauceFest, you’re about to hear 6 short interviews that we think really highlight how unique and incredible these emcees, producers, musicians and singer/songwriters are that we’re platforming on SauceFest. You’re about to hear from Donnie Durag, Fika, Imp, Nora Toutain, Otis Mensah, and STORRY. We weren’t able to connect with Abhi the Nomad for the podcast, but you’ll be able to check him out at the show. Enjoy the episode!TIMESTAMPS:Donnie Durag - (2:08) Fika - (23:33)Imp - (41:08)Nora Toutain - (58:47)Otis Mensah - (1:15:26)STORRY - (1:34:16)SIGN UP FOR SAUCEFESTThanks for listening! Be sure to help support the show by sharing, rating and reviewing. As always, if you’re an independent writer and would like your own work featured on the show, send it to us to read! We appreciate you joining us as we continue in our search for sauce.Central Sauce (Twitter) - @Central_SauceThe 5th Element (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK5E Community Discord - https://discord.gg/QApwabPMusic - "Fxck Shit Up" By BasstiChillHop Records - https://chillhop.bandcamp.com/

An hour of top tunes from This Elegant Gull, JUDVH, Greentea Peng, The Reytons, Deep Tan, Oya Paya, Off Peek, Uncle Kid, DEAFDEAFDEAF, Webmoms ft. Sukie, Dolo Jones, Anorak Patch, Otis Mensah, Eloise, The Lounge Society, Sans Soucis, workfriends, Penya, and Dubbul O, handpicked by Tom Robinson from the BBC Introducing Uploader

This week Peter deGraft-Johnson (The Repeat Beat Poet) speaks to Hip Hop artist and former Sheffield Poet Laureate, Otis Mensah. They discuss how the concept of introspective documentarianism underpins Otis' work of building a personal identity and creative voice around artistic truth and vulnerability, through rap and poetry. There's also talk of surviving and decrying racial capitalism, and a breakdown of Otis' tenure as laureate. Otis reads three poems - 17:12 - Contrary To The Intangible Grapevine 35:25 - The Thinks 1:00:00 - No Record Store Day Download a full transcript here: (COMING SOON) For more from Otis: www.otismensah.com https://twitter.com/otismensah https://www.instagram.com/otismensah/ For more from PJ: linktr.ee/repeatbeatpoet Repeat Beat Broadcast - https://www.mixcloud.com/ThreadsRadio/playlists/the-repeat-beat-broadcast/ https://twitter.com/repeatbeatpoet https://www.instagram.com/repeatbeatpoet/ For more from us: lunarpoetrypodcasts.com www.facebook.com/LunarPoetryPodcasts/ www.twitter.com/LunarPoetryPod Order 'Why Poetry?': The Lunar Poetry Podcasts Anthology here: vervepoetrypress.com/product/why-poetry/ Episode music is an original composition by Snazzy Rat. You can find more from Snazzy here: snazzyrat.bandcamp.com Our production team is Mystery Planet Productions. https://mysteryplanet.net/ Also mentioned on the podcast - Rhyme & Reason (series of filmed conversations as part of Otis' Artist Residency with Sheffield University, ft. Awate, Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, and Open Mike Eagle) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKKXT6kV3PhsxOlnBZLxAg4mTWAN4IHy4 Pen-Ting Poetry - www.instagram.com/pentingpoetry Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon (2009) Warda Yassin, current Sheffield Poet Laureate. Vanessa Kisuule's poem Hollow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3DKfaK50AU

An hour of top tunes from Look Mum No Computer, Cabbage, Phoebe Green, Kinships, Junior Mitty, Matilda Mann, Cosmo Sheldrake, Cavetown, Gosh Hawk, Pesolife, Greentea Peng, Malika, Franco Fraize, Trruuces, Otis Mensah, Effy, and Pascallion handpicked by Ellen Ellard from the BBC Introducing Uploader.

On Ep.63 of WG: Hip-Hop/Spoken Word Artist Otis Mensah joins the show to talk about his beginnings, his love for Hip-Hop Poetry & his Top 5. FULL SHOW NOTES - https://share.transistor.fm/s/031f607c

*Wu-lu , Lex Amor , Ego Ella May - legend*Wu-lu - seven *Lex amor - pink*Ego Ella May - girls don’t always sing about boys *Layfullstop , moroka, aj kwame - broadcast by chocolate *Layfullstop- sounds from the rainbow*Moses Boyd - stranger than fiction*Gogo Penguin - time lapses city *Tyson - white*Oscar Jerome - gravitate , live a casa bertallot*Rbsn - sbsd *Calibro 35 ft Illa J - Stan Lee*Free Nationals - shibuya *Tete de pois - hope *Otis Mensah - day dream *Rarelyalways - turns*Pufuleti - agip*Harleighblu - queen dam

An hour of top tunes from Those Snowflakes, Cloth, Chop Chop, Cherryade, Swanmeat, Otis Mensah, Diving Station, Newmaj, Ralfe Band, Skewwhiff, Attawalpa, Quiet Houses, Austerity, Tilly Greentree, Fugitive Orchestra and Aislinn Logan, handpicked by Tom Robinson from the BBC Introducing Uploader.

Ian was joined by comic creator Rees Finlay, rapper Otis Mensah and Bolivar series actor Ed Hughes.

Ian was joined by comic creator Rees Finlay, rapper Otis Mensah and Bolivar series actor Ed Hughes.

This week Mikill and Marcel are joined by Otis Mensah who has an EP coming out, Swindle who has an album coming out and Joel Culpepper who is promoting his latest single which features Kojey Radical…

This week Mikill and Marcel are joined by Otis Mensah who has an EP coming out, Swindle who has an album coming out and Joel Culpepper who is promoting his latest single which features Kojey Radical…