Kanye West, Malcolm X and one's father aren't the likeliest of combinations when describing one's influencers.
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However, for Kofi Owusu-Ansah – aka Genesis Owusu – these role models have helped define not only himself, but his music.
The 17-year-old Canberra rapper has been named one of five finalists in Triple J's Unearthed High, a competition aimed at boosting musical exposure for high school students.
The song that made it? The Day After Valentine's, which Owusu wrote on February 15.
The song is a reflection on the modern-day obsession with February 14.
"In my school, everyone was really hysterical about not having a valentine and I thought that was kind of stupid to be honest."
"[The lyrics] 'one day I'll see your face, one day I'll see your face. But until then, I'll keep pushing the world on my lips' mean I'll talk about the world, there are more important issues to talk and think about."
Triple j originally had its sights on Owusu's latest track, Goondocks Canberra Zoo.
"That song really grabbed their attention. But, because I didn't have the copyright for some of the instrumentals, they chose The Day After Valentine's."
The St Mary MacKillop College year 12 student, who was born in Ghana, moved to Australia with his family when he was aged two. He has lived in Canberra since his arrival in the country. His love of music stems from his ability to rhyme.
"I've always had a love for music, obviously. Ever since primary school I've always had a love for words, whether that be story writing or poetry," Owusu said. "When it comes to hip-hop, I feel like it is a genre that is most directly influenced by words. It's basically just poetry with a beat over it."
The teenager's quest for the truth has shaped his songs.
"I was raised in a Christian household, except I'm not really Christian myself. So, that's a big influence, trying to find my own path, trying to find the truth in the world. The truth in everything."
A source of inspiration throughout the young man's life has been watching his father support his family.
"My family came to Australia in 2000 and my parents came strictly for me and my brother to give us better opportunities. My dad came to Australia with $200 in his pocket. He got a job at Woolies packing shelves, from being in the government [in Ghana]. So he really dropped everything for us and I really appreciate that."
Owusu and his brother, known as Citizen Kay, make up the hip-hop duo The Ansah Brothers. Last week, they were featured in our emerging talent list.
"It made sense for us to collaborate seeing as we're brothers and we live in the same house," Owusu explains. "He was producing a track and I just happened to walk past and I wrote my verse in about five minutes . . . and that became our first track, Ansah Brothers."
For his part, Owusu hopes his songs can influence and inspire people the way the music of stars such as Michael Jackson has had an impact.
"When M.J. passed away, the world stopped. He really had a legacy, an impact. He inspired people and that's what I want to be."
The winner of the 2015 Triple j Unearthed High will have a song professionally recorded, gain airplay and be given professional advice by a top Australian act. The winner will be announced on August 20.
