Omar bin Musa (Poet)

I was about to post this in FOP and thought the main boards might appreciate some conversation and poetry related topics.

It's rare that I see mention of Australian poets on here and we really do have a lot of great talent in this land down under. I had the chance to see the 2008 Australian Slam Poetry Champion Omar bin Musa perform a few years back and ever since then I have really grown to appreciate his work.

Omar Bin Musa is an Malaysian-Australian poet and rapper from Queanbeyan in New South Wales, Australia. He has two hip hop records, won the Indian Ocean Poetry Slam in 2009 and is known for his political poetry and combing of poetry and hip hop.

I assume a lot of members here probably have not heard Australian hip hop, it differs greatly to what is popular in the States.

The following are some links to Omar's spoken word; I'd love to hear your opinion.

My Generation (I believe this may have an explicit word or two)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DtscGNZxn4

In Amsterdam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlW64uv3gUg

For those of you who prefer to read, or read while listening:

My Generation:
http://omarbinmusa.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/my-generation-lyrics.html

Sorry I couldn't find a link to 'In Amsterdam' but I urge you all to take a look on youtube.

Throwing my pen in the bin right now...I could never write like him...Amsterdam is just brilliant...thank you for bringing this guy onto this site....thoroughly enjoyed reading all you posted from him and now...looking for more of his work....

I find it difficult sometimes to listen to a poem being read like that because I think it goes a little fast sometimes and I'm thinking about one line and the next is upon me already and I'm trying to keep up. Maybe I just need more practice, but I had to listen to In Amsterdam a few times to start getting the meanings of it.

One poem I really like is 'What Teachers Make,' I think its a great example of how the delivery can really make the poem and its a good example slam poetry. Because the poem itself is nothing special if written on paper (not as good as Omar bin Musa's which I think work well on paper and when performed) I think the delivery becomes more important and it really helps bring across the message, here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxsOVK4syxU

Great Melpomene. cheered me. they are reviving .

Hellon, it is not just poetry it is also the affect of performance and images

Wow, Mel this guy is really good!

I find a lot of 'you' in the poem you posted to read. Definitely not similar images, because you're a mind of your own :) but a lot of similarities in phrasing.

Thanks Mel! Will look this poet up soon and glad you are sharing here... I am not familiar at all with any Australian poets and could definitely learn more through listening to others :]

I'm glad I could share his work with you all.

Colm, you know quite a few people I know have said the same when it comes to spoken word or slam poetry. I don't have a problem with it but my music collection is mostly hip hop so I might be accustomed to the fast pace. Thank you for sharing the link. I agree the delivery in this is an important part of that poem, his tone, facial expressions and pauses all make it what it is.

That's interesting Brittle. I know we have discussed my phrasing in the past and you seem to notice something I don't so it's interesting that you see it in his writing too. I know you saw it when you were reading a book and the main character was also Australian. You said that the character and I phrased things in a similar way.

Tsk - reviving an old thread.

Omar Musa - 'What will be left of us'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YFSKhqC9rU&list=UUvQCttiuy0Vng4gN5iHNQHw&index=7

This guy is SERIOUSLY good! He says a lot of things that float around in my head constantly but..so far I just can't get out there for some reason...

I read some of his poetry on his blog and it's just as good as the spoken word so I've been looking for his book 'Parang' everywhere. I just saw on his blog that only three bookstores in Australia stock it which is sad. Guess i'll be ordering a copy online. On a good note he has another book coming out this year!

I've just gone on to Amazon and it's available on kindle....do you have a kindle Mel???

I have the app on my iPad. I didn't even think to look for it there, how silly! Thanks Hellon.

Haha!!! Shhuuu my lips are sealed...LMAO!!!

I literally have my iPad next to me and I was reading a book on it all of half an hour ago. I'll be first to admit that my brain was not functioning at all just then haha!

My kindle was a Christmas gift that lay unused until I was travelling in February and then I thought..I better download some reading material for my trip and now...I go absolutely nowhere without it!!! I forget my mobile very often but never my kindle....what on old fart I am haha!!!

*edit...and for anyone who can download a book here is my recommendation as a MUST read....Mornings in Jenin...

" This poem is for .... for the outcasts for the eccentrics who never let coolness wide wash their madness"

finally someone understands!!