Meet Omari Johnson | Painter, Poet, Lyricist, Actor

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

Hi Omari, how do you think about risk?
To me, taking risks is something that you have to do in order to step away from the herd and explore your abilities. This year so far, taking risks has been a major factor within the past six months. I firmly believe that making yourself uncomfortable and taking these risks will eventually help you develop into something greater than you could ever imagine. This year alone, I have taken multiple risks. The biggest risk was quitting my job and working for myself with my art business. I would say that was the most intimidating risk to go for because it was a leap of faith knowing the unknown and where I might land. I had to test out how well I would hold up without a steady income from a corporation and test my own ability to still make ends meet with my own motivation, grit and determination. Although it was the most uncomfortable risk, I have gained the feel for it and learned from trial and errors building my own business mentality. Another risk that I’ve taken this year was stepping out of my shell and speaking in front of crowds more often e.g. performing music and poetry. One thing that these risks have in common is the fact that I can feel and see myself grow as a creator.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In my eyes, my art is universal. That’s the vision that I have with every form of art that I produce whether if it’s painting, music, or poetry. It can be interpreted in so many different ways which allows it to be relatable or can connect to anybody emotionally. I create all of my art through pure emotion and inspiration that I go through myself but with my art, I leave it so obscure and subliminal that a lot of the times it has to be analyzed and interpreted by the viewer. As of right now, the most exciting thing that I am ready for is the release of my very first album. There isn’t a date set yet but it is near completion. The album is an entire story that really happened within my life explaining my journey through emotional hurdles. It is a RAP album, and when I say RAP I mean Rhythm And Poetry… A mix of what I do best and I also have some very significant appearances on the album the gives it that much more value to me. It wasn’t easy getting to where I am now and I still have ways to go to reach where I see myself. This is only the beginning. I overcome the challenges by keeping my head up and looking past the sky because there is no limit. But the most important thing is believing in myself. I want the world to know that art and authenticity still lives and will continue to live if you remain true to yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, I would first try to find new places to experience together. The city of Atlanta is filled with unique spots and venues that hold all types of events during the week or places to relax. I’m competitive so one of my favorite places to go is either painted pin or painted duck. If not those places, I would go to a museum, an open mic spot, ponce city, or go to the waterfall in Roswell.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I would like to thank the higher power for allowing me to experience life in itself. Thanks to my brothers of Progressive Black Men Inc. and my S.I.S.T.U.H.S for being there for me from the jump while knowing how busy I can get and also thanks to myself for not giving up.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_omariii_/?hl=en

Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/offiliate/1555286768 https://open.spotify.com/artist/0R828TW1lp300dWUgKpQzJ

Image Credits
Curtshotme, Dro, Kelsey J.