We caught up with the brilliant and insightful J. Michael a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, J. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

As a budding artist, I’m embarking on an exciting journey in the realm of music. While I haven’t yet achieved a full-time living from my creative work, I’m incredibly passionate and dedicated to making that dream a reality. My journey is just beginning, and I’m eagerly embracing each step along the way.

From day one, I understood that building a sustainable career in music takes time, perseverance, and continuous effort. While I haven’t reached that milestone yet, I’ve been focused on laying down the groundwork by honing my craft, creating quality content, and establishing a presence in the industry.

Some major steps and milestones in my journey include recording my debut album “Genesis,” which features 24 tracks. This album delves into my life experiences, with a particular emphasis on how politics impacts the growth of my home country. It’s intended to motivate individuals facing real-life adversities, reminding them that hardship is a part of life but shouldn’t hinder progress. It’s about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and maturity, while also acknowledging the importance of accountability and reaping what you sow in life.

In addition to my album, I’ve released about fifteen singles and have a catalog of approximately 45 unreleased songs offline in my archive. I’ve also collaborated with other artists who are not mainstream, enriching my artistic journey with diverse perspectives and talents. Networking has been key, and it was through networking that I connected with my amazing management team at Intuit Entertainment, headed by Adam and Janet Kubik and Francis Kofi Asare. These amazing individuals have provided constant support and assistance, helping to push me towards making my dream a reality. I’m truly grateful for their guidance and encouragement, and whenever I get the chance to introduce my music to anyone, I do so with diligence and enthusiasm.

J. , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Greetings!

I am J. Michael, but you may also know me as Michael Amankwah in everyday life. I come from the tranquil community of Apromase in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. My journey into the realm of music began with a fortuitous encounter with my older brother Isaac’s MP3 player, where I stumbled upon a captivating array of hip-hop tracks that ignited my passion for music. From crafting my first songs under Isaac’s guidance to independently navigating the creative landscape by sixth grade, my musical odyssey began to take shape.

My artistic repertoire spans across genres, from the rhythmic beats of hip-hop to the soulful melodies of R&B, Afrobeats, Dancehall, Pop, and beyond. While rap is my forte, I am deeply enamored with music in all its forms. Each song I create is a reflection of socially relevant issues and personal experiences, sculpted by the mood of the moment and inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Ghana and beyond. My aim is to make my listeners’ lives better, to offer them solace, inspiration, and a different perspective on life’s challenges.

At the heart of my musical journey lies the remarkable album “Genesis,” featuring 24 singles that delve into a spectrum of topics, from current affairs to personal reflections on life’s adversities and triumphs. Collaborations with fellow artists and solo ventures punctuate my musical landscape, with performances eagerly awaiting their moment in the spotlight.

Beyond the studio, I’m an avid traveler with a penchant for exploring diverse cultures and embracing new experiences. From mastering French to aspiring to play the piano, my interests are as diverse as my musical influences.

What sets me apart from others is the essence of my songs. It’s not your everyday hip-hop content filled with the same clichés about cars, women, and violence. My music is like gold—scarce and precious. I strive to touch the lives of my listeners by narrating stories that resonate deeply. Take, for instance, the song “Tainted Dreams” from my debut album. It portrays the struggles of a young individual yearning to escape the limitations of his local environment due to corrupt politics. His aspirations are high, but his circumstances hold him back. The narrative unfolds with depth and authenticity, addressing themes of ambition, adversity, and the harsh realities of life. Such content is rare in today’s music landscape, and it’s what makes my artistry stand out. Through my music, I aim to inspire, provoke thought, and instill hope in those who listen, offering a fresh perspective that transcends the norm.

Looking ahead, my aspirations include breaking attendance records at shows, clinching multiple awards, and collaborating with renowned artists and engineers. My ultimate goal is to transcend borders and cultures with every note, leaving a lasting impact on hearts and minds worldwide.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, society plays a crucial role in supporting artists, creatives, and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem. Here’s how i think we can contribute:

Recognition and Appreciation: Society should recognize and appreciate the value of art and creativity. Art enriches our lives, provokes thought, and sparks conversation. By acknowledging the importance of art, we validate the efforts of artists and encourage them to continue their creative endeavors.

Investment in Education: Providing accessible arts education ensures that aspiring artists have the resources and skills they need to pursue their passions. Art education fosters creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression, which are essential for personal development and cultural enrichment. By investing in arts education, we empower future generations of artists to make meaningful contributions to society.

Fair Compensation: Artists should receive fair compensation for their work. Creating art requires time, effort, and skill, and artists deserve to be compensated accordingly. Paying for performances, purchasing artwork at fair prices, and supporting platforms that compensate artists equitably demonstrate our respect for their contributions and help sustain their livelihoods.

Access to Resources: Society can support artists by providing access to resources such as studio space, equipment, mentorship programs, and funding opportunities. These resources enable artists to create and share their work more effectively, regardless of their background or financial means. By investing in artistic infrastructure and support systems, we nurture a diverse and vibrant creative community.

Promotion and Exposure: Supporting artists through promotion and exposure helps to amplify their voices and reach a wider audience. Sharing artists’ work on social media, attending exhibitions, and recommending artists to others increases visibility and recognition. By actively engaging with and promoting artists’ work, we contribute to their success and inspire others to appreciate and support the arts.

Cultural Policies: Implementing cultural policies that prioritize and support the arts can contribute to a thriving creative ecosystem. Funding for cultural institutions, tax incentives for arts organizations, and protections for artists’ rights create an environment where artistic expression can flourish. By advocating for and enacting supportive cultural policies, we demonstrate our commitment to preserving and promoting the arts.

Community Engagement: Encouraging community engagement with the arts strengthens the bond between artists and their audience. Hosting community events, workshops, and collaborative projects that involve local artists and residents fosters a sense of connection and belonging. By actively participating in and supporting community-based arts initiatives, we create opportunities for artistic collaboration, dialogue, and cultural exchange.

In conclusion, by recognizing the value of art, investing in arts education, providing fair compensation, facilitating access to resources, promoting artists’ work, implementing supportive cultural policies, and engaging with the arts community, society can create a supportive environment where artists and creatives can thrive, contribute to cultural enrichment, and inspire positive change.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to express oneself authentically and connect with others on a profound level through art. As an artist, I find immense joy and fulfillment in channeling my thoughts, emotions, and experiences into creative endeavors, whether it’s through music, visual arts, or any other form of expression. Seeing my work resonate with others, evoke emotions, provoke thought, or spark conversation is incredibly gratifying. Moreover, the opportunity to inspire, uplift, or bring moments of joy to others through my art is truly rewarding. Art has the power to transcend barriers, unite people from diverse backgrounds, and evoke empathy and understanding. Being able to contribute to this collective fabric of human experience and leave a positive impact on the world through my creativity is the most fulfilling aspect of being an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://intuitentertainment.ca/artists
• Other: [email protected]