{{Short description|Australian writer and musician}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} {{Use Australian English|date=July 2011}} {{AI-generated|date=May 2026|reason=[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Omar_Musa&diff=1282886399&oldid=1267118970 this 2025 rewrite]; note WP:AISIGNS - undue emphasis on significance, vocab distro typical of LLM text, etc., here and in user's other edits}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Omar bin Musa | image = Omar Musa at Jaipur Literature Festival, Federation Square Melbourne 2017.jpg | image_size = | caption = Omar Musa at Jaipur Literature Festival, Federation Square, Melbourne 2017 | birth_name = Omar bin Musa | birth_date = 1984 | birth_place = Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia | death_date = {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} | genre = hip hop, slam poetry, spoken word | occupation = poet, rapper, author, artist | instrument = vocals | years_active = 2002–present | awards = Victorian Premier's Prize for Fiction | website = {{URL|omarmusa.com.au}} }}
'''Omar bin Musa''' is a Malaysian-Australian author, poet, rapper, and visual artist from Queanbeyan, New South Wales.<ref name="Guardian Profile 2016">{{cite web |last1=Sebag-Montefiore |first1=Clarissa |title=Omar Musa, Australia's star slam poet, brings 'in-betweener' perspective to US |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/feb/17/omar-musa-australia-malaysia-poet-here-come-the-dogs |website=The Guardian |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=17 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="Time Out Profile 2022">{{cite web |last1=Skidmore |first1=Maya |title=How hip-hop poet Omar Bin Musa discovered a garden of delights through his cultural heritage |url=https://www.timeout.com/sydney/music/how-hip-hop-poet-omar-bin-musa-discovered-a-garden-of-delights-through-his-cultural-heritage |website=Time Out |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=28 April 2022}}</ref><ref name="Cordite Interview">{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Hannah |title=Hannah Hall Interviews Omar Musa |url=http://cordite.org.au/interviews/hall-musa/ |website=Cordite |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=1 February 2017}}</ref> He has released four hip hop records, four books of poetry,<ref name="Penguin Killernova">{{cite web |title=Omar Musa: Killernova |url=https://www.penguin.com.au/books/killernova-9781761044632 |website=Penguin |access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref> and the novel ''Here Come the Dogs'', which was long-listed for the Miles Franklin Award<ref name="Miles Franklin">{{Cite web|title = Miles Franklin Literary Award longlist 2015: Omar Musa, Suzanne McCourt and Christine Piper hit it big with debut works|url = https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/miles-franklin-literary-award-longlist-2015-omar-musa-suzanne-mccourt-and-christine-piper-hit-it-big-with-debut-works-20150331-1mbivm.html|website = The Sydney Morning Herald| date=30 March 2015 |access-date = 2016-01-28}}</ref> and the International Dublin Literary Award.<ref name="ANU Profile">{{cite web |title=Omar Musa: 2018 Young Alumnus of the Year |url=https://www.anu.edu.au/alumni/our-alumni/spotlight/omar-musa |website=Australian National University |date=21 March 2018 |access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref> Musa was named one of the ''Sydney Morning Herald's'' Young Novelists of the Year in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Maxine Beneba Clarke, Alice Pung, Ellen Van Neervan, Omar Musa, Michael Mohammed Ahmad are 2015 Best Young Australian Novelists|url = https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/sydney-writers-festival/maxine-beneba-clarke-alice-pung-ellen-van-neervan-omar-musa-michael-mohammed-ahmad-are-2015-best-young-australian-novelists-20150515-1m70gq.html|website = The Sydney Morning Herald| date=22 May 2015 |access-date = 2016-01-28}}</ref> He released a second novel, ''Fierceland'', in 2025.
==Early life and education== Omar Musa was born in 1984 in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia, to a multiracial family. His father, Musa bin Masran, was a prominent accomplished poet and former actor from Sandakan as well as Sipitang,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Lightning Over Sandakan|url = https://omarmusa.bandcamp.com/track/lightning-over-sandakan|publisher = The Saturday Paper|access-date = 2025-03-29|language = en-AU}}</ref> Sabah, Malaysia, immigrated to Sydney in 1980. His father is of Suluk heritage, whilst Musa’s paternal grandmother is of Kedayan descent from the border areas between Malaysian Borneo and Brunei.
Musa’s mother, Helen Musa, of Irish extraction, is a former theatre director and historian who is now an arts journalist and critic. She currently serves as the arts editor for Canberra CityNews and has worked extensively in the arts field.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Rapper, poet and novelist Omar Musa|url = https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/culture/books/2019/11/02/rapper-poet-and-novelist-omar-musa/15726132009018|publisher = The Saturday Paper|access-date = 2025-03-29|language = en-AU}}</ref>
Musa grew up in a block of flats in Queanbeyan, a satellite city of Canberra often referred to as "struggle town." He has described his upbringing as influenced by the cultural diversity of his Macedonian, Korean and Serbian neighbours, whose homes were filled with the scents of traditional cooking. He also witnessed social challenges within his community, including domestic violence, which he recalled in his 2013 TEDxSydney talk, Slam Poetry of the Streets. In the talk, he contrasted his childhood with the idealised image of Australia, stating that his experience held "no white sails of the Opera House ... no pavlova."<ref>{{Cite web|title =Omar Musa, Australia's star slam poet, brings 'in-betweener' perspective to US|url = https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/feb/17/omar-musa-australia-malaysia-poet-here-come-the-dogs|publisher = the garret podcast|access-date = 2025-03-29|language = en-AU}}</ref>
Despite financial constraints, Musa was raised in an environment immersed in the arts. His parents, both strong advocates for artistic expression, provided him with access to cultural experiences such as concerts, exhibitions and theatre performances. This exposure played a significant role in shaping his creative development, and he has credited it as a formative influence on his artistic journey.<ref>{{Cite web|title =At home with Omar Musa|url = https://thegarretpodcast.com/at-home-with-omar-musa/|publisher = the garret podcast|access-date = 2025-03-29|language = en-AU}}</ref>
Musa studied at the Australian National University and the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he honed his literary and artistic skills.
== Career == Musa's career began in poetry, and he gained national attention as a runner-up in the 2007 Australian Poetry Slam.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Poetry Slam comes down to a 'Slam-off'|url = http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/12/04/2438328.htm|publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date = 2016-01-28|language = en-AU}}</ref> He won the competition the following year, performing at the Sydney Opera House. He also won the Indian Ocean Poetry Slam in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mordue |first1=Mark |title=Omar Musa |url=https://neighbourhoodpaper.com/expression/omar-musa-in-amsterdam/ |website=Neighbourhood |date=24 January 2018 |access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref>
Much of Musa's early work explores themes of migration, Australian racism, violence, masculinity and loneliness.<ref name="Penguin Killernova" /> He has published four poetry collections: The Clocks (2009),<ref>{{cite web |title=The clocks / by Omar Musa |url=https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/6609454 |website=National Library of Australia |access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref> Parang (2009),<ref name="Penguin Parang" /> Millefiori (2012),<ref name="Penguin Millefiori">{{cite web |title=Omar Musa: Millefiori |url=https://www.penguin.com.au/books/millefiori-9780646969244 |website=Penguin |access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref> and Killernova (2018). Parang, named after the Malay word for "machete," explores themes of his Malaysian heritage, migration, and loss.<ref name="Guardian Profile 2016" /><ref name="Penguin Parang">{{cite web |title=Omar Musa: Parang |url=https://www.penguin.com.au/books/parang-9780143572275 |website=Penguin |access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref> Millefiori and Killernova further delve into subjects such as identity, masculinity, and disempowerment. Musa's poetry is known for its poignant and reflective examination of cultural identity and personal struggles.
During a visit to family in Borneo, Musa developed an interest in woodcutting, which led him to incorporate his own woodcut artwork in Killernova, adding a visual element to his creative work.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cousins |first1=Lucy E |title=Multi-Faceted Artist Omar Musa On Operating At The Margins |url=https://taustralia.com.au/omar-musa/ |website=T Australia |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=12 August 2022}}</ref> Musa's fourth collection of poetry, ''Killernova'', also features his woodcuts.<ref name="Liminal 2021">{{cite web |title=5 Questions with Omar Musa |url=https://www.liminalmag.com/5-questions/omar-musa |website=Liminal Mag |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=2 December 2021}}</ref>
Musa has collaborated with various musicians and hip-hop artists, including Kae Tempest,<ref>{{cite web |title=Omar Musa |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/artist/omar-musa-qbn/ |website=ABC |date=24 August 2023 |access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref> Kae Tempest, Horrorshow, Kate Miller-Heidke, L-FRESH the LION,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fuamoli |first1=Sosefina |title=Omar Musa opens up on his new EP, Dead Centre, and his return to music after time out of the hip hop scene|url=https://www.theaureview.com/music/omar-musa-opens-up-on-his-new-ep-dead-centre-and-his-return-to-music-after-time-out-of-the-hip-hop-scene/ |website=The AU Review |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=5 August 2016}}</ref> Marc E. Bassy, Lior, Hau Latukefu from Koolism, Joelistics, The Last Kinection, Daniel Merriweather, Mantra, Akala, and Soweto Kinch.<ref>{{cite web |title=Omar Musa |url=https://literaturfestival.com/en/authors/omar-musa/ |website=internationales literaturfestival berlin |access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref> His work frequently combines poetry with music, showcasing his versatility and ability to blend literary and musical expressions.
In 2014, Musa published his debut novel, ''Here Come the Dogs'',<ref name="Penguin Here Come the Dogs">{{cite web |title=Omar Musa: Here Come The Dogs |url=https://www.penguin.com.au/books/here-come-the-dogs-9780670077090 |website=Penguin |access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref> which centers on the lives of three disillusioned young men in small-town Australia. The novel examines issues of race, identity, and the struggles of marginalized youth.<ref name="Penguin Here Come the Dogs" /> ''The Los Angeles Times'' called the novel "rousing" and "searing", and said that "with compassion and urgency, ''Here Come the Dogs'' excavates the pain of those who struggle to remain part of a ruthless equation that has been determined by others."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/books/la-ca-jc-0117-omar-musa-20160117-story.html|title=Review: Omar Musa brings Australian hip-hop, poetry and subculture to the US in 'Here Come the Dogs'|date=14 January 2016|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> ''Here Come the Dogs'' was nominated for numerous awards, such as the Miles Franklin Award<ref name="Miles Franklin" /> and the International Dublin Literary Award,<ref name="ANU Profile" /> and won the People's Choice Award at the ACT Book of the Year Awards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Henshaw, Musa take Book of the Year honours |url=https://the-riotact.com/henshaw-musa-take-book-of-the-year-honours/160427 |website=Riotact |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=18 December 2015}}</ref> Musa was named one of the ''Sydney Morning Herald's'' Young Novelists of the Year and short-listed for the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=NSW Premier's Literary Awards 2015 shortlists announced |url=https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2015/04/24/32926/nsw-premiers-literary-awards-2015-shortlists-announced/ |website=Books + Publishing |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=24 April 2015}}</ref>
In 2017, Musa released ''Since Ali Died'', a full-length hip hop album featuring Sarah Corry, Amali Golden and Tasman Keith.<ref>{{cite web |title=Omar Musa "Since Ali Died" new album out now |url=https://allaussiehiphop.com/2017/12/05/omar-musa-since-ali-died-new-album-out-now/ |website=All Aussie Hip Hop |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=5 December 2017}}</ref> In 2018, he created a one-man play, ''Since Ali Died'', based upon the album, that premiered at Griffin Theatre in Sydney, Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/sydney/theatre/since-ali-died-review|title=Since Ali Died review | Theatre in Sydney|website=Time Out Sydney |last1=Tongue |first1=Cassie }}</ref>
Musa's 2025 novel, ''Fierceland'', won the 2026 Victorian Premier's Prize for Fiction.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cain |first=Sian |date=2026-02-25 |title=Evelyn Araluen wins $125,000 for ‘politically uncompromising’ poetry at Victorian premier’s literary awards |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/feb/25/evelyn-araluen-wins-victorian-premiers-literary-awards-2026 |access-date=2026-02-25 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Set in Sabah, ''Fierceland'' is a novel that focuses on two siblings coming to terms with the legacy and death of their palm-oil baron father.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Fierceland |url=https://www.penguin.sg/book/fierceland/ |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=Penguin Random House SEA |language=en-US}}</ref> It explores topics surrounding illegal logging, indigenous rights, and Borneo rainforests.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-15 |title=“Fierceland” by Omar Musa |url=https://asianreviewofbooks.com/fierceland-by-omar-musa/ |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=Asian Review of Books |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2026, it was shortlisted for the fiction category of ''The Age'' Book of the Year Awards<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Age Book of the Year 2026 shortlists announced |url=https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2026/04/15/327819/the-age-book-of-the-year-2026-shortlists-announced/ |access-date=2026-04-17|date=2026-04-15|publisher=Books+Publishing}}</ref> and longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-05-20 |title=Miles Franklin 2026 longlist announced |url=https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2026/05/20/330097/miles-franklin-2026-longlist-announced/ |access-date=2026-05-20 |publisher=Books+Publishing}}</ref>
Musa continues to be an active figure in both the literary and artistic communities, using his diverse body of work to explore themes of identity, race, and the human experience.
==Bibliography==
===Books=== * ''The Clocks'' (2009) * ''Parang'' (2013) * ''Here Come the Dogs'' (2014) * ''Millefiori'' (2017) * ''Killernova'' (2021: Australia, Penguin) (2022: UK, Broken Sleep Books) * ''Fierceland'' (2025: Australia, Penguin)
===Plays=== * ''Since Ali Died'' (2018)
==Discography==
===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! Title ! Details |- ! scope="row"| ''World Goes to Pieces'' | * Released: 2010 * Label: Omar Music (OBM002) * Format: CD, Digital download, streaming |- ! scope="row"| ''Since Ali Died'' | * Released: December 2017 * Label: Moneykat Music * Format: CD, Digital download, streaming |}
===Extended plays=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! Title ! Details |- ! scope="row"| ''The Massive EP'' | * Released: 2009 * Label: Omar Music (OBM001) * Format: Digital download, streaming |- ! scope="row"| ''Dead Centre'' | * Released: 2016<ref>{{cite web |last1=Teague |first1=Marcus |title=Omar Musa: Dead Centre review – a vital, if uneven, slice of hip-hop and poetry |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/aug/05/omar-musa-dead-centre-review-a-vital-if-uneven-slice-of-hip-hop-and-poetry |website=The Guardian |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=4 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=New album reviews: Omar Musa, Salty, Stoney Joe, Oh Pep! and Blood Orange |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/new-album-reviews-omar-musa-salty-stoney-joe-oh-pep-and-blood-orange-20160728-gqfx55.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=2 August 2016}}</ref> * Label: Big Village (BV019) * Format: CD, Digital download, streaming |}
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Musa, Omar}} Category:1984 births Category:Living people Category:Australian hip-hop musicians Category:Obese Records artists Category:People from Queanbeyan Category:Australian male poets Category:21st-century Australian novelists Category:21st-century Australian poets Category:Australian people of Malaysian descent Category:Australian people of Irish descent Category:Australian Muslims Category:Suluk people Category:Kedayan people
{{authority control}}