Today we’d like to introduce you to Obumneme “BumE” Okeke.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have always had a passion for creativity and doing things outside the box. Growing up, I wrote poetry from time to time, but I would never tell anyone about it. In July of 2018, I wrote a song and showed a few of my friends. They told me that it was pretty good and I should take it more seriously. I was sort of hesitant about it, but I decided that I wanted to release an EP based upon the poetry in my journal. I was claiming it every day even though I didn’t have any beats or a place to record. In about October of 2018, during a photo shoot for my birthday, God spoke to me and revealed my passions to me, which was to solely make music, model, and inspire others. From then on, I basically went into hibernation to work on my craft. I started meditating, praying more, going to therapy regularly, and writing my thoughts out. I also started to take the time to get to know myself more: what I enjoyed, what I did not, and who I really was on the inside. I came up with the concept for my EP “Deliberation” because of how much I overthink. I wanted to be vulnerable for once in my life and talk about all the hardships that went through in my mind. While I was working on the lyrics, my friend Noah from high school sent me beats and they literally intertwined with the lyrics that I had. I then decided that I wanted to throw a listening party for my EP release and that I also wanted to make shirts and crewnecks to sell. The process of doing all this was not easy at all, but it was truly worth it in the end.
Please tell us about your art.
I rap, sing, do poetry, model, and make merchandise. I do all these things because I believe it is what I am meant to do, and it brings me the most joy. I honestly do not see myself doing anything else. The main thing that makes my life worth living is inspiring others, and I do that through my art. I have only been doing this for about six months so I want to show people that you can literally do anything you put your mind to. I also want people to live life for themselves and not anyone else and to also take those steps to figure out their true calling and go after it. My artwork is telling my story and is showing that you can overcome all the fears and doubts you have about yourself.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Have faith and make the most of what you have. It can be difficult, but it is very possible to make nothing into something. You also have to learn to take risks when it comes to your passions. What you are doing may cost you a lot, but in the long run, it will be worth it.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can see all my work through my website, www.obumnemeokeke.com. People can support my work by listening to my EP, following my social media, and purchasing some merchandise.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.obumnemeokeke.com
- Phone: 678-557-7950
- Email: obumneme.okeke@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trapamatics/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/trapamatics
- Other: http://smarturl.it/bume
Image Credit:
@b.dashooter
@meccymecc
@so.lidd
@alisasphotos
@powellportaiture
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