Singer, songwriter and electronic producer Ghostpoet, real name Obaro Ejimiwe, makes dark music, a little mixed-up, with every lyric touching your skin. The kind of music that helps normal people get through hard times.
Backed by Gilles Peterson (and signed to his label Brownswood Recordings), Zane Lowe and all the newspapers that write sweet nothings about his music, Ghostpoet has collaborated with The Streets, Kano and supported Metronomy on tour. His debut album Peanut Butter Blues and Melancholy Jam is as brilliant as its name – Mercury nominee worthy in fact, “I just made it in a spare bedroom, it was just ideas, things I never thought people would hear.” Originally from Coventry, and all the nicer for it, Ghostpoet started as part of a grime collective at university before going it alone. i-D online had our first taste way back when he performed at Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen, head down, mouth close to the mic, sharing everything going on in his head with an intimate audience. Hotly-tipped for the Mercury Music Prize (announced September 6th), it’s too late to say Ghostpoet is going to be great, but we can at least pick his brain a bit and see what comes loose. i-D online met Mr G. in a park, where he spoke softly about his music, his missus and his dog.
Text: Sarah Raphael
Film: Georgia Hudson
