Mantist Oryem is an African-Australian producer, hip hop and spoken-word artist who has been utilising the Visible Ink space since 2007. Mantist uses music to express his reality, entertain people and to inspire.
Tell us a little about yourself, what you do and what you love about it?
As an African Australian producer, hip hop and spoken word artist, music started for me as a tool to get what is inside out in a more positive way. I love music in a way that it gives me freedom to express myself. It’s like a therapy for me; a true source of happiness and a feeling that I can only get from listening and doing it. Now I create music to entertain and inspire other people for the best.

What would you say led you to where you are today?
My first dream was to become a doctor. I was always scoring high grade in science and I love every science classes I’ve been at. I used to collect insects and scientifically name them. However my music journey started through a series of workshops with completely no musical background. After a while, I became so attached to it that I’ve decided to abandoned my science career and pursue a career in music.

After two years of workshops and being self-taught many aspects of the industry, I was able to write my first EP album which was recorded and distributed by the end of 2009, “Out Of Poverty Into The Glory”. It was very successful and provided me with opportunities to perform consistently throughout Brisbane in clubs, pubs, parties and celebrated festivals in Brisbane such as Brisbane Festival, Zillmere Festival, World Refugee Day Festival, etc. I have also been fortunate enough to receive media and editorial coverage from The Courier Mail, MX, Scene magazine and radio stations as well as 4ZZZ having played my music and conducting interviews with me.
What are you currently working on project-wise?
Currently I’m promoting dual songs that I have just release title “Hello Mama” which is a dedication to my mum and all the other mothers. The new release song is now live and selling online at the entire major online selling platform such as ITunes, Amazon, CD Baby etc. The goal is to reach 10,000 digital sell of the Hello Mama’s song by the end of July.

How did you hear about Visible Ink?
I have been an active participant in many Visible Ink programs over the years. Visible Ink sponsored my first professional photo shoot with Lightbox Studio. Visible Ink also funded me to participate in the QMusic program call Music Action Planning Project. I was also mentor by local MC and DJ Nick Grace in song writing and recording. Over the past year, I have also been using the Visible Ink space to develop, rehearse and perfect my art.

What do you get up to in your down time?
I enjoy physical activities such as going for a hardcore workout 3 to 4 days a week. I also play street basketball and enjoy taking a long weekend drive as a bit of an adventure in the countryside. And off course all of those activities involve me listening to some form of music.

Is there any advice about getting into the music industry you wish you’d been given beforehand?
Take a serious and conscious look into your life and ask yourself, how do you really want to live? Keep in mind that you’re capable of doing anything you really want to do. At this point do not concern yourself with “how to do it”. The purpose of this question is to identify what you’re really passionate about. Once you identify what you’re passionate about, the how is pretty easy. All you have to do is follow the success system in your field. I follow this formula:

1. Inspiration to action – which is finding a passion that will fuel you to take action because you want to not because someone is telling you to,
2. Know how – gain any knowledge you can get in your field (remembering that, the system works if you work the system),
3. Make it happen – put all your knowledge, skills and techniques together to create your goals.

How would you suggest young people get involved in this opportunity?
There are many opportunities and support in Brisbane. All you have to do is seek and you shall find, ask and it will be given to you. Knock and the door will be open. Remember, you will become what you think about. Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve. I should also point out that, the only limitation you have is the one you set in your own mind or you let other people set for you.

Where can people get in touch with you?
For exclusive videos, albums, downloads and connecting with me on my social media, visit www.mantistmusic.com