ABOUT

 

Basi creates for those who believe in their own power and their ability to shape the conditions they need to thrive. “I believe in the transformative power of music and want mine to serve as a vehicle for change and self-actualization,” says Basi, a 27-year-old designer and artist from Oakland, CA.

The name “Basi” reflects his identity as a truth-seeker—someone driven to pierce through illusions and reveal authenticity, all while maintaining a resilient and spirited outlook.

Basi’s creative journey began in childhood through poetry, a medium that took him across the country and the globe. As a teenager, he performed in cities like Chicago, Houston, Calgary, London, and Paris. In 2013, he was named the Youth Poet Laureate of Oakland, a milestone that propelled him to study as a First Wave Scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. There, he earned a degree in Apparel Design in 2019.

During his college years, Basi began collaborating with live musicians and producers from the Midwest and Bay Area, blending live instrumentation with the unique energy of East Oakland's sound. This fusion became the hallmark of his music—a cohesive mix of soul, slap, and storytelling.

Today, Basi is pursuing his Graduate degree in Design at the School of Visual Arts as well as continuing to release music. He views his purpose as sharing the lessons of his lived experiences to empower others.

Basi is now gearing up for the release of his 4th music project early 2025.

“I am a product of Oakland, CA, and the African diaspora. I create music that reflects my life—music that is life-affirming and encourages manifestation. My songs are personal mantras that help me navigate my journey. One day, I hope someone else will say they’ve helped them navigate theirs too,” says Basi.