ABOUT
An Indigenous and Guyanese rapper, producer, and artist from Winnipeg’s West End.
Known for his cinematic, rap infused sound, he merges deep storytelling with innovative production.
More Than Music
Influenced by artists like Playboi Carti and Sean Leon, OSANI’s music reflects personal loss, cultural pride, and a drive to uplift his community. He self-produces all his work and intentionally collaborates with local talent.
Notable achievements include opening for The Lytics and Gully, performing at Canadian Music Week, and being featured in the 2025 Indigenous Music Spotlight.
Currently, he’s working on his debut EP, built entirely with local creatives.
The Journey
Osani Balkaran explores the transformative power of passion and its significant impact on individuals’ lives. He reflects on his journey from childhood through adolescence, highlighting how passion can serve as a driving force, particularly in the face of adversity.
Early Influences and Discoveries
Growing up in Toronto, Osani faced familial challenges that shaped his identity. The absence of his father left him with feelings of anger and confusion about masculinity. However, through exposure to music, particularly rap, he discovered a medium that resonated with his experiences. Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life" became a pivotal moment for him, as it reflected his struggles and aspirations, igniting a desire to pursue rap as a form of expression.
The Role of Passion in Identity Formation
As Osani navigated his teenage years, he encountered bullying and societal perceptions tied to his ethnicity and family background. This period was marked by a struggle for acceptance and understanding. Despite the negativity surrounding him, his passion for rap provided an outlet for his emotions and a means to connect with others. He recalls how sharing his passion with peers often elicited support and curiosity, further solidifying his identity as an artist.
Challenges of Adversity
Osani candidly discusses his descent into substance abuse as a mechanism to cope with the overwhelming feelings of inadequacy and anger. This phase of his life was characterized by impulsivity and self-destructive behaviors, leading to a crisis that forced him to confront the consequences of his actions. His experiences serve as a reminder of how easily passion can be overshadowed by negative influences, leading to a cycle of despair.
Turning Point and Renewal
A turning point in Osani's life occurred when he entered a treatment center, recognizing the need to reclaim his passion and rebuild his life. Through introspection and support from others, he began to reconnect with his love for music. The act of creating beats became a therapeutic process, allowing him to express himself and foster connections with fellow residents.
Embracing Passion as a Tool for Change
Osani emphasizes the importance of passion as a catalyst for personal growth and community impact. He illustrates how pursuing one's passion can lead to healing, self-discovery, and the ability to uplift others. His story encourages individuals to embrace their passions, regardless of societal pressures, as a means to navigate challenges and create positive change in their lives and the lives of others.
"People can realize they can create opportunities for themselves. I just got to have hope in that, and I got to know that ... if one of us can do it, then all of us can do it."
- Osani
