I recently sat down with Japanese-American poet and Hip-Hop artist, G Yamazawa, to have coffee and discuss his first-ever visit to the UAE as well as his background as a writer.
Paul D: You are Japanese American raised in Durham, North Carolina. How was that growing up?
G: It was interesting because I was the middle man between both my parents and American culture. I was able to share with my friends about Buddhism and Japanese heritage while I was simultaneously informing my parents about American pop culture, music, sports, and language.
Paul D: You performed at the Abu Dhabi International Poetry Festival and was featured at Rooftop Rhythms. What were your overall thoughts about the UAE and the emerging poetry scene?
G: I loved it! The UAE is a beautiful place with so many different cultures. I thought people were very open to performance poetry, and everybody was so receptive to my work even though I had doubts that it wouldn’t be able to translate.
Paul D: I love it too and am not sure when I will be able to move. How were you received by local poets and the poetry community?
G: Very well!
Paul D: You are both a rapper and a poet. Which art form best expresses you? Which one would you do if you could only choose one?
G: I would have to say that I want my hip hop and rhymes to express myself just as much as my poetry does because it still is poetry. I think music is a medium that transcends language barriers, so I’d love for my songs to be able to reach places my English cannot.
Paul D: What is your first experience with rhyming and poetry? When did you know you had a knack for words?
G: In 6th grade, I plagiarized a bunch of the greatest rappers of all time and submitted to this book contest. I got an honourable mention! That’s when I decided to try it myself before I got caught stealing. I also knew that with my background in Japanese and being raised in NC, I had a unique perspective on language and I could manipulate my voice in many ways.
Paul D: What have been the highlights of your trip to Abu Dhabi?
G: The people. Meeting new friends, seeing old family, and hearing about peoples’ stories. Where ever I go, I always enjoy the people the most.
Paul D: Could you see yourself living in the UAE?
G: Yes!
Paul D: What is your ultimate dream with poetry?
G: To reach and move a generation of youth at the deepest level possible. You?
Paul D: To continue planning poetry events in English and Arabic with the mission of educating, entertaining, and uniting. What do you think about the future of poetry in the UAE?
G: I think it’s only going to get bigger and bigger, and there’s plenty of room for growth! The sky’s the limit.
Paul D: How are you transitioning with your upcoming move to California?
G: I’m still in the process of moving, and will be doing a tour as I drive across the country. It’s been an amazing transition so far because all of my friends and family have been so supportive of my endeavors. I’m hoping to connect with the Asian American community and to be able to travel to Japan more often to do cross-cultural examinations through an artistic lens.
Paul D: That’s great. I just cross-examined this check and noticed that I didn’t bring my wallet. Can you take care of the bill?
G: *Stares with mouth wide-open*
by Dorian “Paul D” Rogers | @pauldTHERIPY
