Munsif Husami Interview | Respect the Dreamer
Munsif Husami is a spoken-word artist from New Brunswick, New Jersey and has performed across the tri-state area. He first emerged among a collective called the New Jersey Poetry Renaissance, which was the subject of a PBS Documentary titled "Voices in the Garden". He writes about identity, mental health, growth and culture. His first book titled “Honey, I Met the Shrink”, was published by Two Key Customs in 2023. Munsif has featured in Soup Can Magazine with a poem on the military-industrial complex, and in NYU's Aftab Magazine with a piece about racial-profiling. He enjoys good books, films and music, and is currently working on a mixed-media project in the romance genre.
What inspired you to pursue your dream, and how did it all begin?
I credit the reading my mother made me do at age 5. Sesame Street Box Sets for the win! I cannot overstate how much I owe her for that. Books were my refuge throughout school - I would get stuck into one author at a time and read all their work. I had stopped when I was looking for jobs after graduating during the Pandemic, but I knew I needed to start reading/writing again. I'm glad I came back to it and found the courage to put it out into the world. The creative community in this region is one of its best-kept secrets.
Can you share a defining moment in your journey that shaped your perspective and fueled your passion?
Having supportive teachers who would constantly tell my parents that I could do this as more than just a hobby. Also, the feeling of Zen whenever I am writing, performing my work or listening to others.
How do you handle setbacks and keep pushing forward in the pursuit of your dreams?
I know now that setbacks are necessary speedbumps. I try to return to basics, be gentler to myself, take a break if needed and realign myself toward my goals. Breaking goals down into actionable steps helps. Also building a prep routine intentionally for shows and new challenges is valuable for me.
Are there specific individuals who have inspired you along the journey?
The many organizers across the tristate area who've trusted in me, and the peers whom I look up to. The first time I was truly electrified at a show, it was James Ellerbe, Damian Rucci and Don Krypton on the mic. Sean Battle (of EvoluCulture) showed up too. That was quite a lineup. Folks like Ngoma Hill, Ras Heru, Ameerah Shabazz-Bilal, Jasmine Rosario, Rescue Poetix, Chris Rockwell, R.Sen, Damian Rucci, Rashad Wright, Eric Shandroff, RADI, Sincerely L.. the list goes on and on!
How do you maintain a balance between pursuing your dreams and handling everyday responsibilities?
I see my art as a privilege and my meditative safe space outside of my day job and responsibilities. This helps me make time for it daily, even if it's just a few minutes of planning or a few hours of prep.
How do you overcome self-doubt and stay confident in your abilities?
By just doing the work and reminding myself that success looks different for all of us. For instance, a workshop I attended in March has allowed me to start writing in my parents' native tongue for the first time in years.
Can you share a memorable success story or achievement that resulted from your determination?
I have my first paid solo feature this June. It'll be my longest set ever and I am frankly ecstatic about performing there.
Catch me at the Barron Arts Center for Poets' Wednesday at 7 pm, June 12th in Woodbridge, New Jersey!
In what ways do you stay motivated during challenging times?
By reading books on my list, watching great films, and working out. Also finding the joy of simpler things like a cool summer evening, a beautiful sunset, a stupid joke while vegging out on the couch. Also, when I'm not doing craft-work I try to spend quality time with my wife or my friends. There's a lot to be grateful for.
What dream are you living right now?
Teaching myself how to video edit! I posted a couple of experimental pieces on my IG this year. The posting has been erratic because I was juggling some freelance work, but every occasion I see myself getting at least 0.5% better.
What advice would you give to someone with a dream?
Don't give up on it. Let it grow. Let it change. Let it adjust. Let it run the block and come back to you in any indeterminable amount of time. But don't give up on it.
Photography credit: Millicent Ansah, Kevin Slaughter, Becky Terranova
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