Inside the Mind of a Sleepless Artist with Brotha Jason
We caught up with disciplined Performer and Sleepless Mindz Clothing Designer, Jason Bempong aka Brotha Jason.
Chat Sesh with Trixie Calmdown + Brotha Jason
YOUR BIRTHDATE, PLEASE?
March 10.
AND DECADE?
90s.
WHAT CITY WERE YOU BORN IN?
Halifax, Nova Scotia.
WHAT YEAR DID YOU ESTABLISH YOUR BRAND?
2013
TEN YEARS STRONG! WILL YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MAGIC BEHIND THE NAME, SLEEPLESS MINDZ?
The name came about during a time I began to take my art more seriously. I'd stay up all night sketching, coming up with ideas and creating new pieces. The name was solidified when I created my first design for the brand which represented the gift and curse of being an artist plagued with a never ending stream of ideas to be manifested into physical reality.
THREE WORDS OR LABELS YOU’D USE TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONA.
Ocean. Creative. Multi-faceted.
THIS MAKES SENSE, BEING A PISCES. WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY?
The mind of a Sleepless Artist.
I LOVE IT.
SOME ARTISTS THAT MOTIVATE YOU?
Michael Jackson, Jean-Michael Basquiat, Les Twins, Keith Haring.
ALL LEGENDS. BASQUIAT’S ART IS NEXT LEVEL.
WHEN DO YOU FEEL THE MOST ALIVE?
When I'm locked in my studio working on a new garment or when I'm dancing.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER YOUR CONNECTION TO DANCE?
Age of 12 after seeing my friend do the moonwalk.
FIRST DANCER THAT CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION?
My friend who taught me the moonwalk.
FIRST ALBUM THAT YOU OWNED & LOVED?
Outkast - Stankonia on CD.
SONG ON REPEAT RN?
60 Days - Larry June x Alchemist.
LET’S MAKE A SPOTIFY BLEND PLAYLIST AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
CAN YOU THINK OF YOUR FONDEST CHILDHOOD POSSESSION?
Pokémon Edition Game Boy Color.
WHAT COLOR? Yellow
OH YA, DUH.
SUPER MARIO OR DONKEY KONG?
Super Mario
TV JINGLE MOST LIKELY TO GET STUCK IN YOUR HEAD?
”Recess” theme song.
HOW MIGHT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY BEST SUPPORT YOUR CREATIVE VENTURES?
Buying merch. Reposting. Supporting events.
WE’RE GUNNA DO JUST THAT.
ANY EXCITING HAPS / PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT?
March 18 2023: Showcasing and Performing with fellow street-dancer, Tony Ramirez @ AFAM African Fashion Week Vancouver Fashion Show.
AY, SO GOOD. I’LL BE THERE!
I CAN’T WAIT TO SHOW PEOPLE SOME OF THE OTHER COLLABORATIONS WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON AS WELL. IN THE MEANTIME, WE’RE GUNNA GO RE-WATCH THAT GREAT COMMERCIAL THAT YOU DID WITH DANK MART x SELF HIRED.
THANKS FOR CHATTING. ϟ
Instagram @brotha_jason
FB: /jason.bempong
You Tube: Jason Bempong