02:
Osse Greca Sinare
Content Creator, YouTuber and Photographer
Photos from @ossegrecasinare
November, 2019
I wanted to connect with my favorite creatives of color and bring these conversations to life through a series of interviews I hope to publish semi-regularly. These photographers, fashion designers and illustrators, have awed and inspired me with their work.
To kick off this series of interviews, I had the chance to chat with a photographer, vlogger, and all-around creative from my home country of Tanzania. Besides his dope lifestyle photos, what I really love about Osse is his passion for educating/mentoring Tanzanians and Africans through YouTube tutorials and local workshops. Where he finds the time, I don’t know.
Osse, before you start answering the questions below, what have you been up to today?
To be honest, a lot of post-production work, editing two videos and images, so mainly sitting down looking at my laptop screen. That’s the real life of a photographer/filmmaker 80% of the time.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I spent my earlier years studying in Dar, then went to eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland) for high school, then Kuala Lumpur for my degree. I am a huge fan of coffee, and I love to travel but hate the journey of getting from point A to B (wish we could teleport already). When I am not creating images or videos, I am probably thinking of what I am going to develop next :) There is never an off button, unfortunately.
When did you know that you wanted to be a creative professional?
I realized when I was in university that I wanted to be a creative professional. I've loved creating since I could remember. It's the one thing I can do for hours and not get tired or bored.
“Just being on top isn’t fulfilling to me. Leaving a legacy by inspiring and helping others, now that’s fulfilling!”
Who is your most significant source of inspiration right now, and why?
Right now, it’s two photographers: Shortstache & Yik Keat. Amazing photographers.
What is the one advice you would give yourself when you first started in the industry?
Network and collaborate as much as you can. Collaborating is the fastest way to grow in the industry when first starting out.
I know you're a pretty good hip hop dancer. If photography didn't pan out, would you be poppin’ ‘n’ lockin’?
Hahaha damn, don't tell me you saw that video of me dancing smh. If photography didn't work, I would probably be working in a marketing agency or travel company.
You're an active vlogger/content creator. Staying creative and coming up with fresh ideas is one of the toughest things to do as a creative person—it's a constant struggle. How do you stay motivated and creative?
When I create without overthinking about the views, likes, and responses from the audience, it helps with not allowing me to get stuck. I try my best to create, upload, and then continue to the next project. The moment I start thinking, I start struggling to come up with ideas or to be motivated. Traveling or seeing new spaces, even in my city, usually gives me a lot of inspiration.
Every year, I look back at my work and reflect on the journey, sometimes going years back. I often cringe at some of my designs! If you did the same, what job would make you say, "Man, what was I thinking?"
Hahaha, I think a lot of my work would make me say that! But probably my first few projects when I was starting. I can remember a t-shirt brand I created when I was in uni, and I did a shoot for it. Man, what was I thinking?! Haha
If you could do any project you wanted, what would it be?
It would probably be a personal project on travel, exploring Asia or South America and creating films that showcase my various experiences in those continents.
Where was the last place you went on holiday?
Kigamboni (Tanzania), end of last year. My work generally feels like a holiday, but if I were to say a proper holiday where I just chilled out and relaxed, it would be Kigamboni for New Years. We went to a place called Yale Yale Puna, a beautiful villa by the beach.
My wife and I were recently talking about what we would do if the zombie apocalypse happened. Where would you go, and what would you do?
Damn, this is an interesting question! I would probably find an isolated island or go high up in the mountains—the only issue would be the cold though. So probably stick to the island.
Now, here are ten quick-fire questions. Nike or Adidas?
Nike.
Morning person or night owl?
Morning person.
iPhone or Samsung?
iPhone.
White or black?
Black.
Beach or city?
Beach.
Mercedes or BMW?
Mercedes.
Pizza or Burger?
Pizza.
Jay-Z or Nas?
Jay-Z.
Hasselblad or Leica?
Hasselblad.
Lastly, finish the sentence. "Tanzania is …"
…For the Youth.
Check out Osse’s YouTube channel and wicked Instagram @ossegrecasinare
Next time I’ll be chatting to a graphic artist based in Jo’Burg, South Africa. Stay tuned.
Cheers mates!