Gonkama Johnson

performer / beatmaker / sound engineer / producer

BIOGRAPHY

Gonkama Johnson is a multi-talented musician, producer, and teaching artist who grew up in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. His creative journey began at a young age, sparked by a deep curiosity for sound and technology. As a child, Gonkama discovered how to record audio using cassette tapes by pressing the record and play buttons simultaneously—a moment that marked the beginning of his passion for audio production. By sixth grade, he was already teaching himself to use digital audio workstation (DAW) software, specifically FL Studio, inspired by a neighbor in a nearby apartment complex.

His love for Hip Hop was ignited when he watched his cousin beatbox in the stairwell of their public housing complex—an informal gathering place for many Liberian youth while their parents worked. This experience cemented his admiration for rhythm and lyrical expression and set him on a path of creative exploration.

In high school, Gonkama completed his first music project using the DAW Acid Pro. He later went on to perform live at local venues, with his first stage appearance taking place during his early college years at The Red Sea in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis—an event he also curated. Over the years, he has continued to perform, including at venues as far as San Diego, California.

Beyond performance, Gonkama has dedicated himself to education and mentorship. He has served as a teaching assistant for over four years and has led Hip Hop workshops at sites such as Anwatin Middle School and Arts-Us. His focus on teaching music production and Hip Hop culture has helped him support emerging artists while giving back to the community that shaped him.

QUALIFICATIONS

Gonkama Johnson is proficient in a variety of DAW software, including FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Acid Pro. He is experienced in hardware networking and has hands-on knowledge of legacy audio formats, such as DVD, VHS, and vinyl sampling. His production skillset also includes advanced use of the Dr. Sample SP-303 sampler.

In addition to his technical expertise, Gonkama has over a decade of experience writing and recording original music. His background in education includes classroom experience as a teaching assistant, as well as curriculum development and facilitation of Hip Hop-based learning programs for middle school youth. He combines technical skill, lived experience, and a commitment to community building in all aspects of his work.

skills

  • FL Studio, Logic Pro, Acid Pro

  • hardware networking

  • DVD, VHS, vinyl sampling

  • writing and recording experience

  • Dr. Sample SP-303

Curriculum Samples

links