Exodus of Malawi’s hip-hop star

He used to be the most admired voice of Malawi’s hip-hop. He is still, of course; though differently. David Kalilani—formerly Stix of rap group Real Elements—today epitomises a redefined hip-hop genre he explores in his first album tilted Exodus: The Preview. Ephraim Nyondo tells the story.

It was in 2004 when everything changed around Jerome Kalilani—then popularly known as Stix, a member of Real Elements, the first rap group in Malawi to go international.

In fact, it was just about the time his childhood dream of becoming an international artist was at his fingertips.

Two major international record companies were scrambling to sign him. One in South Africa, and the other in the United States of America (USA). His only job was to choose.

Unexpectedly, Stix turned down the two offers, and chose to turn his life to Jesus Christ. Everybody around him—even his family—thought he had gone crazy.

“I was going through wars of spiritual questions within myself. I think God was calling me. I felt it, and I couldn’t run away,” he says.

And that was the beginning of his exodus—an exodus that meant a complete transformation of everything that defined him before. 180% degrees!

He quit Real Elements. He shaved his afro-hair style. And he even changed his name. He was no longer Jerome Kalilani or Stix; he called himself David Kalilani.

But one thing he didn’t throw out completely was hip-hop music. And there is a reason he did that.

“I knew I had begun a mission. To reach out to other youths—those that used to listen and get inspired by my music before—then the medium will remain hip-hop.

“The hip-hop culture is the language this generation understands. The power, mostly, is in the word of God that we put in the music.

“I have seen youths receiving Christ and get their lives transformed,” says David.

The singles, album

Interestingly, since he got born again in 2004, David has never released an album. He has just been recording singles which, and this is amazing, have not just maintained his fan base but also won a thousand others across the world.

“I had no idea that I had a serious following outside of Malawi until I uploaded one of my singles online. In less than a week, I had overwhelming feedback.

“The song was being played on four radio stations in South Africa namely Link F.M, Impact radio and others. In Kenya Deejay Krowbar started playing it, Re-tunes—a Zambian website, put me on the charts and I was number three from Pompi and Chungu, two big Zambian artists,” he says.

This, surely, was David’s awakening.

“My target now is to introduce myself to people beyond our borders to discover who David Kalilani is and my journey (Exodus with God),” he says.

The result is the release is his first album, Exodus: The Preview—the first solo project of his 15 year music journey.

“It feels great especially because it is my first album, and also it is a gospel one,” says David, born on 26 December 1982, and the only boy in the family of three.

The album—which was released on Friday and some of its songs can be accessed on websites like www.malawi-music.com,www.ariseincmw.com, www.ariseinc.net, www.davidkalilani.bandcamp.com–has 17 songs and it targets people of all ages and races across the world.

“I wouldn’t even call this a hip-hop album. It has a fusion of genres. If you love good music, there is something for you in this album. You can listen to this album with your parents and grandparents and grandchildren and everyone will enjoy it,” he says.

Notable producers behind the album, among others, include, L-boogie from (UK), Lawi, Dominant 1, Gods Favourite and Qabaniso Malewezi. 

“I have also worked with KBG MC Jin from Hong Kong formerly signed to US rap group Ruff Ryders with DMX, Swizz Beatz and EVE. He is now born again. He says a few words on the song Exodus Part Four,” continues David.

Apart from Lawi, the album also features, almost 50%, the amazing voice of Taritta Kansichi.

His mission  

David, however, believes the challenges facing Malawi can best be fought spiritually.

“My only focus and intention is to use this music to turn people to Christ. When these young people in secondary schools and colleges receive Christ, their hearts change.

“Donor money, NGOs, electing specific political leaders, Anti Corruption methods won’t change this nation for the better. The Good News of Jesus is what will transform our country and change its economy.

“That’s why I am doing this because a few years from now, these young people will become presidents, ministers, teachers and business men in places of great influence,” he adds.

He is currently looking for sponsors to help him tour across the country with live shows.