Fredokiss tells his story

When rapper Fredokiss held a viewing session for his documentary at Chichiri Shopping Mall’s Underground Cinema in Blantyre, he shared his life story, which offered more than inspiration.

In the documentary, In the Hands of thxe Young: Music as a Tool for Social Change, the artist seems equipped and determined to use his talent to effect a mindset shift among the youth.

During the event, Fredokiss, real name Penjani Kalua, spoke about his upbringing, the challenges he faced growing up in the ghetto, and how he managed to get out of that cage.

The documentary chronicles the life journey of the hip-hop star. He was born on March 28 1986 in Lilongwe and raised in an extended family comprising his uncle, aunt, sister, brother, grandmother and cousins. They all lived in a small abode in Chirimba Township, Blantyre where the family had moved to.

In the documentary, Fredokiss features his uncle, Tionge Sikwese. They lived together since 1991 and shares the artist’s sentiments.

Sikwese says: “The house had over eight people. We did not have running water so we had to rely on Chirimba River. So, when Fredokiss talks about having it hard during his childhood, he knows what he is talking about.”

The musician launched his education at Chirimba Primary School before connecting to Chichiri Secondary School. Playing protégé to his elder brother Ken and close friend Jolly Bro, the three would perform Tupac Shakur songs during fashion shows at the school.

His twin sister Hilda says: “At first we thought he was just doing it for fun, but as time went by, we realised he was serious with music. My mother and uncle were worried that he would not excel in school.

“But with time, the young boy who used to imitate already established stars during rap and ragga contests, becomes his own man and artist. And today, as they say, the rest is history.”

During his second year at University of Malawi’s Chancellor College, Fredokiss released his first official compositions Basi and Wozza which received good airplay on local radio stations.  Since then, he has not looked back.

Fredokiss is becoming the symbol that personifies a youth who has made it through hard work and has kept his firm belief in helping his peers by instilling a mindset that they can make it and create opportunities for themselves.

He says: “If people see where I was 10 years ago, they will be touched. I have reached that stage in my life where some people say I am not from the ghetto, but that is not the case. Every time someone says that, it is a reminder of how much I have changed.

“I know where I am coming from. If I was to stand somewhere and start describing how I grew up in Chirimba, many will dismiss my account. But this is my story, it is the truth and through it I want to reach out and inspire my fellow youths.”

The musician says he believes in youths’ dream; hence, his devotion to creating a breakthrough for them and shaping a better future.

He says: “Many times we forget to put to good use the privilege and influence that life gives us. I am trying to utilise the power of music to effect social change. I want all youths who trace their origins from the ghetto to believe they can make it.”

Former Blantyre City mayor Noel Chalamanda, who attended the screening of the documentary, has challenged the country’s youth to join the efforts as shown by the rapper to play their part in creating not only a good future for themselves, but also a better Malawi.

“We are the people who like complaining and do nothing about it. After what Fredokiss has done, we need to think twice. We can change our situation.

“We have the resources, the skill, talent, manpower and the intelligence. So why should we remain one of the failed states in the world,” says Chalamanda. n