S1 E6 (December 09 - December 15)
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| Cos Photo: Facebook |
INTRODUCE YOURSELF . . .
My real name is Cosmas David Phiri. I was born in February 1987 at Kamuzu Central Hospital in the capital city of Malawi, Lilongwe. I grew up in Area 18 in Lilongwe and spent most of my holidays with my grand mother of Saidi Village, T/A Kalumbu, Lilongwe. I did my primary school at Chimutu LEA school and got selected to M'kwichi secondary school. I then did my Bachelors Degree at African Bible College. I am currently living in Richmond, Virginia in the United states of America.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ARTIST?
When I was in secondary school (high school), I used to listen to local hip-hop music by the Real-elements but was more inspired by the then Sticks (linguistics) who has now changed his name to David. I was inspired by his love for music and how he influenced the young people with it. In 2005, I got saved and there was fire in me to use whatever gifts God gave me to make an impact in the lives of young people. I was actively involved with sports and music outreach with Kapita CCAP youth group and thats when we started the local gospel hip hop group called Brothers in Christ (B.I.C's) and a choir group called Kapita Youth Choir. It was this time that I started learning playing drums, piano and guitar hence able to record and produce my own music today. I remember we used to minister to the local colleges and I loved seeing the power of God through our music. My musical inspiration has been solemnly on my love for Jesus and how obligated I feel to spread the good news of hope and salvation to those who are hopeless. In 2012 I released a solo EP named Generation of Worship. I dropped this EP to continue reaching out to the younger generation and to point the people not to my music but to the cross. This is why I love John 3:30 where the bibles says "He must increase, but I must decrease". My life is not about the music or sports but it's all about proclaiming the one who gave me life to the fullest and the desire is to share his story for the scripture tells me to "Go and make disciples of all nations". One of the hidden personal stories is that I lost both of my biological parents at the age of 9. So I grew up in absentia of a biological father. But as bad as that sounds, I am strong and forever grateful for even while I was deep living in sins, while in that bad state, God by his mercy and grace through his only beggoten son Jesus, gave me life to its fullest. He calls me son and I now fully understand how deep, high and wide is the the love of my heavenly father for me. That is more than an earthly father's love.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO APART FROM MUSIC?
Apart from Music and coaching soccer I have a privilege of being a husband to Christy Phiri and father to Neri Thandizo Phiri. I am also blessed with a day job with one of America's corporate companies.
WHAT OTHER GENRES ARE YOU COMFORTABLE WITH?
Apart from Christian hip hop music, I love pop music and christian contemporary music. I am currently one of the three worship leaders at my spring run presbyterian church.
WHAT'S THE TITLE OF YOUR MOST RECENT PROJECT?
My current single is called HOLD ON. It is a song which is geared to encourage those going through different types of hardships. I realize that the world is hurting at large and as individuals we have hidden and unhidden struggles that make life tough. We have broken marriages, divorce, fatherlessness, diseases, stress, spiritual and material poverty just to mention a few. I would want the world to know that we are never guaranteed an easy smooth life. At some point trouble will come and when it does, I want people to know that there is hope.
WHEN ARE YOU RELEASING YOUR NEXT PROJECT AND WHAT WILL IT BE CALLED?
I have been thinking of making an album but we do live in a fast world where albums are a thing of the past. These days it's more about dropping a single and drop another one with a much needed space between. Next year, God willing, I will be dropping three singles namely SURGE( it will be talking about how God takes the unpleasant and make them beautiful), Everlasting and Mama.
I am all about growth and the Lord has been so faithful in my past, present and I have no doubt that he will make a way for future endeavors.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
In the next five years I would love to continue maturing with my relations with the Lord because this will be the key and foundation for my professional growth and family growth. But as far as music is concerned, I will be making more music and finding ways to connect with local communities to be part of the needed spiritual and social transformation.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS
Joyful, passionate and resilient. Joyful because I believe I have 10, 000 reasons to be grateful and find joy in the little things around us. To be a light to the darkness and that can never happen in the absence of true JOY that comes from the Lord. Passionate because when I want to do something I will do it to the best of my ability --- with all my heart and mind and that produces a passion. Resilient, because I have gone through hardships before and the Lord saw me out. I will remain active and hopeful even when things aren't going right.
In the words of Pastor Noel Musicha, "Hold on, help is on the way". I just want every ear that will ever be listening to my music to be encouraged, empowered, educated and equipped with the good news.
ANYTHING ELSE?
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