God used a stranger to save me from death- Music producer

 Kelvin Mutanya

Do you hold any grudge against your dad?

No. Looking back, I realise he probably wanted the best for me. I wanted to be a musician, but he couldn’t hear any of that.

He was a drunkard and we used to get into serious arguments. Out of frustration, I turned to drinking. I used to come home drunk and dirty. One day, he gave me two options; either leave his house or quit drinking. Of course, I left the house!

Did you have a plan or source of income?

I was a cook-cum-driver for a mzungu who used to live in Fedha estate. The job was well-paying and I used to get lots of tips from him.

Who introduced you to alcohol at such a tender age? I mean, at 20 years, you were pretty young...

My friends. They used ask me to accompany them every time they went out on a drinking spree. Gradually, I got hooked. I couldn’t operate without alcohol.

I lost my job since I would skive work and my boss got tired of my excuses. I drank all my savings. I was a total mess.

At some point, you used to sleep in corridors...

Yes. I couldn’t go back home. I stayed at my friends’ place in Donholm, but they also got tired of me. I wasn’t contributing any money to the household expenses and they eventually kicked me out.

I was forced to sleep out in the cold. It was bad. I was like a street kid.

Is this what made you attempt to commit suicide?

Yes. I was frustrated. I lost hope in life. My family and friends had deserted me. I felt alone. Death seemed like the only way out. I decided to jump from the overpass in Donholm, but before I could do that, a man grabbed me from behind.

He counselled me and I shared with him my story. For once, I felt loved and cared for. He prayed for me and offered to help me. I think that was God. He gave me a second chance in life. I am forever grateful.

How did you become a music producer?

I had acquired music production skills in school. I used to spend a lot of time in studios, where this passion grew. I swallowed my pride and went back home. I asked for forgiveness and my parents accepted me back.

In the process of healing, reforming and hunting for jobs, I met some long-time friends in a hotel near our estate who told me about SJF Studio that was looking for a producer. I went there, did the interview and luckily, I got the job.

What advise can you give to parents who don’t believe in their children’s passion and talent?

Never look down on your child’s talent or passion. Always give them an opportunity to exploit their talent. Forcing your child to venture into a profession that they don’t have a passion for is not good.

Children who do not have supportive parents tend to have lower self-esteem and feel alienated.

November is the hustle month and we are all about youngins making their money, and we need your help. Do you know of any young person in school/campus who is running a hustle that absolutely deserves to be celebrated? Drop us an email on: [email protected]