Kelvin Simfukwe alias KAY, one half of top Kopala rap duo Chanda na Kay featured on the Kenny T 1 ON 1 podcast hosted by Kenny T.
The 27 years-old rapper responding to Kenny T’s question opened up about his early days in Kitwe before fame made him leave his nest and explore the rest of the world.
The rapper said, “Mushikulu ponono,” describing is grand father who was doing well in Kitwe’s Chimwemwe township, making car brake pads for a living.
He told Kenny T that his grandfather was a tough man who did not believe in education but working for oneself. He added, saying, at the time he was at Kitwe Boys Secondary School, he had to find a way to squeeze in being a mechanic making brake pads and getting an education.
“Twale panga ma brake pads, motoka pakuti iminine ma brake, efyo twalepanga. imyotoka nifwe twalelenga shiminine,” said the rapper.
Kay told Kenny T that he had never attended high school prep as he had to work at the garage in the evening, and in the morning, he would remove his working suit and put on the school uniform.
That was his routine as it was the only way the rapper could pay for his school after his grandfather paid him.
The rapper also added, revealing just how tough it was for him as he said, he woud sometimes buy sausage at a popular place known as “Pa Chililo,” to eat as he would not know if they had eaten already at the garage meaning he wouldn’t have food to eat.
“Kaili futi pa garage taileishibikwa. Teti wishibe nga wasanga nabalya nangu tabalile. So nga wapusa nishi wapusa,” said Kay.
The rapper’s story is a reminder of the strength that comes from humble beginnings. Kay showed discipline, resilience, and determination by being able to balance life as a mechanic and pupil.
These qualities have shaped the artist he is today. From working at a garage fixing brake pads in Kitwe’s Chimwemwe township to making waves in the Zambian music industry – inspiring young people to not let their struggle define them.
