Billiat gives hope to street kids
Billiat gives hope to street kids
BY Yvonnie Sundu, a correspondent 06:29:19 - 17 May 2006
IN life very few people are certain of their destiny but uncertainty does not stop many from keeping their heads up to achieve their wishes and aspirations. With such ambiguity of what the future holds for such people, 14-year-old musician, Lyson Billiati who has spent his childhood days begging in the streets has opened a new chapter in his life. Armed with his hot-selling debut Dziko today Billiati might not match the economic stature or fame of the likes of Lucius Banda, Allan Ngumuya or Billy Kaunda, but certainly perseverance has made a difference in his life. While many people metamorphosing to standard life would resort to drinking, smoking and womanising, the story is different for the wonder kid.
"I would rather remain an ordinary person, live simple life and help the needy with the little I’ve got than pretending to be too modern. “I’ve seen a lot of people who after breaking through on the music scene would completely change their life-styles and live a borrowed life,” says the musician who draws his inspiration from popular musician Joseph Nkasa.
Asked why he is inspired by Nkasa the young musician recalls that he performed with Nkasa when he was so young. “I had the advantage to perform in the same church choir with Nkasa in Chiradzulu when I was so young,” says Billiati hinting given such a background Nkasa has always been his main source of inspiration.
The youthful musician expressed optimism that his album would help promote the socio-economic welfare of street kids and the needy in general, in an oblique reference to the plight of street kids.
"I have realised that there is much talk about the plight of the needy but there is insufficient action taken to address our plight," Billiati said. The young musician said he was working out on how best he could assist his fellow needy.
“If you go around in town you would notice a lot of helpless kids yet the country has countless millionaires. Even those who receive funds meant for the needy do not use it to benefit the needy,” he said.
