Ex-street performer selected to Chanco
Dreams do come true.
Dyson Biliati, who earned a living as a teenage performer on the streets of Blantyre before radio DJ Kennedy Nkombezi plucked him away to the studios to record the hit single Mchikumbe Walira, is all smiles after being admitted to Chancellor College to pursue a bachelor of science degree.
The Nation’s efforts to reach Biliat yesterday proved futile as he was visiting his family in Mulanje.
But, Kaphuka School director, Jackson Kaphuka, who offered the Standard 4 dropout a scholarship at the school, confirmed Biliat’s selection to university and said the young artist is excited with the news and is looking forward to college.
“It was his secondary school teacher who broke the news to him. He was excited that he started to call all those that helped him such as Kennedy Nkombezi and others that supported him to thank them,” he said.
Kaphuka said helping Biliati has been rewarding since they have seen their effort bear fruit.
“He was among 22 other students that we were helping, but he is one of a few that has been outstanding. It is an achievement not only to him, but to us as well,” said Kaphuka.
As a 14-year-old, Biliat travelled to Blantyre from Mulanje for the first time to perform in the city, hoping to be a street performer after he heard that he could earn more in the city.
However, the then 14-year old guitarist got more than he bargained for as he got a deal with a music promoter on his first day.
Nkombezi introduced him to Kaphuka, who not only offered him a scholarship at Kaphuka Secondary School but took him into his home.
Kaphuka and Nkombezi, you have done wonders for this man. This is what God requires us to do. Doing good unto others without expecting anything in return. Look at this now, you have made him go to pursue a Bachelor’s degree and who knows what he will do for our country and his children and his community thereafter. Great works.