It's easy to forget how young some of our favorite performers are when they enter the music world. From Michael Jackson's Jack 5 debut at the age of 11, to Lorde's chart-topping single "Royals" at the age of 16, it doesn't take much life experience to make a splash in the music industry. Tuesdays Under 21 is a Music Times feature dedicated to bringing attention to talented musicians and performers under the age of 21. Who knows? They just might be the next big thing.
WHO: Malik Kofi
WHERE: Birmingham, AL
AGE: 11
WHY: The definition of "genius" in music is difficult. Does the suggestion of genius imply creativity and contemplation, or does it imply sheer talent? Malik Kofi is labelled by many as a genius during the 2013 documentary Little Music Manchild, and 11 y.o. cellist fulfills every variant of the word's definition just to be sure.
Even without hearing a note, you know Kofi is different when he describes his approach to music.
"When I'm playing, I have to be completely focused," he says. "And after a while, I pretty much become the music. And when you become the music, there is no way you can mess up."
That's deep. Musically, philosophically, in every way. Kofi talks to the camera with more confidence than grown men who have been involved with music for decades.
We haven't even mentioned this prodigy's playing yet. Kofi sounds like silk when playing his cello, an instrument nearly taller than he is. Don't just take our word for it: Cellists from the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra praise his playing and his creative approach to classical music. Other instruments show up throughout the film's trailer, including a piano, a drum kit and vibraphone. Kofi is only seen behind the drums, but if he can dominate that instrument (as far from the cello as instruments come) like he does his primary instrument, there's no doubt about his genius status.
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