He is just 11 years old. He is a “child prodigy” and a “musical genius.” Malik Kofi is a cellist in the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and an inspiration to children and adults. Kofi’s story isn’t one of privilege but of perseverance. His mother was a teenager and his grandmother was the one who raised him. In addition to the cello Malik plays the piano, drums, and guitar. While his teacher says that he has “advanced technological and interpretative abilities as a child” he also works very hard to develop his talents.

“As far-fetched as it sounds, Cox says he started talking in sentences at 8-months-old, by the age of 2 he was putting puzzles together. He had mastered reading music at 4.
When it became obvious that Kofi had something special, 59-year-old Cox, a divorced mom of four who never finished college, took the decision to homeschool her youngest grandchild along with his older twin brothers, Robert and Reuben.
She says she has a disciplined schedule and keeps abreast of what is being taught at top boarding schools. “In order for them to compete with the best in the world they need to be able to perform at a certain level,” says Cox, who also put her own four children through college.”

Kofi’s grandmother is well aware of her grandson’s brilliance and believes that his diet payed a role in that. She is vegan and raised him on a raw food diet since he first began eating. It is believed that her persistence and dedication to her grandson, his siblings, and their education has also played a significant role in Kofi’s success. She has nurtured and given them opportunities ensuring that they are not limited or defined by their socio-economic background. For more on this story including information about their documentary visit theGrio.

BMWK — Do you think Kofi’s diet played a role in his intelligence? More importantly, are you inspired by his story?