I am 80% fit, thanks to family and friends – Kunta Kinte shares “stroke” story
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They hit the limelight when they released One Gallon in 2005. The two
brothers, Bradez then inched their way further into the hearts of
music lovers when they followed it with Simple in 2009. However,
before Simple could hit the market, one-half of the Bradez duo, Kunta
Kinte, suffered a stroke at the age of 21 years and found himself
bedridden. Telling his story, Kunta told Showbiz in a telephone
interview from his residence in Kumasi: "it was a Monday, and I was in
school." Kunta was then a Level 200 student at the School of
Performing Arts, Legon. "I remember I had recorded my verse on Simple
and five days after that I began feeling very feverish. "I thought it
was malaria, so I went to the Legon Hospital. However, after leaving
the hospital, I felt like I was sinking. I was falling. It is
difficult to explain, but I realised something was happening to me. "I
woke up later to find myself in one of the beds at the Legon Hospital.
I was told I lost consciousness, and I was in a coma for a day or so.
I was later referred to Korle-Bu after spending five days at the Legon
Hospital," he said. According to Kunta, 26, when he came from his
unconsciousness, he realised something was not right with him. "I
couldn't talk; I couldn't move my right hand and right leg. In fact,
the right side of my body, was paralysed. There was no strength
whatsoever in that part of my body. I later found out that I had
suffered a stroke" he said. Touching on how he felt when he discovered
he was 'bedridden', Kunta said "I was devastated at first, but I knew
I had to fight to overcome it. I am a very energetic person who loves
to sing, dance and there is no way I wanted to be confined to bed for
the rest of my life. "When it happened, I virtually had to be helped
in everything I did. My mother and brothers had to support me because
I could not do anything on my own and I am grateful to them and God
for how far he has brought me. "Initially, I thought it wouldn't take
long to get well but I have realised it is not so. I admit it bothers
me that it has taken this long. It's been five years now, but I am
very grateful to God. "To think that before I couldn't do anything on
my own and now I have regained 80 percent of my strength is
magnificent. I can talk, sing, and since last year, even drive myself
to do my physiotherapy. The feeling is just great. "There are people
who have suffered stroke and couldn't regain their strength. Some have
even lost their lives, so I am very happy to be alive and to get
stronger each day. I can even cook for you" he added with glee. Asked
what he could cook, Kunta amidst laughter said " I can cook Indomie
and rice. It has not been easy, but I am about 80 percent well now. I
am working hard to add the other 20 percent to be fully recovered and
that I know will be soon. I am very grateful to be alive" he added.
Touching on his music career, Kunta said "I don't want to come back on
the music scene half-baked. I want to come back with a bang. So I am
taking my Physio very seriously so I can join my brother and together
with him, Bradez will be bigger and better than before. Kunta is very
grateful to God, his mother, brothers, family, Samini and a host of
others who have been very supportive of him. "I am thankful to
everyone who has been there for me. I will plead with my fans to be
patient with me and wait for Kunta because I will be back" he added.
Graphic.com. gh