When we were 11, we spent a lot of time playing video games and running around. But at age 11, Malik Kofi is inspiring audiences—and his teachers—as a cello child prodigy. And according to a report from The Grio, Malik is set to be the star of a new documentary by Malena Cunningham, titled Little Music Manchild: The Malik Kofi Story.
Malik, who lives in a working-class neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, began speaking in full sentence at 8 months and was reading by the time he was 4. He started taking lessons with Craig Huntgren of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra when he was 5, and his instructor has confirmed Malik is a prodigy. And it isn’t just his technical skill that’s impressive; Huntgren says Malik shows remarkable stage presence and musicality for someone so young.
Of course, Malik, who is an incredibly bright student in addition to an accomplished cellist, wouldn’t be where he is without the support of his family. Grandmother Ruby Cox raised Malik as well as his two older twin brothers. Noticing how smart her grandson was, she homeschooled him so he could have all his needs met. Cox’s twin grandsons were so gifted, they were able to go to college at age 16. Still, Malik’s older brothers say the family sacrifices especially to help Malik succeed, spending up to $1,000 a month on lessons, supplies and more.
Filmmaker Cunningham plans to debut Little Music Manchild in April. All proceeds from the documentary sales will go toward Malik’s education. Watch the trailer here.
