This week, inspiring artist from Liverpool, Kartel, has decided to send us his story. A story about his younger years and the mistakes he had made. A story narrating the highs turning to lows. But most importantly, a story that shows us that after a storm there is always a rainbow.
From a young age, Kartel was known as creative and exceedingly smart. Many years of his life were spent playing football with his dad, eventually being scouted by Liverpool and Everton, but he states that "my attitude let me down," and these opportunities soon left with it. As he entered his teen years, his parents split up from each other, and his life took a devastating turn. Now with his father being gone, he had not only lost a football manager but also a role model and the discipline he would need for many years to come.
For the next 9 years of his life, Kartel would spend it surviving. Getting into addictions, fighting and stealing just to get through the hard times. His mum also struggled to pay the bills and put food on the table.
But then he made a decision for himself. He had left the town that kept him down and started afresh. Though the first 2 years were a rocky start, dealing with anxiety attacks, agoraphobia and staying in his house for 5 years straight, he found his peace in his loved ones.
Kartel, with his son, Marley.
Presently, Kartel has been with the same woman for 8 years, even being able to have a beautiful son called Marley. He told us that if it weren't for her, he would still be "trapped inside and lost". Now he has started making music about mental health, allowing others to know that they aren't alone in this. Every day, little by little, he is slowly getting better and building his confidence along with his music ability and talents.
Thank you, Kartel, for sharing with us your heartbreaking and moving story, allowing us to remember that if you want a rainbow, you must put up with the rain.
"I'm hoping to show people if you can get back from the hole I was in, you can get back from anywhere."