11-year-old rapper with Guam roots stands against bullying

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - This year has been a really big one for Guam shining in the spotlight and for people from here who are doing big things and representing our island with pride. There's Pia Mia who's a big hit and recently performed on stage during the Guam Live concert.

There's also the movie Talent Town from The Muna Brothers and executive producer JD Iriarte. Just this week we also saw Guam's own Elisha Crawford Joyce, who kicked butt on the premiere of NBC's new cooking show Food Fighters. And now, another story about an individual with Guam roots whose talents are flourishing in the mainland.

"My mom is from Talofofo," said 11-year-old Kayden Bowie. His mother, Nicole Mantanona Peterson, was born and raised in Guam but she and Kayden's father Kevin Bowie live in Tennessee where he is a big hit. "Anything in life I know I can do - make it through make good grades and be nice - bullying ain't cool ," he said.

Kayden began rapping when he was five years old after attending one of his father's shows. His dad is also a music artist and has been helping his son grow his talent. Kayden's songs are focused on spreading an anti-bullying message. He explained, "Me and my dad write most of my songs I also have a ghost writer I have a bullying single called 'What If' and its about a 10-year-old girl named Jasmine whose been bullied and killed herself."

Kayden has signed a deal with educational music company Spark The Mind / Hit Mecca Records based out of Atlanta, Georgia. On August 28th his ten song anti-bullying CD is scheduled for release. You will be able to purchase his music on the Smart Shorties website on August 28th. Smart Shorties is an educational brand that harnesses the power of hip-hop music to help kids learn.

As we wait for the big day for the time being Kayden visits schools performing and spreading his message. He said, "Going into the schools, I do a bully presentation how to cope with bullying, what to do and how to help. There's cyber-bullying, which is social media, Facebook, Twitter and then there's verbal, name calling and threats and there's physical bullying punching kicking any physical form. If they see someone bullying they should tell an adult. Most people say its not cool to be a tattle-tale. But what people should do is be the person to tell an adult because you don't know how much that person is being hurt."

To learn more about Kayden or check out his music go to SmartShorties.com or visit his Facebook page and watch out for him as he plans to visit the island with his family next year.

Back to Home