By: Juan Carvajal, Contributing Writer
Duke, also known as Bunduki Ramadan, shares the story of his journey to becoming a hip-hop artist and motivational speaker, at the Student Community Center Boardroom.
Poetry has always been a great passion for Duke. Since he was young, he wrote poetry. But it was not until he decided to give rhythm to his words, that he realized what it meant to do hip hop.
Attendees that were interviewed, left the event in awe and ready to achieve their goals.
“When I initially decided to get into music…that literally came from me writing poetry and that translated into me getting into hip hop because hip hop is literally poetry,” said Duke.
People have a feeling for music, but from an early age Ramadan felt a deep connection with it, especially with inspirational music
“I always listened to inspirational music from Tupac to Bob Marley to Eminem…they all talked about overcoming struggles which really resonated with me since I had to face a lot of challenges when I was getting started as a rapper,” said Duke.
And to his surprise, another opportunity came along the way while composing his music
“After a while of rapping I began listening to motivational speakers and it became something natural for me because I also do motivational music,” Duke.
Little by little, Ramadan started feeling the need to inspire other people. And before he noticed, his path to becoming a motivational speaker was set.
Duke is a passionate motivational speaker and rapper, whose message about hard work and persistence resonates with many.
“I started volunteering at elementary schools and speaking to children,” said Duke. “Teachers liked my way of speaking to their students, so they wanted me to come back and speak every once in a while…and that’s how both work for me…” said Duke.
It’s not easy to compose music, but Ramadan reveals his secret for inspiration.
“I get most of my inspiration from struggles, both personal and the ones other people go through…another source is my focus on the process of getting better,” said Duke.
Ramadan’s experience during his journey to become a rapper and speaker has taught him many lessons.
“Everybody in this room is going through some kind of problem that doesn’t let them succeed…and I think that’s a reason to be grateful for what we have,” said Duke.
Some attendees felt compassion for Duke and the difficulties he went through.
A person that has always been there for Bunduki Ramadan is his mom.
“My mom is the person that has impacted me the most,” Duke said.
After the event was over, a couple attendees were surprised with the message and energy that Ramadan was conveying
“I expected a regular motivational talk, but I didn’t expect it to be so inspiring,” said Florence Tuyisenge.
“He showed me the importance of being grateful for life itself,” said Jerry Key. “Everything is possible…he made it clear…and it is true,” said Key.
At the event, most of the attendees were astounded with the energy and charisma of this rapper.
Duke is an example of grit and discipline.
