We’re looking forward to introducing you to Malachi “Seven” King. Check out our conversation below.
Malachi “Seven”, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What battle are you avoiding?
I’m addressing what I have been avoiding for years now: self-care. Taking time for myself and reevaluating my life outside of producing, doing, and just being busy has become essential. I decided not to avoid that battle and to confront it this year, starting with a simple step—deactivating my social media accounts. The stillness and the changes in my personal life have accelerated in this short time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Seven and you can also call me King. I’m an Afro-Caribbean culturalist who does advocacy art to express my thoughts and philosophies that are close to my heart. The term “humanitarian” is the best way to describe me; even though I’m a loner, I’m very community-oriented when it’s time to be selfless. I have been expressing myself loudly since I was a kid and through creative ways throughout life. My biggest passion is storytelling; I use film as that outlet. I have directed an independent project that took 8-10 years to complete. It’s on Tubi now, by the name of “Eden’s Garden.” I’m drafting my next films right now and not rushing that. I want to be as free as possible, and what makes me special is a perception based on who you ask. For me, it’s the constant learning and relearning of myself and being able to be as real as possible in thought, communication, and delivery. I’m a city-born, country man at heart and still growing in this world.
I do freelancing with film and photography and creative direction while navigating the road of entrepreneurship, even in a world that has been systemically oppressive to certain groups of people and races. I still rise and will rise.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Someone who saw me clearly, even before I saw myself, was my karate teacher, Grandmaster Muhammad. He saw my talent, strength, and me as a person, especially when I felt overshadowed in the house with my other siblings. When I went to his class, the attention and gentle teaching I received were special moments in my life. I looked up to him, and he never made me feel like I was too much. He saw my fight, my drive, and my ambition, and even expressed his belief that he would teach me to go to the Olympics. That’s huge faith, especially when I was younger, to see that in me.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
The amount of falls I can take and still get back up. My drive and resilience, even after making mistakes. Suffering also showed me the fickleness of people when you’re down and taught me not to over-attach to the idea of titles. You see loyalty and more in times of pain or war. Struggle made me appreciate the good times and the moments of calm, as well as who I am in character. There are certain things I just won’t do to merely survive. I don’t just survive anymore; I thrive abundantly.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I see the world in black and white. I dream, I have visions, and I can put on rose-colored glasses if I choose to. However, I mostly see everything for what it is, and sometimes people who don’t want to hear the details behind the silver lining may associate that with negative thinking. I’m okay with being misunderstood; in this life, it’s about my understanding of myself. So, I would say it comes down to perception.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people saw that I was unbeatable, even when challenged. My gift was given to me with a purpose, despite the naysayers who tried to undermine my talents. I was determined and never gave up, regardless of my reality.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: papisevenking
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/edensgardentv
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/edensgardentv
- Other: email: sevenkingstudios@gmail.com
