Both my parents are Colombian and owned a taberna in South London. I grew up playing football everyday and on weekends chilling in my parents' taberna.
My earliest memory was witnessing Rene Higuita perform the scorpion kick against England in Wembley stadium. I was about 9 years old.
From my mother I've inherited her work ethic and from my father his love of music and my brother... he's always said ‘believe in yourself.’
My wake up call was reading 'The Open veins of Latin America' by Efuardo Galeano. It taught me about the real history of Latin America, the stuff you don’t learn about in school. It opened my eyes.
As a teenager, I was really inspired by So Solid Crew's first album, when it came out. Those guys raised me, really connected with their music when they came out, they spoke that London street lingo, had different MCs who came with different vibes. They were the total package. I also loved Big Pun. He is my LYRICAL hero
The film that has most influenced me growing up was ‘Blood In Blood Out’ about three Latino brothers from LA and the paths their lives took. It's based on real life events and shows that a family bond can over come any negativity.
My family and close friends are everything. My mom inspires me every day. She is a warrior. I will say morfius my engineer, friend, he gave me a space to allow me to experiment with my voice and different sounds. He is the unsung hero.
If I had the chance I would thank all my teachers in high school, especially my music teacher Mr Abe (who was from New Orleans) who encouraged me to follow my passion. Also my English teacher Mr Hinds. He really pushed me and encouraged me to become free with my poetry.
My life has been a rollercoaster many ups many downs but I am grateful to be able to do what I love.
There is a lot of injustice in the world that sickens me but I believe in love and that what goes around comes back around 100 times worse.
What I like most about London... is how diverse It is, going to different boroughs is like travelling to another part of the world at times. Giving my seat up for a woman on the tube (LoL)I love it and enjoy learning about other cultures.
The best thing to happened to me in London is discovering Venezuelan arepas ( thanks Jose ) Worst thing to happened to me in London was witnessing my friend get stabbed and dying infront of me. My perfect Sunday in London is an English roast or a plate full of sancocho surrounded by family and friends. My favourtite places in London are...somewhere with a stage and mic, the studio with my bro @morfiusuk,...can't go wrong with a bit of Nandos
The tune I'd have played at my wedding is 'Triumph' by wu tang clang
The tune I'd have played at my funeral is El cantante by Hector Lavoe
Follow Mike's journey via @mikekalless (IG) @mikekalle (FB)
LIsten to Gozelo here
