John Chiti

John Muzuni Chiti (born 24 February 1985) is a Zambian guitarist, singer and songwriter. He was born with albinism, a congenital condition of having no pigment in the skin or hair, which appear white.

John Chiti
Background information
Birth nameJohn Muzuni Chiti
BornDola, Copperbelt Province, Zambia
GenresRnB, Soul music, South African jazz, A cappella, Afrobeat
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, guitarist, musician
Years active2008–present
LabelsDigital Jukebox Records
Websitejohnchiti.com

Early life and education

Chiti is the eldest of six children. At birth his parents didn't understand how they could have given birth to a white child and he was immediately abandoned by his father at birth who blamed his mother for his condition and thought she may have had an affair with a white man.[1]

In areas of Africa the body parts of people with albinism are believed to have powers, to make wealth, to cure diseases which has led to the persecution of people with albinism.

Chiti's music became an outlet for his feelings and frustrations.

Biographical film
Can You See Us (Movie Poster)

In 2021 he was contacted by a Zambian film writer Lawrence Thompson who heard about Chiti and wanted to make a feature film about his life.[2][3] With film director Kenny Mumba the film was created primarily guided by Chiti. Netflix bought the movie late 2022. The movie Can You See Us was an instant success when it was released on 27 August 2023.[4] It was played by played by Thabo Kaamba, a female actress as a child and George Sikazwe as a young man, he navigates a childhood of ‘bullying, tragedy and cautious hope’.

Music

Chiti is a full-time musician and has released several albums. In October 2023 he had discussions with UK music executive Mark Duffus owner of Digital Jukebox Records and has since become an artist under this record label to release more of his songs globally.

Humanitarian work

In 2008, Chiti founded the Albino Foundation of Zambia and won the 230th Points of Light#Commonwealth Points of LightCommonwealth Points of Light award, signed by Queen Elizabeth II.

In February 2022, Chiti was appointed as Commissioner for Zambia Police service by the republican president.[5] He was awarded the 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship and holds various humanitarian awards for his contributions towards disability issues.[6]

Filmography
  • Can They See Us (2023)

References
  1. Mwakideu, Chrispin. "Zambians with albinism fight for end to brutal attacks". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  2. Mentha, Anna. "'Can You See Us' True Story: How a Zambian Singer With Albinism Inspired the Drama on Netflix". Decider. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  3. Johnson, Sarah. "A fire inside me': the Zambian singer who overcame prejudice to change attitudes to albinism". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  4. Battison, Jess. "Netflix viewers can't stop crying after watching 'saddest film' ever". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  5. Daniel, Ari. "He's a singer, a cop and the inspiration for a Netflix film about albinism in Africa". NPR. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  6. Waihenya, Brian. "A New Netflix Film Inspired by Fellowship Alumnus". Mandela Washington Fellowship. Retrieved 13 September 2023.


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