He Makes Music for Global Citizens AND Cares for His Mother - WOW!
She is my best friend and I truly thought I might lose her
Hello KIRC fam!
Today’s post delivers something I hope will make you smile and remind you to maintain a positive attitude. I know. As caregivers, that is not always easy!
But that is why we have KIRC. This is an independent effort to offer various perspectives, insight, resources, and information to help family caregivers.
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Let’s get to it! I’d like to introduce you to a longtime friend and an individual who never fails to deliver inspiration. Everyone — meet Kēvens.
Our friendship began more than ten years ago in South Florida, each of us watching the others’ lives and careers evolve, grow, shift, and change. One thing that has never changed, is an unwavering sense of positivity that Kēvens exudes.
One of my most memorable moments along the friendship road with Kēvens, was taking my mother to one of his performances in Orlando. I am forever grateful for that invite and experience. I’m glad my mom had a chance to meet him and hear his music. Good times for sure!
So, who is Kēvens?
A man who has traveled the world spreading a message of positivity for humanity.
A musical artist who creates words, sounds, images, and an electric vibe.
A musician and performer who uses his talent and ‘aura’ to bring people together in harmony.
What many of his fans may not know, is that Kēvens is also a family caregiver to his mother.
He is not alone in the numbers of men caring for parents. According to the AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving 2025 research report Caregiving in the U.S., 61% of caregivers are women and 38% are men.
I recently chatted with Kēvens about this latest role. He wanted to offer up a few words of advice and insight for others. He also shared some wonderful news about his work and impact in the musical world!
In His Own Words
Two years ago, my mother had a stroke, and in an instant, everything changed. She is my best friend, and I truly thought I might lose her.
That moment shook me to my core, forcing me to pause, look inward, and reconsider my profession, my purpose, and the path I was walking.
Through that deeply emotional journey, I discovered a guiding truth: A diamond in the rough is still a diamond. With enough care and polishing, it becomes the precious gem the world recognizes. And if it does not shine bright enough yet, you polish it again.
This became my new mantra for life and for my music in the past two years.
Caring for an elderly parent came with challenges I had never prepared for, and at times the weight felt overwhelming.
Julia, your timeless gift to me was a single, powerful thought: “I get to do this.” That perspective gave me the strength to operate differently and see the blessings.
*NOTE: KIRC thanks fellow caregiver and friend Dwane T. Hodges; for sharing those inspiring words - ‘I get to do this’ with me during some of my toughest times.
*CLICK HERE to watch the KIRC interview focused on male caregivers.
Kēvens then shared something really quite fabulous. In the thick of navigating care for his mother, a new career development which I’m sure must make his mother beam!
Today, I am proud to share that my latest project, Call To Balance, has been submitted to the GRAMMYs.
After listening to the album, the Recording Academy screening committee advanced it from the Best Reggae Album category into two of the most prestigious categories:
Album of the Year
Best Global Music AlbumTake a listen for yourself: https://www.kevens.com/calltobalance
I thank The Almighty for my Queen, whose support and devotion are priceless, a source of unwavering love in this journey.
So…. um… WOW! CONGRATULATIONS to Kēvens!
Let’s send Kēvens (and his mom) some love and positive support on both his career success, and the dedication to the role of family caregiver.
Remember, we’re all in this together and as Kēvens would say, ‘positivity is a necessity.’
One of the goals of KIRC is to offer doses of encouragement and positive support with reminders that:
You are not alone in this journey.
Caregiving has, does, or will touch most everyone - women and men, older and younger, individuals of all races, faiths, orientation, and geographic locations.
During a time in our national discourse which feels wrought with anger, fear, finger-pointing, demonizing, and retribution - let’s not forget that the act of caring for a loved one does not discriminate. It remains an item that links us all with a common goal.
Maybe within caregiving we can find something which allows us to be more humane, kind, and supportive to and of other human beings.
Until next time~
Julia
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
Thanks for sharing Kevens story. It shows that men can be caregivers too and that we all have full lives and interests that exist outside of being a caregiver.
OMG beloved Julia!! I am beyond overjoyed to see you here. I am confident this message will resonate and help so many people! Happily restacking and will link in my Joy Train today. Wow!!