Kwantlen’s got talent: “Kalvonix” Tiu

Kwantlen student Calvin “Kalvonix” Tiu, born prematurely with a series of health complications, just wanted to grow up “normal”. Instead, became a successful young rapper with a perspective different from your average university student.

By Rick Kumar

Calvin Tiu, who was born three months premature, was afflicted with Spastic Diplegia, a form of Cerebral Palsy. This disease affects the proper development of muscle tissue often below the waist including hips, legs, pelvis and feet; those affected remain very stiff and unable to move properly and easily. In Tiu’s case, he has extreme stiffness of his muscles, with his left leg longer than the other, causing a permanent shuffle. He requires crutches to walk, which he can do with much difficulty, or use his motorized wheelchair.

This has not stopped his positive attitude and outlook on life. His shuffle is what he and his friends now refer to as his “Swagger”. Standing at 4-2, having performed at the Yaletown Olympic Venue in front of an arena which held more than 250,000, Tiu’s nothing to be coughed at.

Having worked with such producers as Eminem, Kanye West, and Drake’s own Chin Injeti, Tiu has taken the local music scene to new heights. He surpassed his own expectations when he was invited to perform at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Performing at several charity functions and in front of council members at City Hall solidified Tiu’s name in the music scene.

“Kalvonix” opened just a short time before Karl Wolf took stage at KPU’s Cram Jam, many underestimated his ability but quickly had a change of heart. By the end, Calvin had the crowd swaying with him as he performed his rendition of Jay Z’s “Empire State of Mind”.

Tiu is a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and can often be found at the Surrey Campus, willing to freestyle to anyone who will listen. Tiu has worked with many great singers, musicians and performers locally and overseas and is always on the lookout for new talent.

Having any class with Tiu is a class worth waking up for. Watch out though, he isn’t afraid to tear up the floor lyrically if challenged and he doesn’t stop at hip-hop. He has worked with country, pop, techno and rock musicians.

“If you bump like I bump. If you grab a mic like I grab a mic, and you aren’t afraid to spill a little soul into your work then why haven’t we had a collab yet?” are words often heard from a cheerful Tiu when talking with aspiring singers.

Tiu’s music deserves a constant influx of new ears, so check out his Facebook. If you think you’re good enough, or if you really just want to try your hand at music, give him a holler and who knows you might just end up getting a taste of what it’s like to be walking aside Kwantlen’s most famous student.