Freddy Will’s journey through music, literature, and philanthropy is a manifestation of an Afropolitan moira to inspire global change.
The Badson Publishing CEO’s life story is one marked by challenges, transformation, and a strong commitment to success. From his early years as a teen caught in the chaos of civil wars to becoming a globally recognized artist, author, and philanthropist, Will’s path has been anything but conventional. What makes his story worth telling is his unique blend of music, literature, and cultural advocacy, creating an artistic legacy that spans continents.
Except it’s not just his music or books that make him stand out. It’s his dedication to bridging cultures, telling stories that need to be heard, and using his platform to inspire others. His work not only touches the heart but also shapes the future of creative expression. This Afropolitan bears his soul.
From Sierra Leone to the World
Wilfred “Freddy Will” Kanu Jr. was born at the Brookland Maternity Center in Freetown, Sierra Leone. His parents, both Sierra Leonean Americans, come from notable backgrounds: his father, a former Plenipotentiary Minister of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, and his mother, a Director of Nursing. Growing up, Freddy was immersed in a world of Christianity, intellectual discourse, and activism, all of which have shaped his mind as a leader.
Freddy Will’s formative years took him across West Africa, including Liberia, The Gambia, and Senegal, before settling in the United States. It was in West Africa that the conflict of the First Liberian Civil War forced him to become a refugee. His subsequent escape from Sierra Leone and then to the United States was a climactic moment in Freddy’s young life, shaping his perspective on adversity, resilience, survival, and the importance of storytelling.
It was in these experiences that he developed his multifaceted creative vision. The music, the people, the betrayals, and the stories of abandonment all found their way into the heart of his thought-provoking literary works and artistic expressions.
Obstacles and Turning Points
The Afropolitan’s journey was never smooth. After his parents emigrated to the United States, it would be eight long years before he joined them in New Jersey, where he attended his post-secondary education. His previous experiences with child abuse had taken an emotional toll. After moving to Pennsylvania, he discovered a unique lens through which to view the world. He used these experiences to fuel his music and literature, blending his Afropolitan moira with themes of identity, proactivity, and triumph.
Freddy Will’s decision to embrace music wasn’t a simple one. His early days were spent as a fighter, and it wasn’t until later that he began experimenting with sound, blending hip-hop, jazz, calypso, R&B, and Afrobeat. His debut mixtape, “Stay True” (2006) and subsequent albums, “While I’m Still Young” (2008) and “Laboramus” (2014) reflected this eclectic blend — a sonic melting pot that would transform him.
Freddy’s creative vision didn’t stop at music. In fact, it expanded into literature, where he found a new way to express his passions. Each album he released was paired with a book, creating a sensory experience that was far beyond the norm. His debut book, “My Book of Chrymes” (2009), shared his early life and the emotional scars left by war, while his later works, including “Hip Hop Kru Zade” (2014) and “Brazenitout” (2024), brought to light narratives of modern behaviors and philosophy worldwide.
This Afropolitan’s musical odyssey took him to Toronto, Canada, where he not only launched his independent music career but also expanded into publishing. His publishing imprint, Badson Publishing, became a major outlet for his writing and for others. From Canada, Freddy Will relocated to Europe, where he became not just an artistic nomad but a cultural ambassador, blending the traditions of the African diaspora with his global reminiscences.
What Makes Freddy Will Unique?
What sets Freddy Will apart is not just his ability to straddle multiple creative realms, but the depth with which he infuses meaning into every piece of art he creates. He’s not simply a musician, a writer, or a philanthropist; he’s an architect of culture.
As the CEO and Founder of Badson Publishing, Freddy has built an empire that supports young voices, particularly African authors and artists. His company is home to several divisions, including The Theatre of Literary & Performing Arts and Swift Nights Music Society, but what sets him apart is his ability to bring them together, making the intersection of music, literature, and culture the driving force of his work. Freddy’s commitment to uplifting voices, from the African diaspora and beyond, is evident in his work with The Freddy Will Hope Foundation, which promotes positive change.
His philanthropic contributions are not confined to the world of performing arts. He has used his platform to speak out on issues like LGBTQ rights in Africa and to address misconceptions about Hip-Hop culture. He has also worked tirelessly to redefine what it means to be a “rapper” or an “emcee” in a global Hip-Hop context, pushing back against stereotypes and offering a nuanced and inclusive vision of urban identity.
In his personal and professional life, Freddy Will embodies the Afropolitan ethos, a person of African descent who has lived and experienced life across the globe yet remains connected to his African roots. His works, whether music or literature, reflect this global consciousness, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and political awareness.
Freddy Will’s dedication to his craft is palpable. It’s not just about creating art for the sake of it; it’s about telling stories that matter, stories that heal, and stories that bring about closure. His experiences as a refugee, as the son of two prominent Sierra Leonean Americans, and his struggle to establish his career have shaped his worldview. But it’s this passion for pushing boundaries and inspiring others that has made him a force to be reckoned with.
Will’s words, whether through song or written prose, carry weight. His lyrics and literary works speak directly to the soul, providing a soundtrack for those seeking inspiration, entertainment, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
What’s Next for Freddy Will?
Look out for his upcoming 2026 book, “The Afropolitan!” As he continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be an artist, Freddy Will’s future is promising. His most recent work, “Theatre, Dance & Poetry: A Return to Love” (2025), exemplifies his evolution as a man, weaving together his love for the performing arts with his literary prowess.
Visit www.freddywill.com today!
Whether you’re a fan of music, literature, or simply looking to be inspired, Freddy’s work promises to provide something for everyone. Explore his world and become part of the global movement that is redefining artistry.
For more information, visit Freddy Will’s official website here. You can also follow him on Instagram at @11th_freddywill_ofthesun and on X at @freddywill.
