ZJ Liquid’s son smashes CSEC

At 18, Malachi Brissett has already proved that talent, discipline and family encouragement can be a powerful combination. 
The Campion College graduate has emerged from the CSEC exams with 10 passes, including nine Grade Ones — a result that has left his father, renowned disc jockey ZJ Liquid, beaming with pride.
For ZJ Liquid, whose given name is Michael Brissett, the achievement carries an extra layer of meaning. The subjects Malachi conquered are the same areas in which his father once dreamt of making his mark.
“Those were my dreams,” he said.
Malachi’s haul included Grade Ones in mathematics, English A, physics, technical drawing (TD), principles of accounts and information technology.
“Mi feel proud see him get one in TD,” Liquid said. “I got second highest when I was going to Cornwall College, so to see him come and take it to the next level, it great.” 
And while his father was not surprised by the stellar results, he admitted they made him an even “prouder” dad.
“He is a kid that is in control. Some people have to be over them kids back. I never have to be over my son for nothing at all. He doesn’t give no talking, no problem and he is always doing good...like anything he takes on, he really excels,”  ZJ Liquid said.
That confidence, however, did not mean Malachi was immune to exam-day nerves.
ZJ Liquid recalled picking up his son after one of the exams, only to hear him questioning how well he had done.
“I remember picking him up and him say, ‘Mi nuh sure bout da one deh, it was pressuring and I didn’t get to answer some questions’. I always say let’s see because you might think you don’t do good, but you mash it up.”
On Tuesday, Malachi finally got his answer. 
“Before seeing my results, I was extremely nervous because it’s a big thing in my life. But after seeing them I wasn’t really surprised, because I put in the work. I felt proud,” he said.
His father’s reaction was priceless.
After Malachi sent him the results, ZJ Liquid realised his son had done far better than he had expected.
For ZJ Liquid, the achievements are more than good grades. It is also a reflection of the effort he has made to remain present in the lives of his three children, while balancing the demands of his career.
“When I wasn’t there, his grandmother was there, so she deserves a big up. But I am a DJ and a father too. That’s how I look on it, I have to be there. My son graduated Campion here in Jamaica on a Thursday, and my daughter [graduated] the Friday in Toronto. I was at both. I had to be there for both,” the proud father said.
Now, Malachi is already looking beyond CSEC. 
“I want to go to university to study electrical particularly power system engineering because it fascinates me. Every country needs electricity to function, it’s a major part of how we live. Ultimately, I want to run a business where we install power systems,” he said confidently.
But Malachi is not putting himself in a box just yet.
He continued, “at the end of the day, I still feel like I have a lot of time to explore and discover new things I can do. This might not be the only thing.”
For ZJ Liquid, that willingness to dream, explore and excel is exactly what makes his son’s achievement so meaningful. And as he looks at the future his son is building, the proud father said he can finally breathe a little easier.
“Him future seems quite good, because him just a excel, and same for my two girls,” he said.