Exclusive Interview with Dr. Karamo “Dr. Chill” Chilombo – A Legacy of Healing, Music & Love
Pump It Up Magazine is excited to celebrate Black History Month with a special feature on Dr. Karamo “Dr. Chill” Chilombo! At 80 years young, he’s not only a dedicated physician who has been practicing medicine since 1978, but also a proud father of nine, a musician, a poet, an author, and now an actor!
From collaborating with his daughter Jhené Aiko, to releasing his own music, starring in a YouTube series, and launching a podcast with Big Sean’s father, Dr. Chill proves that passion has no age limit. Let’s dive into his incredible journey, wisdom, and what’s next!
Pump It Up Magazine: Dr. Chill, welcome! With so many amazing things happening in your life, what keeps you going and inspired every day?
Dr. Chill: What keeps me going is building my legacy to leave behind for my children and my family. and I’m inspired by the love of truth.
Pump It Up Magazine: You’ve been a doctor for over 40 years! What inspired you to choose medicine, and how has your journey in healthcare shaped your life?
Dr. Chill: what inspired me to choose medicine was at the age of 14. I witnessed a private evidence refused to take a black patient who had been hit by a car and she had to wait for another ambulance to take her to the hospital.
I swore then that I would become a physician to help the people. my journey and healthcare has made me a very caring, patient and compassionate human being.
Pump It Up Magazine: Many people might not know that aside from being a physician, you’re also an incredible musician! What does music mean to you, and how does it connect to your journey as a healer?
Dr. Chill: Music to me is like energy and energy is everything and as a healer, I am connected to the all of the universe, which is love.
Pump It Up Magazine: Your album Metaphysical Wonderlandz and EP Chillin With Rhythm bring such a unique vibe. What’s the inspiration behind your music?
Dr. Chill: the inspiration behind my music is a solely to touch the people‘s essence their soul
Pump It Up Magazine: We have to talk about your daughters, Jhené Aiko and Mila J—two powerhouse artists! How does it feel watching them thrive in the music industry?
Dr. Chill: it feels so wonderful to see Jhené Aiko and Mila. Jay affect their followers so positively and to inspire their followers as role models.
Pump It Up Magazine: Fatherhood is a huge part of your life. You have nine kids, and you recently became a dad again at 80! How does this chapter of fatherhood feel compared to earlier in life?
Dr. Chill: this chapter of fatherhood feels great because I have more time to be with my young son, and I am less stressed than I was before earlier in my life.
Pump It Up Magazine: On top of everything, you’re stepping into the world of acting! Tell us about your role in The Cougar Circle. How did you get into acting, and what’s the experience been like?
Dr. Chill: my role in the cougar Circle is that of a father talking to a young son about how to treat an older lady in a very positive way!
Actually, I did act when I was in my early 20s but since then I have been a practicing physician for almost 50 years and I really didn’t have time to devote to any acting. Now as I am older I have more time to devote to other experiences, one of which I’ve chose to be is acting. So far I have found the experience to be very gratifying.
Pump It Up Magazine: You’re also launching a podcast, Chilling With Dr. Love, with Big Sean’s dad, James Anderson! What can listeners expect from this show?
Dr. Chill: what the listeners can expect from this show, especially younger black men is that they too can thrive in today’s society especially hearing from two older fathers who have raised children who have become today’s very successful artists.
Pump It Up Magazine: Since we’re celebrating Black History Month, what does this time of year mean to you?
Dr. Chill: Black History Month means a great deal to me. It is a concert. Reminder of the struggles we have been through in the fight that remains ahead that we must never give up on equality and equanimity.
Pump It Up Magazine: Who are some Black leaders or artists who have inspired you throughout your journey?
Dr. Chill: There are many black leaders in artists who have inspired me through my journey politically. They include
Malcolm X Huey P Newton Stokely, Carmichael, Patrice Lumumba,Nkrumah, entertainers, the Isley, Brothers, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Jackie Wilson, Johnny Mathis, and the groups the Chilites, the Stylistics and the Temptations.
Pump It Up Magazine: You’ve had such a rich and fulfilling life. What’s one piece of wisdom you’d love to share with our readers?
Dr. Chill: _ one piece of wisdom I would love to share with your readers is to live your life with respect, dignity, honor, love of yourself, as well as extending the same respect, dignity, honor, and love to your brothers and sisters
Pump It Up Magazine: Dr. Chill, thank you so much for sharing your story with us! Before we wrap up, what’s next for you? Any new projects we should look out for?
Dr. Chill: yes there are new projects that you should look out for.
For one more episodes of the cougar Circle as well as several new movies and more more music on the way!
Stay tuned and contact my publicist Princess Va’Shion for more information
