A hip-hop artist from Stratford who's waiting for a kidney transplant urging dialysis patients everywhere to keep a positive mindset during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maurice Williams, 56, who goes by the stage name Mobangem, raps about everything from the war on child sex trafficking to criminal justice reform. He says he's cheated death several times in his life and hopes to inspire other patients with chronic conditions to focus on surviving and thriving.

"Be all you can be. Life is short, so do the best you can do and enjoy your life. Don't let this stop you from enjoying your life and achieving your goals," he told News 12.

Williams has a YouTube channel and performs at venues across the region. His upcoming shows are on hold due to the pandemic.