Eighteen-year-old is first contestant with a disability in junior calypso competition

For the first time in the history of the Scotiabank Junior Monarch competition, a visually-impaired singer is among the 25 semifinalists.

Rashad Applewaithe, otherwise known as King Shad, is an 18-year-old student of the Irving Wilson School who does not let his disability get in the way of his dreams.

One such dream was to join the 2023 Scotiabank Junior Monarch, where he hopes to open doors for those who are differently-abled.

With the unwavering support of his mother Rashida Applewaithe and teacher Tara Durant, he decided to take a bold step and become the first visually-impaired singer to take part in the competition.

Speaking on the sidelines at the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Media Launch at the bank’s Warrens, St Michael branch on Wednesday, Applewaithe said he was excited to be taking part in the competition.

“It is a huge step as a visually-impaired artiste and I’ll be looking forward to great things in the competition. I hope to show others that even though you’re a person who has a different ability, you can still pursue your dreams,” he said.

While he noted that it was nerve-wracking in the beginning he was able to meet people who continuously encouraged him and made him feel welcomed despite his disability.

His mother Rashida who stood by his side throughout the morning said that her son’s resilience is what keeps her going.

“I didn’t even know that Rashad had joined the competition until one day I got home and had to put a signature on the form he was sending out. But I have always encouraged him to put God first and go after what he wants,” she said.

Celebrating the accomplishments of all the contestants Chief Cultural Officer at the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Andrea Wells noted that the NCF was thrilled to welcome a competitor from the differently-abled community.

“In celebrating your accomplishments thus far, we must single out 18-year-old Rashad Applewhaite, who is the first-ever participating student from the Irving Wilson School and the first visually-impaired singer in the competition. The NCF has been working closely with the Barbados Council for the Disabled and we are heartened to facilitate and accommodate Rashad to ensure that he is provided with whatever he needs on and off the stage in order to compete with his peers.”

Wells added, “We hope that this year’s involvement of a visually-impaired contestant opens the door for more persons who are differently-abled to feel empowered to be a part of the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Competition.”

Rashad also offered a word of advice to those from the disabled community who may want to join competitions like the Scotiabank Junior Monarch.

“Even though you have a disability it should not stop you because you’re still a human being. Keep pushing, put God first and let the negativity from people be your motivation,” he said.

King Shad, who is also a paralympic athlete, drew number seven in the soca category and will be competing in tent #2 on Sunday, June 25 at the Queen’s Park, Steel Shed. (BB)