Culture
Visually-impaired singer among 25 Semifinalists Junior Monarch
For the first time in the history of the competition, a visually-impaired singer is among the 25 semifinalists in the Scotiabank Junior Monarch competition.
Rashad “King Shad” Applewhaite, who was accompanied by his mum Rashida, drew number 7 in the soca category of the competition.
The two draws, calypso and soca, for the Semifinals were held today, Wednesday, June 14 at the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Media Launch at the bank’s Warrens, St Michael branch.
In addressing those in attendance Chief Cultural Officer at the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Andrea Wells said the NCF was thrilled to welcome a competitor from the differently-able 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 Irvine 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 able to feel empowered to be a part of the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Competition.”
Scotiabank’s Retail and Small Business Lead, Carla Boyce said the Junior Monarch programme also promotes the rich culture of Barbados ensuring that it continues with future generations.
“The Scotiabank Junior Calypso Monarch helps our young people learn and enhance their skills. Participants are exposed to more than just the competition aspect of the programme, but also benefit from mentorship and vocal training through scheduled workshops. We’re also hosting financial planning workshops where they learn the importance of saving, budgeting
and investing. The programme truly aims to help our young people become
well-rounded. All participants go on to even greater things because of their participation. They receive guidance and really sharpen their craft, understanding the intricacies of calypso, soca, their roots and legacy. Kudos to them as they take our culture to new heights!,” Boyce said.
Meanwhile, there were three position switches in the calypso category. There were no switches in the soca category. (PR)
Positions for Semifinalists in the Scotiabank Junior Monarch
CATEGORY: CALYPSO Position Given Name Sobriquet Song 1 Alyssa Harris Slay Just Like These Women 2 Relissa Mitcham Re Re Tribute To My Granny 3 Haylei Wise Hailstorm Both Sides 4 Khalija Kellman Khaleesi De Bully 5 Kiara Drayton-Archer Mhizz Khibaba Unity Is Strength 6 Alyssa Cumberbatch Queen A The Black Reality 7 Eden Murrell Potent Can’t Lash We 8 Destiny Murrell Destiny Environment 9 Danesha Davis Danekia Dear John 10 Kadarius Allen King K Dear God 11 Kenaz Walker The Mighty Bit Bit Drugs and Disobedience 12 Sabiah Gaskin Sabiah Your Creation 13 Sakarah Thomas Sakarah Alexa Reserve Joshua King King Boy Give Thanks CATEGORY: SOCA Positions Given Name Sobriquet Song 1 Jazarie Belgrave Zarie B Get Active 2 Thierry Belgrave TiJay Ah Feeling 3 Joshua Oxley Joshox Push De Truck 4 Sephon Sealy Lil Stathis Fold In Half 5 Kymani Devonish The Showman We Doan Care 6 Rojani Shurland-Agard Rojani Vacation 7 Rashad Applewhaite King Shad Jam Down 8 Ranesha Stewart Ranesha Good Vibes 9 Trinity Clarke Trinity I Love Soca 10 Joshua Blackman Joshua B Dis Sweet Festival 11 Rimiya Wilson Majestic Miya We Crop Ova 12 Revenn Moseley YSR Sweet Lime
This year the NCF will stage two Scotiabank Junior Monarch tents this Sunday, June 18 and next Sunday, June 25 at the Steel Shed, Queen’s Park. The Semifinals will be held on Sunday, July 2 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
The Finals will be held on Saturday, July 15 at the National Botanical Gardens.
To the public, log on to our social media pages The NCF Barbados for information on the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Competition and all our other Crop Over activities. (PR)
