Visually-impaired singer among 25 Semifinalists

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.