Led by vision, not by sight

– visually impaired Relon Sumner is 2020  Junior Soca Monarch

―voted Best Newcomer in adult Soca category

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, February 26, 2020

It is said that sight is merely a function of one’s eyes, while vision is the function one’s faith. For Relon Sumner, vision drives him to achieve his goal as a top recording artiste despite being visually impaired.

Seventeen-year-old Relon who hails from Blueberry Hill, Linden received his diagnosis at a tender age. While attending primary school, Relon reported to his teacher that he was unable to see the blackboard properly, and a visit to the doctor confirmed the worst.

He was diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis, a disease that occurs at birth and can cause continuous damage to motor skills, hearing and even the eyes. By the age of 11, he began to lose sight in both eyes.

Music became Relon’s place of refuge, and over time he began to pursue what made him happy.

He started writing music and singing and in 2019 he found the courage to step into the spotlight of the GTT +Star jingle competition. There he gained much traction after he made it to the finals but missed the mark for qualifying in the top five.

Not stopping there, in 2020 he geared up for the competition he had long dreamed of winning – the Junior Soca Monarch Competition.

“The name of my song is Celebrating, just giving vibes to the people along with me.  And I’m visually impaired also so, I’m doing it for every person with a disability, representing […] each and every one of them,” Relon relayed to DPI.

During the rehearsals, he was optimistic about the outcome of the competition which was scheduled to be held in Region 9 on February 1. “I don’t know what it’s going to be like in Lethem, but I’m looking forward to just going there and laying it all down and come away with a crown.”

And he did precisely that. Relon was crowned Junior Soca Monarch after delivering an energetic performance and impressing the judges.

His win automatically pushed him into the adult category for the Soca Monarchy where he placed fifth and was adjudged the best newcomer.

For Relon this achievement is a dream come true as he continues to relentlessly push his way into the music industry to fulfil his vision of becoming a top recording artiste.

His story will continue to be a ray of hope for others who may be challenged, as he continues to mark his name in the book of success.

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