Marching-Towards-Greatness

Deep breath, take a step, cast aside all our fear

Chin up, look around, let’s draw strength from their cheer

Gone are the times when shadows shrouded the future we see

Together we are a light, a hope for what the world could be

These lyrics are the opening lines of March On, the theme song for the Singapore para-athletes competing in the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympics. Penned by Kelvin Sim Yu Xiang, better known by his stage name Sky Shen, the upbeat pop melody serves as a rallying call which draws upon imagery from the Para Games.

As a person with disability (PwD), being able to write music for our nation’s para-athletes was especially significant for the 30-year-old singer-songwriter. We sat down with Sky to learn more about the adversities he has had to overcome, the inspiration behind his music, and his aspirations for athletes to live a life beyond their disabilities.

Sky's beginnings

Sky playing a piano in a studio setting

Sky was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at 5. The condition weakens muscles and organs over time and progressively worsens; doctors told Sky he would not live past his twenties.

“Back then, there was not much information on muscular dystrophy. Being diagnosed devastated me and changed the way I thought about life. For instance, I don’t plan too far into the future. Instead, I focus on the present and make every moment meaningful and fun. If you spend more time being happy than sad, you’ve won in life.”

At 12 years old, Sky was confined to a wheelchair. Life passed in a predictable rhythm: school, home, hospital, repeat. “My CCA was going to the hospital,” he jokes.

From humble beginnings to bonafide singer-songwriter

Wheel you Love Me’s album cover. Image credit: Sky Shen Music

Playing the video game Final Fantasy became his escape. He spent hours immersed in the game and realised sound and music could add layers to storytelling.

Sky began writing lyrics against original scores for the video game’s characters. Posting the music on YouTube helped him find a community of fellow musician-gaming enthusiasts. With the encouragement of an online friend, he eventually started making song covers of other artists’ music for his channel.

“Music was something I stumbled upon and fell in love with. Initially, it was just my hobby. But the turning point in my journey was joining the community of artists at ART:DIS.”

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sky performed virtually at a charity concert. In attendance was Mr Peter Sau, the ART:DIS Head of Performing Arts and Artistic Development. He approached Sky to audition for a program with the non-profit and Sky successfully enrolled in the two-year-long performing arts training programme, BEYOND DIS:PLAY.

Joining ART:DIS proved a great stepping stone for Sky as an artist. They gave him the use of their recording studio for free and covered part of the production costs. ART:DIS also linked him up with mentors and other like-minded musicians, and provided Sky with paid performing opportunities.

The meaning behind March On

Two years ago, Sky published his debut EP Wheel You Love Me? as part of his graduation showcase. The album revolved around themes of romantic love, loss, and the experience of PwDs. The release caught the notice of the folks at Singapore Pools, who commissioned Sky to write the theme song for the 2024 Singapore Paralympic Team.

Do you have to be an athletic person to write a song about sports? Sheepishly, Sky admits that his last athletic endeavour was a game of Boccia two decades ago, which he lost “very graciously”.

“When I was approached to write March On, I was honoured and really scared,” he admits. “I told the producer they got the wrong person. I just released my first album!”

Learning more about the games, experiencing the inclusive culture, and watching the Paralympians lifted his spirits. In turn, these feelings inspired his songwriting.

“My process is improvising melodies on the keyboards. Whatever is on my mind will shape whatever I'm trying to portray.”

For example, the chorus’ lyrics “To the stars, to the skies, to the seas” refer to the different sporting events; the mention of “flames” refers to the Olympic Torch and the passion and fight the para-athletes have. The line “Fly even with our broken wings” conveys that para-athletes are not going to let their disabilities stop them.

“I’m trying to say ‘Don’t be afraid, keep going, we can do it together, and achieve our dreams.’ I want to continue marching on with the athletes.”

Marching on with courage and inspiration

Sky looking at the sky above with a smile

To Sky, being able to make music in this capacity is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It’s a huge gift to be able to give a voice to PwDs. I'm very grateful for this group of genuine-hearted people.”

One poignant line “Together we’ll be a light / A hope for what the world could be” stands out. It is interpreted as Sky’s wish for the PwD community to be treated as equals. The line also references Sky’s experience of how many fear or do not know how to interact with PwDs.

“My hope is for people to be more understanding of our needs and limitations while recognising and believing in our capacity and contributions. We are all human and have the same needs and desires.

“At the moment, there’s a spotlight celebrating PwDs. But even after the games conclude, I hope Singaporeans will stay committed to building an inclusive community.”