April 08, 2016
His name is Sparsh Shah, and despite a rare genetic condition that has left him wheelchair-bound, the New Jersey eighth seventh grader boasts an impressive voice and feel for the rhythms and rhymes of hip-hop.
At just 12 years old, Shah has already overcome more than 125 bone fractures as result of a condition known as osteogenesis imperfecta, according to NBC 4. The genetic disorder, characterized by brittle bones that break easily, only affects an estimated 20,000 to 50,000 people in the United States.
The condition hasn't had any effect on Shah's ambition, however. The avid gamer and songwriter has written and produced 10 original songs and composed at Pratik Studio in Edison. At his Facebook page Sparsh, an honors student, shares his motivation to be a creator in life.
Sparsh lives in Iselin, where he is an ambassador for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and he sings to support charities through various philanthropic organizations his local church. He's also racked up trophies and awards at competitions throughout the Tri-state area. His greatest hit to date is a cover of Eminem's 2010 single "Not Afraid," which he makes his own by adding classical Indian synths on his iPad. To date, the video has garnered more than two million views on his YouTube channel, but has over 20 Million views on all social media sites combined.
One day, Sparsh hopes to perform a duet with the real Slim Shady, Marshall Mathers. Two million hits on YouTube isn't a bad start in that direction. Check out Sparsh's videos here.
