The Iyalode

Six years ago, a ten year old Rushawn Ewears sang the song ‘Beautiful day’, originally sang by Jermaine Edwards, and in 2022, the rendition became a worldwide sensation that would eventually bring both men into fame beyond their imagination in 2023.

The rise of Social Media has presented power to man in ways that cannot be overemphasised, the core strength being a chance for every single individual with access to a compatible device and internet to have an audience. Although this freedom has been misused over and over again, it is refreshing whenever it is used for the good of humanity just as is the case with Rushawn.

Rushawn hails from Jamaica, same as Jermaine. He appears to be from a lowly background, respectful, and with a meek spirit. He was innocently unaware even as his video made rounds worldwide, till he was recently searched out. And now, both Rushawn and Jermaine have received a record deal from Sony Music UK. That’s huge!

Lessons (and hopes) from Rushawn’s story:

1. As long as there is life, it is okay to keep hope alive. Seeds sown today may take years to germinate, but if it is of good viability (value), it surely will sprout and produce something good. The viral video remained in a small sphere for six years but once it got the right spotlight, it blossomed.

2. It is essential to pray for one’s destiny helpers, to receive grace, wisdom and empowerment to influence the destined. Rushawn’s teacher influenced his destiny by taking that singular decision to record him singing; she didn’t have to, but she did.

3. Consistency: it is important to always show up, because as Yorubas say, ko si eni ti o mo ojo oja (you never know when luck is going to smile on you). If Rushawn hadn’t shown up in school that day or decided to have a foul attitude when his teacher asked him to sing, the video perhaps wouldn’t have been made. It took six years for his (then) choice to keep showing up, to yield a reward.

4. Even though Jermaine (the original song owner) is talented and the song holds serene gratitude lessons that should resonate with any human who reverences God, the song did not have enough reach. In fact, Jermaine and the song remained unknown to many until Rushawn’s version surfaced. And Rushawn sang with such calm passion that made it seem like he must have been passing through some level of hardship at the time, but uses music to find his way out of dark tunnels. And that, coupled with his strong unwavering voice resonated with people worldwide.

5. Social media and the internet at large, can be used to positively influence one’s life and indeed the world. Social media arms human with such powers that has made everyone an influencer in their rights. This power should be carefully used.

6. When the door to destiny opens, it comes with a train in which the destined can tag an entourage along. This has been seen to happen in every case of fame. And in this particular case, Rushawn’s fame reflects beyond just him, but shines also on his teacher, the principal, the school, the town, Jamaica as a whole (as the world gets reminded what strengths Jamaica has when it comes to music), and ironically also the original owner of the song.

7. When fame arrives, it better finds the destined prepared. Cases were seen in recent times when fate shone on some Nigerians but because it met with unpreparedness (or perhaps wrongly placed expectations), the fame didn’t translate into anything bigger. It was short lived.

We wish Shawn all the best in life, and that he continues to be humble as he currently appears to be.