Despite facing immense challenges, trap-dancehall artiste Rygin King has demonstrated unwavering consistency and determination in both his musical career and personal goal of walking again.
In a candid glimpse into his therapy routine, the artist has shared his journey to regain mobility on his own two feet. Tragically, King, also known as Mathew Smith, was shot three times in June 2020. He was one of several victims involved in a shooting in the Struie district of Westmoreland, which resulted in the death of his manager’s wife and left King partially paralyzed. The artist underwent multiple surgeries and gradually returned to the music industry.
Despite his diagnosis, King maintains that he is not disabled and remains optimistic about the possibility of walking again. He has previously spoken about his discomfort with the public seeing him in a wheelchair but recently opened up to his fans on social media by sharing a clip from one of his therapy sessions on Instagram. The video shows King wearing a mechanical leg brace and exoskeleton while using a wheeled walker to move around the room.
Many of King’s fellow dancehall artists, including Teejay, Jahshii, I-Octane, and Usain Bolt, sent encouraging messages in the comments section.
In November 2022, the Montego Bay-based artist announced that he would embark on an eight-week tour of the United States, which he named the “Therapy Tour.” The tour began in Queens, New York, on November 24, 2022, and will conclude on January 21, 2023. During the eight-week tour, King will also make stops in New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Texas, and Georgia. According to King, more cities throughout the U.S. will be added soon based on the overwhelming requests from fans across the country.
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