PANAJI
A t 15, he was a Brown Belt 2nd KYU, known for having the best side kicks in class. At 51, forget kicking—he cannot even get up from a chair without help. “I cannot go to beaches, cannot walk during rain, as I keep falling due to slippery surfaces, and I fall down on ground, I cannot get up on my own, and need two-three persons to lift me,” shares Shane Antonio Vaz, a meningitis survivor with 100% muscle destruction. With deep faith in God, Shane believes it’s God’s grace and the power of music that keep him going.
“I have no back or stomach muscles, besides shoulders, legs, hands,” points out Shane, who cheerfully faces life with a smile, music in his heart and a song on his lips. He’s a singer, musician, DJ, and a one-man band. A born artist, he paints, writes poetry, sings and plays music. He’s was skilled at sports, especially carrom, and has won medals in karate, hockey, football, cricket and carrom. He has even represented Goa in karate and football.
“I have been playing carom since I was a child. I was all Goa champion in carom singles five years ago. Presently I am the singles and doubles carom champion at BPS Club Margao,” boasts Shane, who also enjoys social work, hiking, travelling and playing games. His fans still remember his recent performance at the International Purple Fest in 2024, where he sang all the English vocals for the official anthem. His newly released gospel album ‘Open the Eyes’ was well received.
Known for his energetic performances, Shane is passionate about music and blends genres to create unique experiences for his audience. That’s his strength!
With music filling the gaps in his life, Shane has been in the music industry for over two decades, singing retro, reggae pop, and rock and roll in multiple languages. “I have been a resident musician for several hotels in India and Dubai – including the Burj Al Arab, Le Meridian, Marriot, The Hilton Group, Taj, Sheraton, The Leelas, Alilla Goa and Casino Royale in Panaji. I was inspired by Bob Marley, Lionel Richie and Sting,” shares Shane, who’s a popular choice for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, communions and restaurant gigs. His dedication pushes him to keep evolving, ensuring every show is full of energy and celebration.
Talking about the illness that changed his life, Shane says, “My twin brother Shrine and I came to Goa from Dubai as we were good at sports and had been selected. Since the syllabus was different, we were re-admitted to Class 9 at Manovikas. At 16, we both got meningitis, a fast-spreading brain fever. It causes muscle loss, speech problems, coma and death. Though not contagious, the doctor said we both got it as twins. Shrine fell ill in the morning, I in the evening. He was on a ventilator at GMC, but couldn’t be shifted due to his condition. I was moved to Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai and was saved.”
But even though Shane survived, the virus had already destroyed all muscles in his body below the neck. “It was very painful. My full body had become stiff. Physiotherapy, lot of stretching, apart from other treatment helped me. But due to the immediate effect of meningitis I lost my muscles. I couldn’t even sit as I had no back or stomach muscles. I would fall. They used to put pillows on the wheelchair for support. After a month in Hinduja, I was directly flown to Dubai. For about 18 months I was at home, recovering. Again I was admitted to class 9 there. So I studied class 9 syllabus of ICSE and CBSE thrice. I did 12th and got admission in college too, but music runs in our DNA, and it changed the track of my life. I chose music as my career.”
Shane’s musical roots run deep. His grandfather, Antonio Medeira, played alongside Chris Perry and mastered wind instruments. His mother, though never a public performer, was a singer and encouraged Shane to learn driving. Despite his physical condition, he learnt to drive. That gave him the freedom to visit fellow musicians and sing at house parties. Singing brought him comfort, dignity and income. Shane’s music career took off in Dubai, where he became the lead singer in a six-member live band. He later started his own band, Cross Roads. With a strong understanding of sound, he learnt how to manage technical setups while seated, performing at high-end venues and five-star hotels including the Burj Al Arab.
After his parents retired and returned to Goa, Shane followed. He continues to perform here. “I sing in English, Hindi, Konkani and Russian. I am unable to do any other job. Now, it’s no more love or passion for music, but music is not my source of income. I earn from music and take care of my family’s needs. Dubai used to pay good for musicians. They had respect too. But in Goa, music does not pay much. The government aid for PwDs is also meagre,” says Shane, now living in Goa with his wife, three children, and elderly parents.
Shane cannot stand up without help. If he falls, he has to be lifted. He cannot climb stairs without support. Yet, he drives and sings—despite having no stomach muscles. That’s nothing short of a miracle.
“It’s the glory of the God, because, it is impossible to sing without stomach muscles. I do techniques. My life is full of tricks and techniques. I walk on crutches, which is a trick, which works on gravity. When people see me standing they think nothing is wrong with me, but they don’t know what I am undergoing internally and what my sickness is. I am a confident person,” Shane shares with a big smile.
