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A lead singer of a popular polish band in the early 2000’s who went on to forge her own successful solo career, Monika Kuszyńska is a woman with a spinal cord injury. Also a soulful artist poised who performed in one of the world’s biggest singing contests, Eurovision in 2015, read on for her unforgettable story.
Why She’s Fearless
Growing up in Poland, Monika knew music was her destiny. She was aware of her talents at a young age and threw herself into singing. It wasn’t until the year 2001 when she was 20 years old when she had a chance to enter the Polish music scene.
It was with Polish pop rock band Varius Manx (named after the breed of cat), a hit band formed in 1989, that gave Monika her chance at stardom. Formed by composer named Robert Janson, Varius Max had a sound Polish director’s loved, using their songs in several films, and when Monika joined the band in 2001, she was the third lead female singer.
Monika performed with Varius Manx able-bodied until 2006, when the band’s founder Robert along with Monika were injured in a serious car accident that included the entire band. Unfortunately, Monika was the only one to sustain permanent injuries, suffering a T6 injury in the accident and becoming a paraplegic, but she hasn’t let it stop her.
After her injury, she performed for four more years with the band until 2010 when she was replaced by a new singer.
What’s Next?
In June 2010, a few months after leaving Varius Manx, Monika performed in her wheelchair on the TV show Dzien Dobry TVN, which was a huge moment for her. A couple of years later, she agreed to be a vocal coach on the Polish version of the TV show Clash of the Choirs, with her team placing fifth.
Monica has performed all over Poland since 2010, becoming more and more comfortable performing in her wheelchair. And in 2015 one of the biggest boons to her career occurred – she was chosen to represent Poland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 with a power ballad called “In the Name of Love.” The song was co-written by her husband, Kuba Raczyński, who also drums with Monika when she performs. Monika was the first person with paralysis to perform in Eurovision.
Monika has continued performing since Eurovision, receiving honors along the way from Poland for what she has contributed to her country.
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