Valien-T

Bryant Amastha AKA “Valien-T” was born on September 12, 1991 in Miami, Florida. His family is originally from Barranquilla, Colombia. Bryant is currently is enrolled at Miami Sunset Senior High School. Bryant has appeared on the “honor roll” numerous times since Kindergarten. While attending South Miami Middle School, Bryant worked in broadcasting as part of the magnet program, and as such, had the opportunity to attend George W. Bush’s second Presidential inauguration. While not at school or working on his music, Bryant competes in Dinghy races where has achieved acclaim as the National Access Dinghy Champion from 1999-2003.

These are great accomplishments for any 18 year old. What makes it remarkable is that Bryant suffers from a congenital condition named Arthrogryposis, which he has had since birth. Persons with this condition have problems with muscles and joints limiting movement and making every task a difficult one. Bryant is no exception. He uses a wheelchair and needs help with almost everything he does. In his short life, Bryant has undergone 54 surgeries and awaits many more. He has founded the Arthrogryposis Foundation along with his mother to help others with this condition.

When Bryant was 3 years old he met Colombian vallenato artist Carlos Vives, and 2 years later, he met Colombian pop artist Shakira. It was around that time that Bryant decided he wanted to be an artist too. It wasn’t until Bryant was in middle school that his interests expanded to urban music. Bryant, who was starting to be called “Valien-T”, enjoyed listening to Hip-Hop, Rap, R & B, and Reggaeton. Latin musicians such as Tego Calderon, Wisin Y Yandel, and in particular, his idol, Daddy Yankee were a great influence on Bryant. “Valien-T’s” dream was to meet Daddy Yankee. His mother, Martha, who is Bryant’s most ardent supporter, made this possible. Bryant got to meet his idol for his 15th birthday at a concert in the American Airlines Arena. When DY noticed “Valien-T” dancing to the music, he stopped and gave “Valien-T” a shout out and told his road manager to bring him to the front row. After the concert, “Valien-T” went to DY’s dressing room and Bryant’s dream finally came true.

The year 2006 was an eventful one. “Valien-T” performed at Calle 8 and the July 4th celebration at Bayfront Park. “Valien-T” wrote his first song “El Valiente” and recorded it with X-clusiv Entertainment (a Major Record Label he launched last year). He performed the song for the first time at the Colombian Festival at Tamiami Park on July 23rd of that year.

2008 was also a very successful year. “Valien-T” participated in the BPA (Business Professionals of America) district and state leadership conferences where he placed 3rd. He then went on to states where he proudly placed 2nd for an entrepreneurship project and was the first person in the 69 year history of the club to qualify to go to the national leadership conference in a wheelchair.

2009 was one of his most successful years in his education he participated once again in the BPA (Business Professionals of America) district and state leadership conferences. He ran for state president and was determined to make history, to be the first student in a wheelchair to be elected as a state president in 70 years of the clubs existence. His campaign was very successful; he made history he was officially elected as the state president with 87% of the votes in his favor. Bryant also competed with his entrepreneurship project and placed first in both district and state conferences and placed 5th at the national conference. Bryant also is a great member of his community and loves to give back; with the help of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe A. Martinez and several other sponsors, Bryant was able to fundraise 50 full thanksgiving dinners for families with low-income in his community and in school.

2010 is turning out to be a very memorable year for Bryant. He is currently a senior at Miami Sunset Senior High School; he will be graduating in the beginning of June. Due to the fact that Bryant is now a senior his term as state president for BPA (Business Professionals of America) has ended, but now he is launching a campaign to run national officer and make history once again. He wants to be the first student in a wheelchair to be elected as a national officer. Through the help of his beloved friends and family members he has been able to fundraise enough to campaign in Anaheim, California from May 4th through the 9th. Since the time that Commissioner Martinez helped Bryant with his thanksgiving distribution in 2009. Bryant has kept a great relationship with the commissioner and has recently started an internship program with Commissioner Martinez.

“Valien-T’ has just released his latest single “La De La Disco” in his own studio at home. As of the writing of this biography, “Valien-T’ is in the process of writing, composing, and recording his next exciting release. “Valien-T” wil