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HomeNewsArchivesWHADABLEE OVERCOMES SUPER T TO KEEP THE CROWN

WHADABLEE OVERCOMES SUPER T TO KEEP THE CROWN

May 2, 2003 – The reigning calypso monarch of St. Thomas held onto his crown Thursday night before a crowd of about 2,500 people at Lionel Roberts Stadium. For Sinclair DeSilva – better known as Whadablee – the 2003 victory is the fifth consecutive win, this one gained over an all-out challenge by the first runner up, Myrel Tonge, also known as Super T.
"I'm tired, I'm a little hoarse, but this was the hardest victory," Whadablee said as he danced offstage wearing his red velvet crown and cape, the winner's trophy in his hand.
Super T, who received rousing applause for his rendition of his hit tune "If You For Me," expressed disappointment at the judges' decision. "I'm not going to talk about it," he said. "I'm just going to leave it for another time."
Whadablee fans were in abundance at the stadium, many of them saying that while Thursday's night competition was close, it was Whadablee's lyrics that cinched the victory. They also credited the strength of Whadablee's song in round one, "Keep On Trying," a musical challenge to all contenders for the calypso crown.
The other nine challengers also gave their all onstage: 2003 Crucian Festival Calypso Monarch Mighty Pat, past St. Croix monarch King Kan Fu' Plentae, Pepper Pat, Generic, Refector, Waggy, Gemma Noel, Sugar Dee and Soljah.
Musical topics paid tribute to Carnival, and made appeals for the poor, for the children and for responsible government.
There were also lighthearted lyrics. Sugar Dee sang "My School Days," recalling the perplexing answers she sometimes had for her teachers' questions.
When Waggy sang about his desire for "Peace in the Middle East," he wove a double entendre about his desire for more earthly delights.
There were also pleas to government leaders to stop the gun violence and murders that have been plaguing the Virgin Islands, a theme heard in Generic's song, "Hope for Peace," and in Whadablee's "Just Because."
The Calypso Monarch competition is usually the last calypso show of the annual Carnival season, but this year organizers are bringing back the Calypso Finale that played last year in Carnival Village, with the final show set for Friday night.

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