SuperBlue: A win is a win

Munching fudge in his dressing room, SuperBlue reclined on a sofa and awaited the results of the Play Whe International Power Monarch competition at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain, for Fantastic Friday. As Lyons made his way there, he had stopped to hug fellow winner Machel Montano around 4.45 am. Artistes including Denise Belfon and Blaxx hailed him. 

Earlier on, clad in his trademark blue—a blue streak of lightning earring and blue watch—Lyons burst onto the stage shouting “The Bouncing Start/Water and Powder/Fantastic Friday.” A similar refrain reverberated from everyone’s lips. 

When artistic director Avery Seaton informed him he had tied with Montano, Lyons said, “A win is a win. First is first. I feel good. You can’t spit in God’s face. In this case, it’s a good decision.” 

As Lyons made his way out of the dressing room into the crisp morning air, several fans stopped drinking corn soup and rushed over to congratulate him on his soca feat. Several expressed the view he should have been the lone winner. 

Among those gathered to greet him were his son Raymond, from his hometown Point Fortin. Asked how he felt about his father’s victory, he said, “I am very proud. I want him to continue in that winning vein.”

Apart from the artistes and spectators who gathered, local talents like Siparia Rhythm Section and Paramin Blue Devils conjured a J’Ouvert atmosphere.

Belmont’s Austin Wilson, 77, played a traditional fancy sailor. 

Asked about his input into Soca Monarch, he said, “I play with D’ Boss. We are on our 19th voyage. I am playing Jumbo Under The Big Top. Can you keep a secret? I am performing with Machel.” New York-based cultural writer Pat Meschino described Soca Monarch as “a very vibrant show.”