Lingo (Joseph Vautor-La Placeliere) won his fourth Extempo Monarch title at the 2015 competition which was staged at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, on Thursday night. He did so during Kaisorama–Extempo and Categories finals–presented by Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco).
In the final six-verse, no-topic, face-off with Myron B (Myron Bruce), Lingo, winner in 2007, 2008 and 2009, used his vast experience in the linguistic war and delivered some witty, crowd-pleasing rhymes to win the judges' favour and take home the $250,000 prize. For second place, Myron B won $150,000.The seven contestants challenging defending monarch Brian London in the first round were:
�2 Francois Ottley
�2 Myron B (Myron Bruce)
�2 Lady Africa (Leslie-Ann Bristow)
�2 Contender (Mark John)
�2 Nesta Boxhill
�2 Abebele (Neil Baptiste)
�2 Lingo
Each had to sing four verses on randomly selected topics which included Kaiso Monarch Money Small, Calypso Icons, Long Live Calypso, Like Ah Boss, Room 201, The Baby Grant, Kaisorama and Carnival Judges. Advancing to the second round, and paired, were Brian London and Myron B; Lingo and Lady Africa.
London and Myron B pulled the challenging topic Male Enhancement Pills and had some difficulty in creating rhyming verses, while Lingo and Lady Africa, on the other hand, had to contend with the less difficult subject of West Indies Cricket. Myron B and Lingo then advanced to the final.
Third place and the $75,000 prize went to London, while Lady Africa took home $50,000 for placing fourth. Contestants placing fifth to eight each won $20,000. The adjudicating panel comprised Aldric Cummings, Gloria Morris, Sigler Jack, Mary De-Here, Carlyle Babb, Patricia Goddard, Meagan Sylvester and Dr Kwame Nantambu (reserve).
In the political commentary category Devon Seales whipped his opponents with a classy showcase of the composition–My Humble Plea–to win the $50,000 prize. Second place and the $30,000 prize went to The Last Badjohn of Calypso (Kurt Allen) doing an equally good presentation of King #2. Alicia Richards placed third and won $20,000 for her sober offering titled Suits For Sale.
Heather MacIntosh was adjudged winner of the Social Commentary category singing Ah Gone, The Messenger (Georgia McIntyre) placed second doing The Voice, and Jaw D (Arnold Jordan) took third spot with Dis Is My Life.
Every Knee Shall Bow won Karene Asche first place in the Nation Building Commentary category. The Last Badjohn took second spot with Selfie T&T, and third place went to Brian London for his offering titled Wishful. A 15-member panel judged contestants in the areas of lyrics, music, and presentation. Prizes in each category were the same.
The programme was staged in tribute to Trinidad Bill (Paul Trotman), a Carnival renaissance man whose multiple contributions to the arts in T&T have had a significant impact on the creative landscape. He was presented with an award from Tuco. Making guest appearances were Relator (Willard Harris), Lord Nelson (Robert Nelson) Swallow (Rupert Philo), legendary panman Earl Rodney, and the North West Laventille Cultural Movement. Musical accompaniment was provided by Kelly Green and Harmony, and show host duties were shared by Wendell Etienne and Omari Ashby.