Winston 'Gypsy' Peters on Monday expressed sadness on learning of the death of former Extempto Monarch Sheldon John, who died Saturday night from kidney failure.
John won the Extempto title in 2011 Extempo King title at the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation “Kaisorama – A night of Champions” competition at the Queen’s Park Savannah, defeating Phillip “Black Sage” Murray.
He last performed on Carnival Thursday night at Kaisorama.
In a media release the Arts and Multiculturalism minister said, “I was deeply saddened upon learning of the untimely passing of Sheldon John, former Extempo Monarch, and friend.
The minister, who is himself a former Extempto champ, added: "Not only was he an excellent exponent of the art of extempore singing, he also played bass steel pans in the Exodus Steel Orchestra and for several years shared duties as Master of Ceremonies at Kaiso House Calypso Tent."
Peters said John showed great promise as he rose through the ranks of the then popular Vat19 Anyhowers Extempo Competition where he cut his proverbial teeth in the art of spontaneous composition.
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| Sheldon John |
He last performed on Carnival Thursday night at Kaisorama.
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| Winston 'Gypsy' Peters |
In a media release the Arts and Multiculturalism minister said, “I was deeply saddened upon learning of the untimely passing of Sheldon John, former Extempo Monarch, and friend.
"Sheldon was a true champion of our local arts and culture, who made a consistent and genuine contribution to national life without drawing undue attention to himself."
The minister, who is himself a former Extempto champ, added: "Not only was he an excellent exponent of the art of extempore singing, he also played bass steel pans in the Exodus Steel Orchestra and for several years shared duties as Master of Ceremonies at Kaiso House Calypso Tent."
Peters said John showed great promise as he rose through the ranks of the then popular Vat19 Anyhowers Extempo Competition where he cut his proverbial teeth in the art of spontaneous composition.
"These experiences helped to prepare him for lyrical battle with the ‘big guns’ at the national finals at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Clearly, he took those lessons to heart as he went on to win the coveted National Extempo Monarch competition on no fewer than five occasions over the past ten years!"
The minister noted that although he competed against John"countless" times "Sheldon always remained a friendly rival both on and off stage.
The minister noted that although he competed against John"countless" times "Sheldon always remained a friendly rival both on and off stage.
"We shared a camaraderie that demonstrated to me that he respected the teachings of the elders with whom he interacted...We have lost a beloved friend and artist," he said as he expressed condolences to John's family and friends.
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