Dillon Thomas is new Tobago calypso monarch

DILLON THOMAS, aka Dilly Suede, is the new Tobago calypso monarch.

He won the crown and a $100,000 cash prize after a keenly contested final at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on Saturday night.

Thomas, 31, snatched the title from his sister, Nicole Thomas, who created history last year in becoming the first monarch to be crowned during the island’s inaugural carnival. She placed third in the competition and got $50,000.

Second place went to Caston Cupid while Wendy Garrick and Alex Gift, otherwise known as Tobago Chalkie, placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

Twelve calypsonians were listed to compete but one, Giselle Fraser-Washington, did not show up.

Thomas’ calypso, It Wasn’t Me, a Sheldon Reid composition, revisited the infamous THA "audiogate" controversy, which dominated headlines some months ago.

The highly entertaining song, which earned him 281 points, had the small audience cheering and doubling over in laughter.

On Sunday, Thomas told Newsday he put a different spin to the issue.

“The song was the point of view of the people on how (Chief Secretary) Farley (Augustine) should have approached the situation, giving it a different energy, a different light,” he said.

The former Roxborough Secondary School student said while he is excited about his victory, it was totally unexpected.

“I had some ups and downs during practice, so coming out on top over all of these big artistes is really amazing.”

The young calypsonian admitted he was daunted by the prospect of performing alongside some of the heavyweights in the fraternity in next year’s national calypso monarch final in Trinidad.

The winner of the Tobago monarch competition automatically qualifies for the final of the national calypso monarch competition in February.

Thomas said, “Oh, my God. That is the one that have me most scared. I am feeling the excitement but right now I am just scared.”

Cupid and Nicole also delivered enjoyable performances.

He sang Straight From the Heart, which recalled the days when calypsonians reflected the happenings in society fearlessly, regardless of the consequences.

Nicole performed The Truth Is, a song about neglected youth. They got $75,000 and $50,000, respectively.

Deputy Chief Secretary Dr Faith BYisrael, Assistant Secretary in the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation Megan Morrison and Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation president Ainsley King were on hand to celebrate with the winners.

Despite a late start, the event, Creating New Legacies, Celebrating Legends, flowed smoothly and paid tribute to several of the late giants in the artform.

Award-winning artiste Aaron Duncan started the four-hour show with a lively set, paving the way for reigning calypso monarch Ta’zyah O’Connor.

He performed a few selections, including David Rudder’s Calypso Music, Lord Nelson’s Meh Lover and his winning song Sing Hallelujah.

Later in the show, artistes Isaac Blackman, Sekon Sta (Nesta Boxill), Kernal Roberts and Sharlan Bailey performed hits from their late fathers’ repertoire as well as their own songs.

Kevan Calliste also paid tribute to his late grandfather, Black Stalin (Leroy Calliste), who passed away in December 2022.

The audience lapped up their performances.