UPDATE: April 03, 2012
Sheldon John – Former Extempo Monarch of T&T
Extempo craftsman, Sheldon John, dies
Sheldon John, 2011 Extempo Calypso King has passed away approximately one month shy of his 39th birthday, according to Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Association’s (TUCO’s) Welfare Officer Carlston Kerr on Monday. He died of kidney failure at approximately 5.30 pm on Sunday at the Eric Willliams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope.
Extempo king dies
Six-time National Extempo Monarch Sheldon John succumbed to kidney failure around 5.30 p.m. on Sunday at the Mount Hope Medical Sciences Complex.
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Former Extempo Monarch, Sheldon John, dies
April 02, 2012
Extempo King Sheldon John Dies
WIN News understands he was admitted at the Mount Hope Medical Sciences Complex on Carnival Saturday night and passed away, at about 5:30 pm yesterday, as a result of kidney failure.
He sang his way to the 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.
The Honourable Winston Peters, Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism issued the following statement on the passing of Sheldon John.
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.
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.
I, along with many others, recall that Sheldon 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!
Although we competed against each other 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.
On behalf of the Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism, I wish to extend sincere sympathies to the family and relatives of Sheldon John. We have lost a beloved friend and artist. I will always keep Sheldon in my thoughts and prayers.
Sheldon John at the 2011 Kaisorama Extempo Competition
rest in pease Sheldon he always came across as a gentleman not easy these days.i saw him at the tent this year doing what he enjoyed best being involved in the art form. Sympathies to all family and friends. Respect,
I am deeply saddened to have learnt of the passing of Former Extempo Monarch Sheldon John. As a former Calypso Judge/Adjudicator, I came to know Sheldon and like the minister said, he was a gentleman and a true ambassador of the art-form. When not in winners row you would see disappointment etched on his face, but he will pick up the pieces and come back stronger next time. This was evident from the mere fact that he was a five (5) monarch during his brief stay within the Extempo arena. May his sole rest in peace and may his survivors find peace with God.
i knew sheldon personally this is shocking sheldon u will always live in my heart R.I.P.
Gone bot not forgotten