by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Shavon ‘Daddy Tustee’ Lawrence and Delroy ‘Delly Ranks’ Huggins, both of very humble beginnings, copped the titles Power Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch, respectively, during the hosting of the National Bank Soca Monarch Competition on Thursday night August 03.
‘Daddy Tustee’ emerged as the winner of the Power Segment with 398 points, singing ‘Blaze’.
The first runner-up was Speedy (337 points), and 2nd runner-up was Soca Empress (317 points).
In the Groovy Segment, Delly Ranks performed the song ‘Feel Like Dancing’ and won the crown with 388 points, ahead of first runner-up Speedy (381 points) and second runner-up X-Man (379 points).
Both Daddy Tustee and Delly Ranks hail from Rawlins Village Gingerland. They once shared the same household and have shared the stage at the Cultural Village on several occasions.
On Friday, August 04 2023, ‘Daddy Tustee’ told WINN FM that despite his many years of competition, this is his first Soca crown.
He added, “It’s a good feeling. I work hard for it. I’ve been the people’s king for a long time, but it’s now been proven.”
Daddy Tustee, however, copped the 2017 Road March title with his performance of “How we do it ?” whilst he was a member of the Kore Band. He is now a lead vocalist with the NuWave Band.
The Power Soca king said he is very interested in entering the Culturama 49 Road March competition, but due to challenges, it is unlikely that he would participate. He expressed confidence that he could win the 2023 Road March title with the song “Blaze’.
Delly Ranks, in particular, has won multiple crowns in Soca Monarch competitions in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and also has Road March titles under his belt. WINN FM made several attempts to contact him, but they were futile.
