Phillip Murray, also known as Black Sage, is the 2025 Extempo Monarch.
Murray triumphed in an electrifying clash of vocal prowess against seven fierce contenders: Heaven ‘Snakey’ Charles, Akeem ‘Preedy’ Chance, Hezekiah Joseph, Brian London, Myron B – The Calypso Nite, Lady Syntax, and the defending champion, Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters.
The contest was a true test of lyrical skill, rapid-fire wit, and improvisation, with topics ranging from “Advice To The Incoming PM” to “The State Of West Indies Cricket,” “Beenie Man Says ‘Trini, I Am Sorry,’” and “Obeah In Calypso.”
After the first round of verbal jousts, four contenders advanced with Black Sage and Myron Bruce facing off and trading verses on the topic “Who I Like For Panorama.” The other two singers advancing, Brian London and Gypsy, engaged each other on “Trinidad Killa Likes Too Much Attention.”
The final Extempo War of the night featured Black Sage versus Brian London with Black Sage securing the title for 2025 and the first prize of $200,000.
And the 2025 National Freestyle Monarch is Akeem ‘Preedy’ Chance.
He took on seven contenders in the first round: Romano Ragoonathsingh – Proverbalist, Nyol Manswell, Jumaane ‘Juby’ Cox, Arnold ‘The Black Starr’ Noel, Orlando Octave, Myron Bruce – The Calypso Nite, and defending champion and the 2025 Young King, Anthony ‘Squeezy Rankin’ Le Fleur.
These lyrical gladiators were judged on their lyrics, rendition, originality, presentation, and crowd response on topics like “Where Pan Reach,” “Who Lies More Between Man and Woman,” “Calypso Will Survive,” “Only Bikinis and Beads In Town,” “After One Pothole Is A Next,” and “Dr. Rowley’s Legacy.”
After the opening round, four contenders moved forward to Round 2. Octave and Black Starr squared off in their tribute to Lord Nelson while Myron Bruce and Preedy clashed over “Who’s Taking the Kaiso Crown This Year.”
In the end, it was an thrilling Freestyle War between Preedy and Octave with Preedy eventually taking the Freestyle crown and the first prize of $50,000.
Watch the National Extempo And Freestyle Competition Finals below: