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ASL interpreter Warren WAWA Snipe dubbed 'Hero of the National Anthem' as Super Bowl LV fans give him MVP title

Viewers said the addition of the ASL interpreter was a much welcome step towards inclusivity at a national event of such stature

Social media was captivated by the American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter of the national anthem at Super Bowl LV. While Grammy-nominated artists Jazmine Sullivan and Eric Church collaborated together for a heartfelt rendition of 'The Star Spangled Banner', it was the ASL interpreter who stole the show with his incredible energy and fabulous performance. 

"Genuinely obsessed with the ASL interpreter for the national anthem #SuperBowl" tweeted one user, summing up the nation's feeling about him.

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Who is the ASL interpreter?

The addition of the ASL interpreter for the national anthem at the Super Bowl LV is being deemed as a historic moment. Viewers said it was a much welcome step towards inclusivity at a national event of such stature. So, who is the ASL interpreter who mesmerized everyone with his brilliant rendition of the national anthem alongside Jazmine Sullivan and Eric Church? He has been identified as rapper and musician Warren Snipe aka Wawa. Snipe is himself deaf but has embodied his physical constraints as a beautiful way to express his musical talent. 

The deaf rapper and recording artist said, "It was always my dream to perform at the Super Bowl, and I would love to be able to perform the halftime show in ASL too!" After the national anthem, he will also accompany R&B singer H.E.R for the ASL interpretation of 'America the Beautiful'.

Snipe, 50, refers to his musical genre as 'Dip Hop', which is Hip Hop through the eyes of the deaf. A native of Washington DC, he graduated from Gallaudet University in 1994. He founded the Wild Zappers soon after, which was an all-male deaf dance company. Later, Snipe went on to work with The National Deaf Dance Company and has starred in music videos and on television. He appeared in R&B artist Maxwell's 'Fingers Crossed' lyrical video and has himself completed three studio albums. 

Snipe was inspired by old school rappers and R&B artists like RUN-DMC, Snoop Dogg, Salt-n-Pepa, LL Cool J and Wu-Tang. Following their style and skills, Snipe worked hard on his own talents and established the Dip Hop style all by himself. 

He is a vocal advocate of the Black deaf community and his latest album 'Wamilton', released around a week ago, sheds light on the overlooked community. His single 'Loud' from the album has gained considerable praise and he himself has called it one of his favorites. The video for the song was shot at his own home by his son. 

'Loved his enthusiasm'

The internet is going gaga over WAWA's captivating ASL rendition of the national anthem. "An inspiring duet by @jsullivanmusic and @ericchurch! But can we also give some shine to the sign language interpreter, Warren “Wawa” Snipes? Bringing the full #BlackHistoryMonth treatment to OUR national anthem. I mean, YES Clapping hands sign @wusa9," said WUSA anchor Lesli Foster.

"s. Newswoman Celeste Katz Marston called WAWA the MVP of the Super Bowl, "So no reason to wait to give #SuperBowl #mvp honors to ASL interpreter Warren "Wawa" Snipe then". One user said, "We can all agree the hero of the National Anthem was the ASL interpreter."

"I am HERE for the ASL interpreter doing the MOST for that National Anthem," wrote one user. Another wanted him to interpret YMCA with the same enthusiasm. "Next thing ya know, ASL interpreter is translating YMCA—with ALL the feels! Smiling face with open mouth and cold sweat #SuperBowl #NationalAnthem". "That brother doing ASL during those songs was getting it! Soulful and beautiful! #AmericanSignLanguage #SuperBowl," tweeted another.