The Rounds - February 26, 2006

Dr. Jay’s Rounds
Karen Richardson
February 26, 2006
490
Good Evening Soca lovers. I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.
It’s Carnival Sunday in Trinidad…and guess who ain’ kay? Ok…Ah lie. Better watch what I say, cause the doctor would have my head. I do care, but I’m just a little jealous. I’m here contending with snow and the February blahs, while Doctor Jay’s only concern is how to keep his energy up for days on end of fun fun fun.
Mr. Shurwayne Winchester is having himself a great carnival. Friday night he snatched the International Soca Monarch crown from defending champion Bunji Garlin. But not only that…the singer of sweet sultry songs from Tobago stole the Groovy Soca Monarch title too. So meh friends, if you’re not acquainted with his big tune “Can’t Wait”. Well you better don’t wait…because right now it’s the biggest soca song anywhere.

Not everyone was happy about Winchester’s win on Friday. De Gals dem Sugar…also known as Beenie Man, was there as a guest artiste. He came on the stage making noise about the competition judges’ decision. Woy…is like the Olympics in T&T!!! You didn’t hear if from me, but I hear the French judge had a deal with the Russians! HA!!! Don’t worry with me and my comess. I gotta make my own fun, while I’m here alone in all the snow.
I spoke to Dr. Jay this week and he tells me he’s having a wonderful time. The music: hot! The people: hotter…and the temperature will only increase to a climax on Monday and Tuesday. That’s when the madness hits the road.
But you all know, Trinidad is not the only place on the globe jumping up to soca right now. Member I told you about the Carib Soca Monarch competition in Guyana? Pressure! Michelle “Big Red” King was crowned champion on Monday morning, but last year’s King, Adrian Dutchin did not let her celebrate for long before he called for a Re-Count! Well, they don’t play in Guyana. The dispute has flooded the news for nearly a week and Big Red says, she wants the matter resolved in court. Music is serious business, ah tell you. Especially when there’s money at stake. (Is like that French Judge real making de rounds) tee hee
In case you were wondering, they don’t play in St. Vincent either. The annual Vincy Mas carnival is one of the biggest in the Caribbean. Every year a slew of talented artists pump out new tunes that keep the whole Caribbean bumping for a long time to come. . Once St. Vincent Carnvial comes around there’s no shortage of mas and music. It’s followed by St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Caribana, Nottinghill, Labour Day and…and all that before the Summer is through. Well Vincy Mas isn’t until July, so why am I talking about it now? The multi-island paradise that brings you stars like Kevin Lyttle, Jamesy P, Bomani and Skinny Fabulous. The jewels of the Caribbean that give you classics like “Teaser”, Rudeness on the Road, and “I Doh Mind”…and big time riddims like the Lava Slide…has already begun releasing tunes for Vincy Mas 2K6. Problem Child, the man who brought you MAD last year…has a new one called “Friends with benefits”. If that sounds familiar, it’s because Dr. Jay played it for you two weeks ago. He was the first DJ in Canada to have it. And when DJ’s start playing Vincy Music, it could only mean one thing…Summer is right around the corner!
I’m nurse Karen and those are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to Soca at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Lata!