The Rounds - June 11, 2006

Dr. Jay’s Rounds
Karen Richardson
June 11, 2006
Good Evening Soca lovers! I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.
On a weekend like this, there’s really only one thing to talk about. World Cup fever has hit the universe…and thanks to the Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors it has hit Toronto’s Caribbean community too.
I hope allyuh ketch dat game against Sweden yesterday. There’s a reason the Brazilians call it “A joga bonita”. Because soccer is most definitely the beautiful game. It’s beautiful when they score big…but as the Trini team can attest at times it can be even more beautiful when they don’t score at all. I tell yuh, “nil” never sounded so nice.
I’m not a Trini…but I felt a sense of pride when I heard the sportscasters mispronouncing the word “Soca” and talking about the Caribbean. It took me back a few tournaments ago when Jamaica’s Reggae Boys were shaking things up. So, maybe somebody could confirm why it is that the West Indies teams feel it necessary to name themselves after the music of their lands. I have no problem with it but think about it. You ain’t hear the Polish fans calling out for Polka Warriors. Brazil doesn’t big up de Samba Boys. Italy never had a Team Techno…you catch meh drift? Maybe it’s because Caribbean music is just as beautiful as the game of Soccer.
Ms. Karen Veira is a beautiful soca artist who hoped her talent might win her the Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines crown. Bad news fans…she didn’t tek de crown at all. Well nobody can say that this Queen Show is a popularity contest…b/c if were last weekend would have belonged to nobody but her.
Popularity can’t carry you everywhere in life. And, I know that because one of the most popular Mas bands in Trinidad is no more. After sixteen years of exponential growth Poison band is coming off the road. If you’re in TnT next carnival and you’re looking for a piece of the old action, you need to find a band called Pulse 8…it’s members are all formerly of Poison . The change has something to do with being frustrated about how long it takes to get bands on the stage at the Queens Park Savannah… that…penalties for not sticking to the prescribed parade route. Anyhow…it’s done.
Over in Antigua, El a Kru released a new album for its upcoming carnival. It’s called “Antigua Nice”. It boasts a new sound for the band. Doh worry, El a Kru fans will still recognize the music they’ve come to love…but you can expect a blend of melody and strong lyrical composition. And I can expect to be dancing to sweet soca music while the soca warriors continue to show the world what they’ve got!
I’m Nurse Karen and those are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to SOCA at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Now back to de doctor…