The Rounds: Nadia Batson opened a new boutique in Trinidad

Good Evening Soca Lovers,


I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Before I get started, I want to offer you my sincerest apologies for leaving you hanging last week. As I was making my rounds last Sunday, there was a family emergency that I had to come first. I really appreciate your understanding, ant the prayers and support of everyone who rallied around us, and I'm happy to say everything is cool and copacetic.

As we think of family, especially at this festive time of year, there are a couple of important anniversaries that the world-wide soca family is marking this week. Tuesday coming will make two years of marriage for Bunji Garlin and Faye-Ann Lyons.

Faye-Ann and Bunji in St. Vincent in July

This past Friday will made four years since the tragic passing of Burning Flames frontline vocalist Onika Peaches Bostic. Had she survived the tragic car accident that led to her untimely death, Onika would be celebrating her 29th birthday on December 23rd. Peaches, we still remember your spirit, your smile and your songs. You will be dearly missed.

Awesome news out of Trinidad for Miss Nadia Batson! The Caribbean Queen launched a business in the Trincity Mall last Tuesday. Her new boutique is called Fashion over Style, and in spite of hard economic times, it seems like the opening was even more successful than she anticipated with stock flying right off the shelves. I say, congratulations on the new business venture. Wishing Nadia prosperity in abundance for 2009!

With Nadia at Soca or Die in Toronto last month

As I speak, our Crucian friends are gearing up to kick off the second annual St. Croix Party Monarch Competition. The 2007 winner was Toby Dee. He's back to defend his crown against 13 Monarch hopefuls including Omari Ferrari. Check back with me soon. I'll tell yuh what happens.

So much to say...precious little time. But if you're curious, it's stuff to do with....Patrice Roberts and Mavado. Mm hmm! Machel Montano and Universal Music. Mm hmm! A video that's pure "Fyah" from Kevin Lyttle and a "Tight" one from Peter Ram.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. If you want to follow these and other interesting soca industry news and gossip, check me out online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And never miss the rounds. Download the podcast to go at socatherapy dot com slash podcast. Now back to de docta!

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Booster Shot: Peter Ram's "Tight video in the can!

Peter Ram's  got a new video out for "Tight" - Better known as one of the catchiest tunes on Monstapiece's 2008 Coconut Tree Riddim".  It was directed by Jamaica's Jay Will and features a bevy of Caribbean beauty strutting their stuff in tight white short pants.  I'm sure the men reading this are in heaven already.  Yeah well...If you're a facebook user, you can consider it your Christmas gift from me. 

Dir: Jay Will (Game Over)
Producer: Carleene Samuels
DP: Richard Lannaman
Editor: Mykal Cushnie
Pyramid Music Group

Tight Video on Facebook  

 

Unfortunately, at this point there's no public link for the video.  Therefore, if you're not a Facebook user, you won't be able to see it just yet.  

No worries, I'm certain Jay will have it available to the regular folks just now. 

Until then....Enjoy!

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Eye Unit: Kevin Lyttle Fyah Video

I like to be sure that you get to see the finished product whenever I mention a video shoot in The Rounds.  So here it is, Kevin Lyttle "Fyah".  There's a cute little cameo of Problem Child playing dominoes.

To read the original post about this steamy new video, click the link below.

Kevin Lyttle to Shoot a New Music Video

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Nurse's Lounge: Jingle Jam 4 (video)

Living in Canada, it's nearly impossible to excape the harsh reality of the elements. Thankfully, promoters up here realize that party-goers require some extra inspiration to leave their humble abodes when the mercury drops below zero.


To the rescue was CVR Entertainment with its fourth edition of Jingle Jam. November 29, 2008 KoolHaus was the place to be if you were looking for live soca acts doing their thing. I decided to check it out.


Toronto's own Slammer Cutter opened the show with "Hang Over," a song that's now getting a lot of love. This artist has paid his dues and continues to. So it's nice to see the spotlght flashing his direction.


Next was Shurwayne. No one doubts that Mr. Winchester knows how to warm up a crowd in a c-c-cold city. However, between you and me, Shurwayne had something to prove. The die-hard fans aren't sure what to make of him without Traffik, and Saturday night was all about holding his own. But check the clip...he did more than fine!! (Now just to get Y.O.U. up here so I can give allyuh my official stamp of approval.



Skinny Fabulous is no stranger to (Nurse) Karen (Etc), mostly because he's no stranger to Toronto. Ever since Head Bad (On the Spot) clinched the SVG Soca Monarch crown in July, he has been a staple at the city's major fetes. Skinny didn't disappoint. Taking the holiday theme one step further, Skinny Fabulous helped Santa Claus cross a few names off the Toronto list. Running through his cache of older hits, he emptied out two great big bags of ridiculous gifts for his fans. Never know what to expect. Toronto has seen him grace the stage in a Star Wars mask, empty a whole bottle of Hennessy in the mouths of the crowd. We even saw him jump into the audience for a midnight surf. Click below for the gift exchange....



Ever since I started blogging, one of my favourite habits is checking to see what search terms (Nurse) Karen (Etc) readers are using to find content on the site. For the last month everyone is searching FAYE-ANN LYONS and PREGNANT as if there's nothing else that happens under the sun. (in case you're into stats like me, about 200 people have googled that to end up right here in the last 30 days)

Well...under the moon, Bunji Garlin and Faye-Ann Lyons gave an energetic stage show backed by TC, the King of Swag. Somebody tell me, that boy really always wears white pants? I have seen these two give a different show maybe ten times for the year. Maybe more if I really count. Faye-Ann was peforming pregnant in Miami at 3 months. Now at nearly six months, my girl is really turning heads. It's impossible to hide the bump protruding from her infamous rock hard torso. No doubt you'll enjoy seeing her mash up the stage, like it's just another day at the office!







I enjoyed the Jingle Jam lime. The crowd was about 1100, 400 shy of what the promoter hoped for. However, I think we can blame the weather for that. That was some kinda gaseous ice sumting in the air. Shivering just thinking about it! Would have loved to see KMC perform. "I'm not drunk" would have complimented Slammer Cutters "Hangover" very nicely. Guess I'll have to wait for T&T

Merry Christmas!

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The Rounds: Kevin Lyttle's New Song with Flo Rida

Good Evening Soca Lovers,



Season's Greetings. It may be cold outside, but wherever soca music is pumping…it's hot, hot, hot! St. Kitt's and Nevis is especially steamy this time of year as they celebrate their annual Carnival. This year's festival is aptly themed "Nuff Riddim, Plenty Lime."Local favourites like d'Vybz Band International, are now starting to release their music for the carnival season that official reaches it's climax on New Year's day. Vybz will dropping it's '08/'09 carnival album next week. So be sure and check for it.

Speaking of albums… Kes the Band will have a new offering for 2009. The first release is a song called "The Feeling". It's a tribute to Trinidad's musical heritage of Calypso. It has a bit of an 80's retro feel in its construction, all mellowed out with the silky vocals of lead singer, Kees. The new album drops in January.

Nurse Karen and Kees in Toronto

The first lady of Kees the band is none other than the stunningly talented, Miss Nadia Batson. Today is her 32nd b-day and were sending out positive vibes to Nadie as she rings it in. Happy Birthday Girl!

With Nadia Batson in Toronto last month

You've heard me talking a little bit here and there about Kevin Lyttle's Japanese album. Well he's been working on projects for this side of the Pacific Ocean too. A track called Anywhere surfaced on the internet about two weeks ago. It features Flo Rida and Po Boyz…and it's definitely more R&B than soca or anything else. Kevin says the song was originally scheduled to hit airwaves come January, but there is some talk about pushing out sooner because of the leak.

Nurse Karen and Kevin Lyttle in St. Vincent last June.

Over in Trinidad, Kernal Roberts has taken a new step to revive the memory of his legendary father, the late, great Grandmaster Lord Kitchener. Angustura made the controversial decision to cast Roberts in a modern remake of a well-known local television commercial in which Kitch strums the first few bars of "Drink Ah Rum". The original commercial first aired in the early nineties, but in 2008, Kernal who is an accomplished song-writer and musician in his own right, plays his father. A task which comes pretty naturally considering the amazing resemblance. The new ad campaign was lauched last week Friday at a White Oak Staff Lime in Trinidad. Adesh Samaroo and Machel Montano were also present.

With Kernal Roberts in Miami

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Look for me online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog, at www.mustardseeds.net. And download the Rounds podcast to go at http://socatherapy.com/podcast. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Here's the proof - Faye-Ann's Belly!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Last night was a real busy one here in Toronto. The action was spread across the city for Dr. Jay's Big People Comedy and Parang Show featuring music by Leon Coldero.

The Nurse and Leon Coldero at Broward Carnival in October

Mr. Playhouse threw his "November to Remember" birthday Party with an ALL STAR line up of selectors...AND lastly, CVR Jingle Jam. Santa was there, Frosty was there and I was there too. The cast was Bunji, Shurwayne and Skinny Fabulous ...but I have to admit I was mainly studying Faye-Ann Lyons and her 5 months pregnant belly. If you didn't believe me the first time around Mrs. Lyons-Alvarez is most definitely pregnant. She was jumping up and down barefoot with a big checkered scarf covering the protruding bump. And because my approach to journalism is extremely thorough, I even gave it a little rub. Belly still hard like rock. Just a different shape now.

Nurse Karen giving Faye-Ann's belly a rub for good luck!

Other news from Trinidad's hottest couple...while Faye-Ann has been busy building a baby in her workshop, husband Bunji has been building beats in his lab. By now, no doubt you have already heard the Bus Stop Riddim, new for Trini Carnival 2009. That is the result of Bunji Garlin's first go at music production. Not a bad effort at all.


Now to another more experienced PRODUCER, who happens to be an artist as well. Tortola-native Kamau Georges a.k.a Mr Network added a new credit to his resume last week. He co-producer a track for Ludacris' brand new album Theatre of the Mind with Clinton Sparks. That should mean something to you if you're into hip hop! The song is called "Calling up the homies!"...but look out for another chune that you won't find on the album. It features Ludacris and magician Chris Angel. The song is aptly named "Mind Freak!"

Nurse Karen with Kamau on Carnival Monday in Trinidad

Which brings to MIND, an artist whose voice is a FREAK of nature. So you know Teddyson John?...former St. Lucia Groovy Soca Monarch? He got married to his girlfriend of 6 years about 2 weeks ago. They are so hot. Word is Teddy was emotional at the sight of his gorgeous bride. They said their vows, then the happy couple cruised the Caribbean for their honeymoon.

A shot with Teddyson before he tied the knot at St. Lucia Power Soca Monarch Finals in July

Before I go...lemme just send my official happy birthday greetings to Lil Rick, and the lovely island that brought us the Hypa Dog....Barbados! Today is the nation's 42nd anniversary of independence.

Here I am at my birthday party last month with Bajan B-day boy Lil Rick!

Celebrations took place throughout the Diaspora last night, but at home in BIM the official event was held at Garrison Savannah. The show featured a re-enactment of the first independence complete with rain showers. But the stars were out in abundance to keep the spirits high. There were performances from Peter Ram, Nathalee Burke, Red Plastic Bag, Arturo Tappin and Adrian Clarke. Then to end the night with a bang...the sky lit up with a stunning display of fireworks. I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. To leave a comment, see photos and videos or just read more about your favourite artists...and don't forget to subscribe to The Rounds Podcast on itunes or Soca Therapy dot com. Now, back to de docta!

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Booster Shot: Nurse Karen mentioned in new Maddzart song

Hey...


Like I could be celebrating Thanksgiving too! I just received word that former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soca Monarch Maddzart just completed a tune for 2009 that mentions yours truly in one of the lines!

Nurse Karen and Maddzart in St. Vincent, 2007

You guys won't get to hear it until May or so, when the music is flowing like water for Vincy Mas 2K9. But no matter, I'll tell you what I know.

The production is reminiscent of early 1980's classic soca, featuring heavy bass, brass sounds and pan. The chune is called "Is Me Fren," and it was produced by Maddzart himself. When you hear it, just remember it's only a song! I have NEVER been in the entertainer's car.  So, I don't want any girlfriends out there hunting down Karen in Toronto! Please believe me when I tell you I am innocent!!

Maddzart is still a pretty young guy, but in St. Vincent he's got some serious musical accolades under his belt. In 2001, his voice hit the international airwave on the original version of Kevin Lyttle's Turn Me On. The same year he made some history of his own winning the Ragga Soca Monarch crown with Poor People Song. This conscious offering was eventually remade with with Bunji Garlin. Then he tore up the main carnival stage with a Soca Monarch win for the song Motorcade (Biker's Anthem)

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Booster Shot: New Ludacris album features production from a soca artist!

Kamau and Ludacris

Yeah, you read that right!

In these circles, many people are unaware that Tortolan soca artiste and producer Kamau has a considerable amount of clout in Hip-Hop circles. Now he can add a new credit to his resume with the release of Ludacris' new album, Theatre of the Mind. (in stores now)



Kamau co-produced a track called "Calling up the Homies" alongside Clinton Sparks. After Luda laid down the vocals, Kamau took care of the mix. If you listen carefully, you can catch Kamau singing in the background. Kamau is a musical genious! He used his own voice to help recreate the vibe of an original track without the use of samples.

Clinton Sparks and Kamau

That's not all! Keep your EARS OPEN for a second track , also co-produced by Kamau. It features someone you wouldn't expect on a hip-hop track. One guess. The song is called "Mind Freak." That's all I can say, but you won't find it on the current version of Theatre of the Mind. (You'll know it when you hear it.)

Wanna buy Theatre of the Mind? Support your man Kamau!

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Booster Shot: Wedding Bells for Teddyson John

Teddyson John and Nurse Karen last month in Miami

Game over ladies! One of the sweetest male voices in soca music tied the knot mid-November at an elegant ceremony in St. Lucia. The 2007 St. Lucia Groovy Soca Monarch Mr. Teddyson John was said to be an emotional groom at the sight of his dropdead gorgeous bride. (Y'all, she really is a stunner!)

The song that won him the Groovy crown

The couple have been an item for six years, but the relationship was kicked up a notch when Teddyson flew his girl to Barbados for the day on her birthday. He had a grand scheme up his sleeve that included a dinner reservation, lobster and a diamond ring!

The newlyweds enjoyed a multi-island Caribbean cruise last week. In spite of poor weather conditions throughout the region, the sun shined on them in every port with the exception of Jamaica.

This earned Teddy a second place finish behind Herb Black's Suzette

Teddyson, an accomplished blues singer, is working to establish his brand in the soca market with the help of Studio 758 - the camp that bring us Ricky T.

Teddy we wish you two a long beautiful married life together.

Congratulations!

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Nurse's Lounge: Big tings a gwan 2009!

I'm very excited today. This week marks my 3rd anniversary of contributing to Soca Therapy...Dr. Jay's hotta fyah Soca radio show on The New Flow 93.5 FM - Hits the move you!


It also marks the 1st anniversary of (Nurse) Karen (Etc)...the soca news blog you're reading right now! But you already know that.

I have been involved with the Caribbean Music world for about 5 years/same goes for journalism...and each year I enjoy taking time out to reflect on past successes. But, what good is it to look back, if you don't make new plans for the future. I'm going to keep my lips sealed for the time being, but I AM SO EXCITED.

If you love soca and Caribbean culture the way I do, there is so much in store.

Stick with me Soca Lovers. You are in such good hands!

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Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Machel Montano!

Machel Montano turns 34 today. Not sure what his plans are. I know last year he was performing at a fete in Miami. Hopefully, he's taking a moment to recharge.


So, if you feel like joining me in marking the occasion of Machel Montano's birthday, take a good look at this clip.

Machel appeared at Dimanche Gras 1984 as a special guest. He was just 9 years of age and had walked away with the Junior Calypso crown in Trinidad. I love seeing young ones perform. I wonder how many people in that audience even dared to dream that this little fella would go on to the level of success he's at today.

The stage is so big....

but, he knew what he was doing!!!


Enjoy!

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The Rounds: Byron Lee's funeral yesterday in Jamaica

Dr. Jay's Rounds - November 23, 2008

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr Jay’s Rounds. Yesterday, the friends and family of the late Byron Lee gathered at St. George’s College in Kingston Jamaica to commemorate the life of a soca icon. The nearly four hour service paid tribute to the musician’s 52 year career in the industry through renditions of Lee’s music performed by his band, The Dragonaires. Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, and former Prime Minister Edward Seaga addressed the congregation. And there was even a recorded tribute message from American soul musician Ben E King. Those who attended described the mood as both celebratory and solemn. Lee died on November 4th after a long battle with cancer.

While hundreds in Jamaica paused to commemorate the end of an illustrious career in soca music, Trinidad’s Synergy TV was getting set to launch the careers of a number of future Soca performers. Synergy Soca Star (Season Four) kicked off earlier this month with a new crop of 15 finalists who are TAL-EN-TED!!! This batch gave their first live performance recently at St. James Amphitheatre, and somebody is getting eliminated on Monday night.
Trinidad’s most notable Soca Star Mr. Machel Montano will have his mind on something completely different tomorrow night as he rings in his 34th birthday. Happy Birthday Winer Boy! Yuh certainly not too young to soca now!

De Nurse and Machel Montano around this time last year, here in Toronto

Speaking of men with real loose waists....Barbados’ own HypaDog, Lil Rick will be celebrating a birthday this coming week too. It happens to coincide with his country’s independence celebrations on November 30th. This year sweet Lil Rick is throwing a great big birthday bash called “One More Time” at Brooklyn’s Base Nightclub next Saturday. The show will feature performances from HypaDog he-self and Edwin Yearwood, plus music by Barbados’ superstar producer and DJ, Peter Coppin. That sandy rock in the Eastern Caribbean will be celebrating 42 years of independence from British rule. So Bajan posse, bring on the Mount Gay from now. It’s party time!

With Hypa Dog a few weeks ago at Soca or Die

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Leave me a comment or two online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net. And be sure to download the rounds podcast from Soca Therapy dot com. Now, back to de docta!

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Eye Unit: Machel and Patrice strutting on the beach! Push Bumpa / Looking Hot / Tempa Wine (Video)

Hey people!

This video has been out for almost two months. So it's not new. But hear nah, I love it- mostly for it's simplicity. Machel and Patrice just doing they thing on the beach. I'm probably just posting it because the weather just dipped below zero in Toronto, and beach sounds just about right to me.


If you're in somewhere cold like me, enjoy the little escape. If you're not, take my advise and let this inspire you to make the most of your good fortune. Get outside today enjoy the heat. (I know there has been plenty rain lately all over thre region...but believe me, there are worse things than rain!!)

Here you go:

Push Bumpa/Looking Hot/Tempa Wine
Feauturing: Patrice Roberts and Machel Montano
Directors: Peter C. Lewis and Machel Montano


Push Bumpa / Looking Hot / Tempa Wine

If I could just do away with all my big clothes right now.. A girl could dream!

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The Rounds: Edwin Yearwood is not dead!

Good Evening Soca Lovers

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. So Doctor Jay, I know your birthday just passed and ting, but I have a little bad news for you to start off today's Rounds. There's a new Soca Doctor on the scene...and he's actually got a DEGREE to prove it. Five-time Trinidad Calypso Monarch BLACK STALIN was given an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies last week. He becomes the third Calypsonian to earn that title after The Mighty Sparrow and Chalkdust.

I really can not understand when this became the vogue thing to do. But somebody needs to tell me how and when it became OK to spread rumours about people's death. The latest soca star to fall victim to bachannal of the grandest scale, is de Bajan General, Edwin Yearwood. Last week rumours were spreading across the Caribbean region that the lead vocalist from Krosfyah had breathed his last. Truth be told the man had been laying low, but certainly not-six feet under. He was simply down south in Trinidad recording a remix to Nah Missing Me and performing with Bunji. Yearwood heard the rumour for himself from a source in Antigua who informed him that the GRAVE tale was spreading like wildfire in Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia AND Trinidad. It even had his poor mama worked up. But...de man is alive and well. So well, that he's hard at work preparing his second solo-album with VP Records...which we should see in 2009.

Posing for a snap shot with De General in Manhattan (2008)

Grenada's Brother B is getting ready to drop an album too. The full length album will be the rookie release for the man who brought you "A Little Wine" . The last time I mentioned him in the rounds, the artiste was recovering from a car crash in St. Georges. He's now back to full health and strength and ready to take his career to a higher lever. Check your west indian outlets for "More Fire" on November 21st.

Before I go, here's some news I am so excited to finally be able to share! Bunji Garlin and Faye-Ann Lyons are expecting a little soca baby. Maybe you didn't hear me right! Faye-Ann is pregnant. When I saw her in Miami she looked as beautiful as always, but you couldn't deny her decision to wear loose shirts and hoodies at all her gigs (in 30 degree celsius weather), left a lot of people speculating...including moi! So, Thursday night, she performed in Port of Spain at Zen...and the baby bump was spotted outright by local Trini media. At four months, the reigning road march queen is amped at the prospect of motherhood. Baby Alvarez will make his or her grand arrival in April 2009. The couple claims they intend to honour all of their Trinidad carnival engagements. I can't wait to see my girl mashing up the stage with her big fat belly!!!!

Pregnant Faye-Ann, all covered up in Miami(October 2008)

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more info on everything you've heard here, surf on over to Nurse Karen Etc at triple W dot Mustard Seeds dot Net. And if you haven't started downloading The Rounds Podcast, it's not too late. Get it at Soca Therapy dot com, or just search "Nurse Karen" on itunes!

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Booster Shot: Faye-Ann Lyons is pregnant!!!

One of the toughest things I have to do in my work...is hold my tongue in the interest of maintaining my business relationships. Finally, somebody in the Trini media spilled the beans...so, I guess I'm at liberty to tell you what you've been dying to know. YES, FAYE-ANN LYONS is expecting a baby.

The 28 year-old reigning Road March Queen will be celebrating two years of marriage on December 23, 2008. Soon after carnival 2009, she and her Power Soca Monarch husband Bunji Garlin will be ushering in the birth of their first child together. Baby Alvarez is set to bust on the scene in April.

So, to all you who were speculating about all the big clothes, and the covered mid-riff in Miami, consider it a good guess. Faye-Ann is only 4 months pregnant now, so the bulge is just beginning to be noticeable.

Real happy for you two...and Faye, can't wait to see you mashing up Trinidad, big belly and all!

Just to cover meh bam-bam, here's a link to an article in Trinidad Newsday, that was published before this.  Next time, let me break the news, nah!

Newsday Article - published online earlier today

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Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Destra

A birthday is the best excuse for all sorts of things. So, here's my little tribute to one of Trinidad's top sisters of soca....Miss Destra Garcia!

Happy Birthday Love...let's hope for continued success in the year ahead!

I hope you enjoy this beautiful clip of Miss Garcia performing "Colours Again" at the 2006 COTT Awards. Simply stunning!

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The Rounds: 2008 COTT Awards highlight round-up

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's rounds. What a truly impactful week...in the soca world, and the WORLD in general. Yes, we can and yes we did! Before we get to that, let's go to Jamaica. Just last Sunday, I closed The Rounds by dispelling the rumours circulating about the medical condition of Jamaican soca bandleader Byron Lee. Lee's suffering came to a peaceful end on Tuesday morning. We at Soca Therapy send our heart felt condolences to the Lee family, the all those affiliated with the Dragonaires band, and anyone touched by his musical legacy.

Next, I want to send some birthday love to some WOMEN who are making their mark on soca music in their respective homes. St. Vincent's Tabia and Juliette Mills of St. Kitts both rang in b-days on Friday, and Trinidad's Destra Garcia marks her big day tomorrow. (November 10th)

Nurse Karen and Tabia (St. Vincent 2008)

Speaking of births, and new band was born, just in time for Trini Carnival 2009. It's called Shurwayne Winchester and Y.O.U. The award-winning frontline vocalist from Caribbean Traffik Jam wasted no time getting mobilized for the next stage of his highly decorated career. The band is called Y.O.U....Yes, One Unit. It's all about unity. Around this time last year, I told you about Shurwayne meeting a producer called Alton Bertie at the Puerto Rico Airport. That first meeting led to the production of Carnival Please Stay, which won Mr. Winchester his International Groovy Soca Crown. Well, Bertie is an accomplished musician from a band called Showtime out of Tortola. He joins Y.O.U. as the keyboardist. From the discussions I've had, the sound will be refreshingly new. DJ Kamau joins the team, not only to handle samples, but he'll be manning turntables too. Definitely a new look in soca. Listen for their new track called "All I Need" featuring Serani.

Shurwayne and YOU made their first public performance on Halloween night, but the word really started circulating this past Thursday when they performed with raggae star Maxi Priest at the 10th annual COTT awards in Trinidad. COTT stands for the Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago. The awards show recognizes songwriters, and composers. Here are a few highlights: Faye-Ann Lyons copped two of the top honours, winning Soca of the Year and Song of the Year for Get On. Machel took songwriter of the year. Others in his camp where celebrating too. Bajan producers Dwain Antrobus took home hardware for writing and producing "Wukking up" for Patrice Roberts, and Farmer Nappy was all smiles at the news that his song "Chippin" would earn he and songwriter Ginger kudos as "Groovy Soca of the Year". The veterans scored big too. The Mighty Sparrow was recognized with an International Achievement Award. The Baron was honoured as Pioneer of the Year.

Nurse Karen and Machel Montano in Miami

That's the kind of week it's been in soca. But everyone knows the biggest news anywhere is Barack Obama's US Election Victory on Tuesday. What a message of hope for anyone who is willing to listen. I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please visit me online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple W dot Mustard Seeds dot Net. In celebration of Obama's win, I've compiled a links to a list of Calypso songs about Obama from Antigua, St. Kitts, Grenada, St. Vincent and Trinidad. Be sure to take a look. And if you haven't already subscribed to the Rounds podcast, start today. Download it now at Soca Therapy dot com. Now back to de Docta.

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Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Juliette Mills and Tabia!

In my line of work, the best gift I can offer an emerging artiste is a little bit of exposure. Here are two talented young ladies that don't have professionally produced music videos to their names as yet, but their voices are well-known in their home countries. Take a look and listen to the birthday girls!

Happy Birthday Juliette Mills of St. Kitts and Nevis!

Happy 21st B-Day to Tabia of St. Vincent and the Grenadines!

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Eye Unit: Caribbean-style tributes to Barack Obama

Congratulations to Barack Obama! Congratulations to the United States of America!

The focus of this blog is West Indian music, especially soca and calypso. I'm here way too excited to sleep after watching the U.S. election results. I want to discuss how amazing this is for America, and for all people who need an extra dose of faith...but I realize that if you're here, you're here to read about music. So, this week's Eye Unit will consist of Audio/Visual tributes to U.S. President Elect, Barack Obama.

Check out a brief selection of songs that were penned across the Caribbean region and diaspora in support! Yes we can. Yes, we did.

Barack the Magnificent by the Mighty Sparrow (Trinidad and Tobago)

Barack Obama - Vibrating Scakes (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

Obama You Make Us Proud - Red Ride (Montserrat)

Barack We Love You - King Short Shirt (Antigua)

Good Luck to Barack Obama - Pearson Jordan

Calypso for Obama - Rootsman (Trinidad and Tobago)

Rally Around Obama - Ajamu (Grenada)

Presidential Parang- Eric Powder (Trinidad and Tobago)

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Booster Shot: Byron Lee loses his battle with cancer at 73

Jamaica's soca king, Byron Lee passed away this morning after a long battle with cancer. Last week several rumours were circulating that he had already passed. However, Lee's cancer battle continued quietly until today.

The 73 year old musician has been heavy in the business for the last 50 years with a cache of hits like Tiney Winey, Give Me Soca, and Jamaican Ska. He founded The Dragonaires when he was a student at St. George's College in the 1950's.

Coincidentally, if you believe in them things...Lee was conferred with the Order of Jamaica a little over a week ago. The award was bestowed upon him by Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall. Due to Lee's condition, the ceremony had to be held at the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Lee was diagnosed with bladder cancer two years ago. He was undergoing treatment for transitional cell cancer in Miami until last Saturday when he returned to Jamaica via air ambulance.

This is truly a very sad day for Jamaica, West Indian music, and the entire Caribbean entertainment fraternity. I wish to send my sincere condolences to the entire Lee family, the Dragonaires and any reading this who has been touched by this loss.

Below is a photo of myself with Dragonaire's lead vocalist, Jumo Primo, three weeks ago at Broward Carnival.

Byron Lee is no stranger to (Nurse) Karen (Etc). Visit the links below for archived posts about Byron Lee and the Dragonaires

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2008/11/rounds-byron-lee-is-alive-and-fighting.htmlhttp://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2008/11/rounds-byron-lee-is-alive-and-fighting.html

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2008/10/rounds-miami-carnival-round-up.html

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2008/04/rounds-byron-lee-swaps-in-chemo-for.html

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2008/03/rounds-will-crop-over-change-in-2008.html

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2007/11/rounds-april-1-2007.html

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2007/11/rounds-january-1-2006.html

If you would like to leave your thoughts, comments or condolences below. I assure you they will be passed along to the Lee family. Tell us your memories of Byron Lee, the man, the musician and his legacy.

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Booster Shot: Introducing the new band, Shurwayne Winchester and Y.O.U.

I know some of you were worried when you heard that Mr. Winchester would be moving on from Caribbean Traffik Jam. Some are resistant to change, but Shurwayne is amped about a major shift in how he approaches his career.

It's finally safe for me to spill the beans. There's a new band in Trinidad called Y.O.U. I am told that the sound will be completely new. Y.O.U. features a DJ, so I'm excited to see what possibilities arise from that. Look out for the new single featuring Jamaican dancehall sensation Serani. No reason to play coy...I like it!

So, the big question. Who are Y.O.U? The band consists of a line-up of "fresh faced" musicians, each quite talented in their own right. One such musician/producer is Tortola's Alton Bertie. You've seen me write about him in the past in respect to producing Trinidad's title-winning 2008 Groovy Soca Monarch tune, Carnival Please Stay. If you don't know his name, learn it good. Bertie is no stranger to some important people in music circles. In the hip hop arena, he has worked with well-know DJ Clinton Sparks. At home in Tortola, Alton played with the B.V.I. road march-winning band, Showtime. Here's something most people don't know -- Alton built the original track for Jamesy P's 2007 Vincy ragga "Bashment Freaks" before Parry Jack laid down the finishing touches.

Check out this clip of Shurwayne Winchester and Y.O.U at their inaugural public performance on October 31st in Trinidad. Check out Alton Bertie on sax during Mercy, Mercy Me.

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Nurse's Lounge: Soca Or Die 9, you voted - Dr. Jay delivered

No time is like the present to discuss the importance of voting. If you are reading this from the United States, today is your change to make a change. YES WE CAN! The whole world is watching.

When you have a chance to have your say, speak you must. Let me take the liberty to show you how this relates to SOCA!!! If you're into soca and you live in Toronto, there's no doubt you know about Dr. Jay de Soca Prince and his groundbreaking mega-fete Soca or Die. Dr. Jay is the DJ who hosts Soca Therapy, the same radio program that I go on every Sunday to give you "The Rounds." If you're still not sure, I'm going to tell you.

Nurse Karen and Dr. Jay (At KoolHaus earlier this year)

Last Saturday, the two-time soca award-winning "best international dj" and three-time stylus dj award winning "best soca dj" threw a huge fete in celebration of his birthday. Incidentally, I'm a soca scorpio too, so it was a real pleasure sharing the evening with all the other Carnival babies (De Docta, Marxman, Destra and Problem Child)

With Soca Therapy DJ, Marxman (Trinidad 2008)

This event is becoming an institution in Toronto. The KoolHaus, a concert venue which holds a legal capacity crowd of 3500 sells out each time. Patrons get to see performances from acts seldom brought together for a show. This year, he took the concept to a whole new level.

Earlier this Fall, soca lovers in Toronto had the chance to VOTE for the cast of this much anticipated show.

Fans spoke up, and Dr. Jay assembled a line-up no city has seen before. The favourites from 6 countries were given a mandate from the Toronto electorate: Soca or Die!

Here are the top vote getters:

Antigua - Tizzy of EL A KRU

Barbados - Lil Rick, the Hypa Dog

Grenada - Berbice

St. Lucia - Ricky T

St. Vincent - an alleged tie called for both Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous

Trinidad - Machel Montano. However, a scheduling conflict with the World Creole Music Festival in Dominica meant that Destra Garcia would rep the Twin Island republic.

Here's my shortish, but oh-so-sweet review. This fete was refreshingly different.

1. International - The international cast drew out soca fans with roots throughout the Caribbean. KoolHaus looked like carnival with every nation's flag waving high and proud.




Grenada's Berbice, minutes before showtime














2. Equal playing field - There were no bands, so all of the sets were equal. Each performer had about 20 minutes to leave a lasting impression on the crowd regardless of their experience level in the business, popularity of their prepertoire or nationality. This meant people like Problem Child could remind us about his older hits, and Tizzy could introduce the crowd to songs they haven't really previously given a chance.




Problem Child, ever so dapper. How does he do it?








3. Supportive - Maybe you've heard. Ricky T was a no-show. Shortly after the end of Berbice's set, a recorded apology was played indicating that the St. Lucian entry was absent due to some family business at home. I won't mislead you, I was disappointed too...(mostly cause he's good vibes and has a killer wine when he's ready to lehgo). But some fans were irate. Following the announcement there were chants of "F*ck Ricky T" rising from one section of the crowd.
   
   
   
   Thankfully, artists emphasized the importance of putting family first....and the refrain of "Oh Oh Oh Oh Ohhhh, Wham to Dem!!", was a familiar call and response throughout the night. Fans: Ricky T will be in Toronto at Doh Cry Ah Leaving in February. Cool? Cool.





Ricky T and I just three weeks ago in Miami











4. High Quality - Artists brought FIRE. I could tell that the performers were exuding a special confidence from knowing that the crowd asked for each act directly. The line-up was unconventional with a multi-year chart-topper in Destra performing ahead of Lil Rick who is often considered a niche artist, Tizzy (who spent Trini Carnival 2K8 as a special guest in Destra's band).

With Lil Rick backstage...a not-so-hyper dog.

Skinny Fabulous closed the show. That decision was even surprising to him up until about ten minutes before showtime, as Toronto is still largely unfamiliar with his eight-year repertoire. No one was thinking about that when he gave his Barack Obama style motivational speeck on Caribbean unity, or when he took a running leap off the stage into a sea of flags and his 140 lb frame was thrown into the air over and over. The acts flowed seemlessly, and everything made perfect sense in the end.

If you missed it, don't miss my humble video blog, and be sure to check out the pictures and video EVERYWHERE. People will be talking about this one for a while!

Dre from TriniJungle Juice crossed the border to get in on the action. In so doing he dragged Nadine from Much Music along to host TJJ TV.

Here's what you'be been waiting for....Clips from Soca or Die 9!

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The Rounds: Byron Lee is alive and fighting for every breath!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

Boy, what a big week for Caribbean Entertainment! First let's go to Dominica For the Festival Musique Creole Dominique. Each year festival organizers work hard to ensure that the best international talent is represented to provide the ultimate entertainment experience. But last night, many Dominicans were left disappointed after a lack-luster performance by Sean Paul. Sucks for them, cause here in Toronto, it was all about Soca or Die 9! And it was saw-weet!....I digress.

Right. So, the real local stars mashing up Dominica this season are a young group called the MFR Band. The acronym stands for Music For Real. They have a song called Sticks and Stones that is on EVERYONE'S tongues even though the tune hasn't been recorded in studio yet for radio play.

Here's a video of MFR Band performing Sticks and Stones

"I see you runnin' ya mouth, but you ain't saying nothin. Blah, blah, blah!"

St. Lucia is taking an leap forward to recognize the potential of THEIR local entertainment hopefuls. Wednesday, a new television program was launched called Guinness Undisputed. It's a talent contest seeking the top vocalists, dancehall dancers and freestylers from Lucia. What's cool about the program is that the contest judges are some pretty reputable local soca personalities. You have Francis "Leebo" De Lima, a reggae artist and soca producer, Nigel Nicholas and Patrice Regis from Slaughter Arts Media Entertainment...the duo who brought you the soca blutooth riddim last year. And Lastly, Mr. Courtney Lewis...he's best known as the 2007 COTT Award Winner for best new male songwriter for Trinidad's Roadmarch that year....Jumbie!

Speaking of the COTT Awards. The action starts now. The 2008 awards gala takes place on November 6th, but a few awards were doled out early. I'd like to big up Noel La Pierre, a member of the Kingdom of Soca extended family. He just won the COTT award for Jazz World Music Composition of the Year, for the song One and Only. Noel made that steelpan sing, and recorded the magic right here in Toronto.

The biggest news of the week is of a somewhat sombre nature. I say somewhat, because the bad news everyone is talking about turned out be a little LESS "bad" than we first thought. I am talking about Byron Lee, the legendary bandleader behind one of Jamaica's foremost musical exports, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. The 73 year old music veteran has been suffering from cancer for two years. He was undergoing treatment in Miami.

This past week a crazy rumour was circulating internationally that Mr. Lee had passed away. Sadly I must admit, I got caught in it myself. Lemme explain. Recently, Lee's conditioned worsened and he suddenly returned home to Jamaica by air ambulance. The next day the governor general paid him a visit in the hospital to bestow upon him one of Jamaica's highest civilian honours - the Order of Jamaica.

Naturally this sparked speculation among news watchers that a tragic end was close in view. So, heres what your Nurse found out. On Monday, there WAS a death in the Dragonaires camp. Former lead vocalist, Vic Taylor who performed as part of the band throughout the 70s and 80s died at the age of 56. See where I'm going? Byron Lee is not dead. Rather, lines got crossed with persons coupling the gravity of Lee's illness with the untimely death of his old colleague Vic Taylor. I have been communicating with a longtime friend of the Lee family who is receiving updates from Byron's daughter Deanna. Lee is alive and fighting for every breath. This morning her email informed me that he does have his good day and his bad. So join me in continuing to keep both the Lee and Taylor families your thoughts and prayers.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more information about anything I've mentioned, check me out online at the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) Blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And as always, you can download The Rounds Podcast for yourself at Soca Therapy dot com.
Now Back to De Docta!

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Eye Unit: Make It Yours - Shurwayne Winchester ft Maxi Priest (Video)

So, it's Halloween and I thought I would usher in the festivities with a special gift! No better to way to celebrate the holiday of treat, thrills and crazy sights that to offer you a feast for your eyes!

I started a new section of the blog devoted to posting soca music videos. So, let me welcome you to the EYE UNIT! Those of us based up here in Canada aren't lucky enough to have access to MTV Tempo or Synergy TV. I used to work in television as a segment producer, and would love to do so again. So enjoy my little homage to the genre of video...

So, here goes nothing!!

Make It Yours
by Shurwayne Winchester featuring Maxi Priest

Originally mentioned in The Rounds on Sunday, September 14, 2008

Directed by: S'Felix and Lisa Wickham

I'll be trying my "bestest" to post you a soca video, new or old, every week. To make it most interesting for ya. That way you'll get to see some of the finished products of videos mentioned in the Rounds. So much stuff out there...so come back often, leave your comments on the videos, and click EYE UNIT in the tag blog at the bottom right of the page whemever you want to see what you've missed!

Happy Halloween!

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Booster Shot: St. Lucia launches Guiness Undisputed

I love it when Caribbean countries step up to recognise the talent ripe for picking on their very own shores.

St. Lucia took a big step forward last night when a press conference was held to announce the launch of "Guinness Undisputed"

...you could compare it to American Idol, or Digicel Rising Star, or one-a-dem. Fact is it's homegrown...and it's about time. Truthfully, it's a very different concept. It's a competition that will incorporate four main events; The Original Song Competition, a Dancehall Dance Competition, a Freestyle Battle and some kinda final showdown. Contestants will be vying for a shot at EC $25 000 worth of prizes.

There will be no Simon Cowell (THANK GOD). However the critique will come from an impressive cast of St. Lucian music personalities who have experience working in the music biz locally, regionally and internationally. We talking all genres: soca, dancehall, zouk, hip hop, reggae and r&b.

So let me introduce the judges to you:

Francis "Leebo" De Lima, is probably best known at home for being a reggae artiste. A trained sound engineer, Leebo and partner Adam Gillmor are the brains and muscle behind Heights Music Production, where they work with many of St. Lucia's up-and-coming vocalists.

Posing with Leebo and St. Lucia Power Soca Monarch, 2008

Courtney Lewis, a St. Lucian based in Trinidad. He is one of the unsung heroes behind Machel Montano's "Jumbie" 2007 Roadmarch. Lewis copped the 2007 COTT Award for New Male Songwriter of the Year for that effort. He also shared the accolades for Best New Soca, and Best New Song with Machel Montano and Kernal Roberts.

Sharing a moment with Nigel Nicholas

Nigel Nicholas, is a hard-working musical jack of all trades. The artiste/producer thinks globally when it comes to music. As a business man he knows all about the hustle of networking. As an artiste, he brings a sexy hip hop style to tracks that gives his music a palatable crossover feel.

Together with dynamic music producer, Patrice Regis, Slaughter Arts Media Entertainment has made an impact on the airwaves of both the English Caribbean and the entire creole-speaking world. You probably know Pato's sound from the Soca Blutooth Riddim.

Enjoying the lime with Patrice Regis in beautiful St. Lucia

Lucians, check your local papers...and get involved!

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Booster Shot: Christmas is here early thanks to Ma$tamind

Shawn "Mastamind" Noel and Natasha Andrews Noel are back at it again with upcoming release of their latest compilation album, A Ma$tamind Christmas 3. If you love parang, parang soca and all things that say west indies style Christmas, you might as well start early.

You know that I don't devote a post to every and any album that comes out. But hear nah, this release might as well be a Christmas miracle! As I write this, Ma$tamind Productions Business Manager Natasha-Andrews Noel is at home recovering from some very serious surgery. I do know the details...but I doh feel dat is everybody business! So, the completion of this album is a miraculous feat given the circumstances of her condition.

The Ma$tamind, Myself and Natasha at Island Style's Dawn Fete in Trinidad 2008

Here's what I can tell you: The album will be available on www.trinidadtunes.com on November 7th. The usually do a great job getting their merch on itunes and amazon too. So...save your pennies and support.

Here's who you'll hear crooning on the album:

Fuki (sister of Eddie Charles)

Krissy Grant (St. Lucia)

Lady Tantalizer

Leon Coldero

Merc

Mr. Shammi

Naki

Patch

Peter De Royce

Simple Dread

Third Bass

...and of course....that ever-so-sweet Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel (the man responsible for producing all the tracks. Word is this former Asylum keyboardist gives his first solo singing performance on a track that was co-written by he and his wifey!

(Kudos on your COTT award nods, by the way!)

Here I am at Broward Carnival 2008 with Leon Coldero, who is featured on A Ma$tamind Christmas 3

Be sure to give it a listen, and follow through with your pocket book.

Tasha...get well soon babes!

For more on this amazing couple and their company, take a look at the article I wrote about them just last year for WE Magazine

Ma$tamind Productions: Making Beautiful Music Together

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Trinidad's COTT Music Awards are slated for November 6th, and I've got a selected list of nominees for you below. The Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago is a membership organization that is set up to ensure that songwriters, composers, lyricists and publishers get their fair due from the music they have a hand in creating. It acknowledges all music pruduced for public consumption so to speak, so I've taken the liberty of highlighting the categories relating to Soca, Calypso and Pan. Enjoy!

COTT Musick Week kicks of on Thursday, October 30th. The nine days leading up to the awards gala will feature music performances across Trinidad and Tobago, public meet-and-greets for the nominees, and the Creative Minds Workshop.

Category


1. Songwriter of the Year

- Kernal Roberts

- Machel Montano

- Shurwayne Winchester

2. Female Songwriter of the Year

- Destra Garcia

- Fay Ann Lyons

- Nadia Batson

3. Song of the Year

- Breathless – Kerwin Du Bois – Performed by Blaxx

- Chippin – Darryl Henry « Farmer Nappy » & Margaret Alexis « Ginga »

Performed by Farmer Nappy

3. Get On – Fay Ann Lyons

5. New Male Songwriter of the Year

1. Dwain O’Brien Antrobus « Dwaingerous » - Wukking Up (Co-written with Kernal Roberts)

Performed by Patrice Roberts

2. Olatunji Yearwood – Having Ah Time

3. Stephenson « Shal » Marshall -

Gyal Farm (Co-written with Kerwin Du Bois)

Performed by Shal Marshall & Kerwin Du Bois

6. New Female Songwriter of the Year

Annmarie Marilyn Windsor "A.B. Windsor" – Happy Go Lucky Woman

AugustaSt. Louis "Augusta" – Nice Vibes

Latchmin Dass "Devi" – Good Health is Wealth

7. International Achievement Award

1. David Rudder

2. Slinger Francisco "The Mighty Sparrow"

3. Machel Montano

8. Soca of the Year

1. Blazin D Trail – Machel Montano & Kernal Roberts Performed by Machel Montano

2. Breathless - Kerwin Du Bois

(Performed by Blaxx)

3. Get On – Fay Ann Lyons

9. Groovy Soca of the Year

Chippin – Darryl Henry "Farmer Nappy" & Margaret Alexis "Ginga" Performed by Farmer Nappy

Gyal Farm – Stephenson Marshall "Shal" & Kerwin Du Bois
Performed by Shal Marshall & Kerwin Du Bois

3. Wukking Up - Kernal Roberts & Dwain O’Brien Antrobus "Dwaingerous"

Performed by Patrice Roberts

10. Chutney Soca of the Year

1. Bring It – Lalchan Babwah "Hunter"

2. Intoxicated – Vivekanand "Raymond" Ramnarine & Derrick Seales Performed by Dil E Nadan

3. Rum & Dhal – Robin Jagdip Performed by Robin Jagdip


11. Rapso of the Year

1. Clear Up – Sharlan Bailey

2. Live Good – Pascall Roberts "Masaca"

3. Never Give Up – Wendell Manwarren, Stanton Kewley, Roger Roberts & Sheldon Benjamin "Shel Shok" Performed by 3Canal

12. Reggae/ Dancehall of the Year

1. Life – David Nieves "King David" , Roberito Angelo Pantin, Kwasi Robinson & Sherron Charles Performed by King David

2. Shorty – Marlon Sobers "Marlon Asher" & Sherwin Jackie (co written with Anton Chase - non member)

3. Who Do You Want– Troydon Cruickshank "Blazer" & Ray Roopnarine

Performed by Ziggy Rankin & Blazer

13. Soca Parang of the Year

1. Cash for Christmas – Adrian Hackshaw "Third Bass" & Shawn Noel "Da Mastamind"

Performed by Third Bass

2. De Sweetest Christmas Lime – Jason Seecharan "Fridge" & Richard Ahong "Charsu" Performed by H2O Phlo

3. Season It – Jerrod Johnson "Bongo Spear" & Gideon Quashie "EQ" Performed by Bongo Spear

16. Johnny Walker Pioneer Award
Timothy Watkins "Baron"


Awards to be given at the COTT Foundation Gala Awards Benefit Dinner – (October 30, 2008)

Golden Achievement Award

Clifton Ryan "The Mighty Bomber"

Treasured Licensee

Francis Fashions/Shoe Locker

Calypso of the Year

1. Reasons – Steve Rabathaly &

Carlos James "Skatie" Performed by Skatie

2. Reflections – Michael Osouna "Sugar Aloes"

3. Voices from the Van – Dexter Parsons "The Stinger"

Chutney of the Year

1. Aye Sajanee Peeya Moray – Rooplal Girdharie "Rooplal G"

2. Old Man – Shakti Rampartap

Performed by Heerala Rampartap

3. Poowa Lagaweh Kajar – Samraj Jaimungal "Rikki Jai"

Classic of the Year

1. Dingolay – Winston Bailey "Shadow"

2. Feeling to Party – Leroy Calliste "Black Stalin"

3. The Paint Brush – Kenwrick Joseph "Kenny J"

Pan Song of the Year

1. Heat – Amrit Samaroo

Performed by Crazy

2. The Ten Commandments of Pan – Jason George Isaac "Peanut" &

Ingrid Bernadette De Peiza

Performed by Tony Prescott

3. Thunder Coming - Alvin Daniell (co written with Edwin Pouchet - non-member)

Performed by Chucky

Parang of the Year

1. Abreme La Puerta – Francisca Allard &

Philip Allard

Performed by Los Dinamicos Trintarios

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The Rounds: Soca Awards blunders leave a sour taste for Kititians

Good evening soca lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. This is a weekend of celebration all over the region. Today St. Lucia joins Guadeloupe; Martinique; Dominica;Haiti and the entire Creole speaking world in the observance of International Creole Day. It's a time of food, music, and a culture rooted in a shared history of African ancestry and colonization by the French. Thus marks the beginning of Dominica's 2008 World Creole Music Festival. Some of Toronto's Dominican DJs like Blackberry Soundcrew and DJ Kold Fusion made the trip to get in on the action. The celebration is two-fold, as it also marks the nation's 30th anniversary of independence from British Rule.

Naturally, I can't leave out my Vincy posse. Tomorrow marks 29 years of independence for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Vincies here in Toronto marked the occasion with a slew of events, most notably the annual SVG Association Independence Dinner Dance, and a concert by Vincy Soca Legend Alston Becket Cyrus. It's beautiful to see Caribbean people celebrating our culture and achievements...

If you remember last week's rounds, there was a gathering down in St. Kitts that was doing just that. Yes children, I'm talking about the International Soca Awards. I promised you the results, and I intend to make good on my promise...but according to quite a few people in St. Kitts last weekend, the Soca Awards Organization failed to follow through with a few promises of their own.

Here goes...the night before the show, a big all-white party was scheduled. Tickets sold for $25 EC and hundred of patrons got decked out for a show featuring performances from Tizzy, Zoelah and Juliette Mills. The concert ended up being a DJ party, when an announcement was made at 2 am that the artists would not be appearing due to inclement weather. Granted there was a lot of rain that week, but in a country where every flight is on the ground by 10 pm, I would think that somebody knew that none of the acts were even in St. Kitts long before they bothered to tell the expectant crowd.

So, your nurse did a little extra research, only to find out that one act, namely Tizzy, had not even been booked for that show and was not planning to be at the awards ceremony the next day either. Tisk tisk Soca Awards!

Well, sadly...that's not all. Former Kititian Calypso King Ellie Matt was inducted into the International Soca Awards Hall of Fame this year. However, he wasn't there to bask in the glory...through no fault of his own, I might add. He was contacted by the Director and Entertainment Manager regarding travel arrangements, and was promised an airline ticket and acommodations at the St Kitts Marriot. Ellie Matt is undergoing medical treatment in the United States and made special arrangments to be able to travel. So, two weeks prior to the show, he calls her back because he still didn't know what was going on. Would you know it, no one even returned his call.

Well, I believe in keeping my word...so lemme not stall.
iSA results it is! The list is long so, just a few highlights, and for the rest you've got to check Nurse Karen Etc:

Lehwe start local...

Congratulations to Toronto-Lime dot com for winning Favorite Soca Information Website, every year since the category was created.

Kerwin Du Bois, walked away as Soca Producer of the year. time to raise your rates papa!

It was also a big night for Studio 758 out of St. Lucia, with 5 awards. Ricky T snatched Favorite Uptempo Soca Male, Best Soca Collaboration Remin for for Pressure Boom with Mr. Vegas. And Kudos go to his production team Penn and Ace for their honours, Best Soca Compilation Riddim ---for the lehgo me riddim and Best Soca Roadmix for pressure boom. AS if that weren't enough de chune tied Faye-Ann Lyons' Get On, for Soca Song of the Year. Now, I bet you can't wait to see that Ricky T perform that big tune on Saturday at Soca or Die 9.

Machel cleaned up quite a few major categories, and I'm certain that Toronto voters had something to do with Problem Child and Zoelah each earning accolades as best new artist. Congrats all winners and nominees!

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please leave me your comments online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And don't forget to grab your podcast of the rounds at soca therapy dot com. Now back to de docta..

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