Q&A: Who cares about soca? October Stats

As a web mistress, I've learned all sorts of things I never dreamed of before.  Once of my biggest facinations is checking out the vistor stats for www.nurse-karen.com .  Some say I travel a lot, but there are still so many places that this blog is enjoyed, where I have yet to visit.  I thought about that and realized that many of you don't realize just how many people (in how many places) are interested in soca music and culture. So, I thought I'd take a moment to inform you about the people who read this blog!

All statistics below refer only to the month of October 2009.  They vary from month to month depending on what music is out, which carnivals are approaching...and what we take the time to post.  Ready?  Here goes...

Top 10 most popular post with Nurse Karen Etc readers?
With more than three years of valuable soca information online, Nurse Karen Etc now boasts more than 2000 individual posts.  Last month, these were the most popular posts to visit: (go ahead and click to see them yourself)

1. Free Download:  Eden Miami Carnival Mix by D'Bandit and Private Ryan
2. Booster Shot:  Artistes Doing Their Lil Bitts for Charity
3. Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Problem Child
4. Booster Shot:  French Canadian Soca Ambassador Featured in Fader
5. Eye Unit:  Happy Independence SVG
6. Booster Shot: Destra is Pregnant!  (originally posted on August 20th!)
7. Booster Shot: 2009 International Soca Awards Nominees are Up
8. Nurse's Lounge:  Miami Bacchanal Wednesday
9. The Rounds:  October is Calypso History Month
10. Booster Shot:  The Asylum Family Sticks it to Miami Promoters

Top 10 Most Common Searches on Nurse Karen Etc
Last month 1153 visits to Nurse Karen came to us via online search.  As the web's most comprehensive portal for contemporary soca news updates, there's no question that people come to us for all sorts of things. Here are the top ten

1.  Nurse Karen / Nurse Karen blog
2.  Destra Garcia Pregnant
3.  Soca Awards
4.  Roy Cape Honored at World Creole Festival
5.  Calypso History Month
6. Miami Carnival
7. Fay-Ann Lyons
8.  Soca News
9.  Claudette Peters
10. Ninja Dan

Where do Nurse Karen Etc Readers live?
1. Unites States of America    37 %
2. Canada  23 %
3. Trinidad and Tobago   11%
4. United Kingdom   6%
5. St. Lucia   2%
6. St. Vincent 2 %
7. Barbados 2 %
8. France 1 %
9. Germany 1 %
10.  Sweden   1 %
11.  Jamaica   1 %
12.  Antigua and Barbuda  1 %
13.  Grenada   1 %
14. Belgium    1 %

The remaining 10 % of visits come from 82 other countries in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, South America, The Middle East, Australia and Africa.

The market for soca is vast, diverse and growing every day.  I truly appreciate the interaction, support and feedback I get from readers around the world.  Hopefully Nurse Karen Etc helps you see that what many consider to be a small, season, niche music genre has a widespread audience all year long.  To show your love in a more tangible way, be sure to visit our online advertisers whenever you surf in, so we can continue to provide the best in soca news and info to 95 countries worldwide!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Fay Ann and Bunji at Fire Fete, St. Vincent

Fay Ann was in fine form two weeks ago at Fire Fete in St. Vincent. Tonight the action moves to St. Lucia for Outrageous: Sexy In Black. Your girl Rochelle will be there to check out the vibes.

I recently saw the Asylum crew do their thing at Caribbean Wet Fet in Barbados and Fire Fete in Vincy (portrayed below). The two shows were different in structure and vibe. More on that laste. But I must say, Fay Ann connected with the crowd in SVG a way that most artistes would shy away from. The Vincy crowd was jumping, waying, running, and storming the VIP section, and rolling on the ground all under her command.

Here are a few clips to show you the kind of mood that took over Victoria Park on July 2nd.

Intro:"Superblue" and "Clear De Road" Freestyle


"Heavy T" and "Banana"


Benjai adds his flare:


there's more...sit tight for my Nurse's Lounge on Fire Fete.

But in the meantime...enjoy!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Nurse's Lounge: Fire Fete in St. Vincent!!!! part one

High off the music!!! That's how I'm feeling today. It's a wonder that I'm already chilling in the lobby with my laptop at 11 am. That party was maddddddddd!

This year, the Carnival Development Committee is trying something new. They've combined some of the official, more cultural carnival events with privately promoted fetes, so as to draw out bigger crowds. No surprise that Bunji Garlin and the Asylum
Band were coupled with National Panorama. So, Fire Fete is wey we a talk bout.

When I arrived in Victoria Park, the crowds were vibing off a performance from the Madd Symphony. Maddzart, D'Lanlord and Tamisha had the growing audience rocking and wining to some of their sweet ragga soca tunes for Vincy Mas 2009. I could already tell the party would be nice.

I found my way backstage, and checked out the stage set up. The bands came through in the early afternoon to soundcheck. The process went wayyyyyyyyy overtime, but eventually they got it right. But God loves a good practical joke now and then, eh. In the early evening high winds breezed right over the stage, and knocked over a set of equipment...which meant trouble and vexation for the stage crew and bands.

Still, the party came off without a hitch. By the time Hottsand got up to play, the audience was really in a party mood...myself included. Ran into Fitz, the marketing director for LIME in the VIP. He hooked me up with a light-up LIME champagne glass...which happens to be just as affective at holding Malibu and Pine! Sharlene Samuels, Syxx, and Johnny Rebel gave us a sweet combination of soca covers and their original tunes. Miss Sharlene has really grown as a performer. Her command of the crowd was exceptional for a vocalist whose name is still a mystery to most fete-goers. It is possible that after she drops "We Jamming" at Soca Monarch this Saturday all that could change.


Fire Empress had the ladies shadowing her hottness for "Fire Brigade". Then the HOTTSAND set sparked a full out blaze when Icon reminded St. Vincent they love him so much. Chune, chune and chune again from "Ready" on the 2005 Lava Slide Riddim , to "Get On"...his 2009 Soca Monarch contender. The energy was palpable!



Soca Dans inna de building. Jamesy P, Fireman and Luta. Let me be the first to say it. I LOVE Luta's Rumbo...and SHAKE! So did the crowd...all kinda new dance styles were brukkin out.

Nurse Karen and Skinny Fabulous at Fire Fete

I popped backstage just before Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child did their thing. As expected "Maddhouse" mashed up the thousands in attendance, but hear what...Skinny still has a chance. De Beast Letgo shook up Victoria Park, more than I've seen in previous shows. Soca Monarch is still anyone's game...Can't wait for Saturday.

So, did I mention that Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons and the Asylum Band were the featured acts? St. Vincent's wild soca posse come out in their numbers for Bunji..and in 2009 it's clear that their love for Fay-Ann is now in full bloom.

Nurse Karen and Fay Ann at Fire Fete

Was nice to see Benjai join them on stage. It was a redemptive performance of sorts. He was at Glow the night before, performing after a list of artists long like my arm. Most of the crowd left while he was singing, through no fault of his own. Even though Benjai has a Vincy Grandpa, and he was up in de fete with his Uncle and Cousin, St. Vincent isn't super familiar with his 2009 selections. Well, that was THEN!

Benjai, Bunji and Fay-Ann performing at Fire Fete

I'll come back with more on this show. Doh worreee, It will be a glooooooooooooooowing review. Good work Bing!

So, gimme a chance to put up some vidz and pics. But rest assured de ting was pure FFFFFFIIIIIIIIIIIIIIREEEEEEEEE!!!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Denise Belfon in rehearsal with Asylum

Tomorrow night, Bunji Garlin is hosting a birthday party in Washington D.C. His actual big day is July 14th...but he's a star, he can do whatever he wants.

Besides he and Fay-Ann, the show will also feature performances from Hunter, Benjai and Saucy Wow all backed by the Asylum Band. Last night I was in Trinidad at Denise's rehearsal with Asylum.

Here's a lil clip to show ya the vibe in the band room.

Denise! Thanks for being a good sport.

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Bunji and Fay Ann give first performance after childbirth, with Benjai (video)

Yo!! Wassup everybody.  You have no idea how busy this week was for the entire Nurse Karen Etc team.  No worries!  We still fixed you up with some great sights, sounds and info from the soca world! Here's one really worth checking out.

You all know the story.  Fay Ann Lyons entered the height of Trinidad's 2K9 carnival season 8 months pregnant.  She ripped up every fete with her big belly, then went on to win all the competitive soca categoried in carnival.  She man, sweet sweet Bunji, did his thing too.  He tied for second with Iwer George at International Soca Monarch for spite.  LOL. They had a great year.  Then, just couple days after the season done, baby Syri came along, one month early on February 28, 2009. 

Well...there's the recap. ....and here's now:  Trinidad's hottest celebrity couple has risen out of their 2.5 month performance hiatus!  They hit the ground running for what promises to be a very busy year following an historic carnival season.

That first show happened on Saturday.  It was right here in my hometown, Toronto.  Respect to Dr. Jay for bringing up Fay Ann, Bunji, baby Syri, Benjai and he Asylum Band to bring the energy of Carnival 2k9 to the KoolHaus.  

Sorry to say, a lot of people missed out on what to me was an outstanding show.  But now, you don't have to. Here are a few poorly lit clips I captured just for you from the side of the stage.

Enjoy!

I'm sure you noticed Benjai getting his drink on during the show.  Pure comedy!  Oh Lawd, Drunk Again!  Special shout to Soca Dread from IslandMix.com for snapping this shot of Benjai and moi just 2mins before showtime!

If you missed earlier posts about this pretty-dayum-amazing show, check them below:

The Rounds: The Day After

Historic Caribbean Concert Hits Toronto this Weekend

Love and Soca, 

Nurse Karen

 By the way, if you want to be alerted of updates to (Nurse) Karen (Etc) as they're posted...do yourself a favour and follow me on twitter!!

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Nurse's Lounge: Asylum and friends at Tribe Fete!

Carnival Thursday is now over, and I lived to tell the tale.  Here goes!  After a rather drawn out night at Extempo finals I scurried to file my report...so I could go out and lime!  The action began at Jenny's Car Park for Tribe All-Inclusive.  Last year, Tribe Fete ranked real high on my list. So I had to make a pass through.

Not to be all up in de gyal business, but I was looking forward to see exactly what shape Miss Fay-Ann's belly was taking at juncture in her pregnancy.  Pleased to report she's carrying high and round, with the cutest outtie bellybutton ever.  She even has dem nice juicy round cheeks on she face.  They don't call me Nurse for nothing!

Let me apologize,  I missed Kes the Band's set, and I wasn't able to stay for KMC, since I was making the rounds with the Asylum Family for the evening.  I dunno how these artists do it.  I'm here feeling tired after a couple of late nights.  When these guys have to be up and ready to for 2 to 4 performances everyday. 

The crowd was in love with Bunji, just like the good old days.  It was sweet to see he and wifey singing back up for Edwin Yearwood.  He would seem like and unlikely fit for Asylum, but it brought a sweet cool-out vibe that left viewers hoping for more.  

Beenie Man and Moi

Beenie Man was in the crowd, wining and enjoying himself, even though his song was part of the fete.  Bunji took it on solo and let old Moses loose out his waist.  

Then came a surprise!  Mr. Skinny Fabulous showed up at the corner of the stage, with a cordless mic in his pocket.  We said wassup and exchanged niceties, before he co-opted the hair elestic from my wrist and tied back locks. 

Then it was on.   Skinny performed head bad in the Asylum set.  He has just come from his performance with Machel at UWI Splash.  I found it weird that although he's in Trinidad performing in the HD entourage, Skinny got more time on stage at show he wasn't scheduled for than with HD the night before.  Me eh know.  

Skinny Fabulous and Nurse Karen

The performance was hype!  The two lyrics generals put their own extempo skills to the test for an impromtu freestyle session, poking a little fun at the fact that when Head Bad first dropped, a lot of Trinis thought it was a Bunji Garlin tune.  The crowd lapped it up, as they took a jump together On De Spot.  I bet ya, thanks to Garlin, Fay-Ann and the Fabulous one there's gonna be a lot more people reaching Soca Monarch tonight! 

God willing, I will too!

Love and Soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

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The Rounds: Miami Carnival Round Up

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

It's good to be back here with you this Sunday, after a brief absence. While most of you were gathering to celebrate thanksgiving. I was giving thanks for carnival Miami style. The trip had me taking a small wine at both Broward and Miami Carnivals. I also got to see performances from Big Bands like Red Hot Flames. Machel Montano HD, Krosfyah, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Asylum, and Traffik. It was a veritable who's who of the soca industry. And I have to say is, All the artists all brought their "A" game.

Nurse Karen with Machel Montano HD Drummer, Kernal Roberts in Miami

Now while we on the topic of game...lemme fill allyuh in on one of our Toronto native sons who recently took up residence in the beautiful city of Miami. I'm talking about Miami Heat Center, Jamaal MaGloire...who we all know as the bandleader of the two-time Caribana band of the year title winning mas band, Toronto Revellers. Yes, I saw the man. After all that is to be expected. Jamaal loves carnival. But I have a little bad news. Jamaal who is vying for a starting line-up position with his new team the heat, is forced to sit out for 4 to 6 weeks due to a pretty bad hand injury that happened not long ago at an exhibition game in Paris. The man is sporting a cast on his left hand the size of a boxing glove. It doesnt' get in the way of wukking up...but it doesn't really help him play basketball, if you catch my drift.

Nurse Karen and Jamaal MaGloire at UWI Fete Miami Carnival 2008

Being in Miami had it's obvious advantages. Scoop scoop scoop!!! I wanted to break this news to you all last weekend, but the details have since been leaked online via my blog Nurse Karen Etc. Let me fill you in.

First, If you're heading to Trinidad Carnival for 2009, you can expect to see a Bajan Soca Veteran performing alongside Bunji Garlin and Faye-Ann Lyons in the Asylum Band. Clean out your ears and listen good. Edwin Yearwood will be performing with Asylum for the 2K9 carnival season. No, I didn't stutter. Please note. He's not leaving Krosfyah or anything crazy like that. Hes just making sure he's fully in the mix for Trinidad next year.

Nurse Karen with Edwin Yearwood in New York (2008)

What else? Check this: Sheldon Shel Shok Benjamin is no longer a member of Atlantik. I caught him in Miami running samples for Machel Montano HD. I asked him about it...and he confirmed that he has been DISMISSED. Big word...but what does it mean? Machel and they went Bahamas the other day. Shel Shok went with them...and his former band found out while he was away. Not cool. Fact is Atlantik has not been touring as much as they used to, and Benjamin felt justified in picking up some work on the side. Let's say he and management weren't on the same page on that one. Everything is alright. Atlantik is on the case. Marlon Roach has taken over in the samples department, and I've heard he's already doing a GREAT job.

In other news, the Soca Awards were held last night in St. Kitts. The press department hasn't issued a release as yet with complete results as yet. But, as always I'm on it.

Before I go, special congratulations to Island Boyz on 15 years of soca events in Toronto. The rang in the occasion last night at Palazzo with a special show from Kes the Band, Nadia Batson, Mr. Dale and Maximus Dan.

Nurse Karen with Maximus Dan in Toronto (2008)

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Check me out online this week for more news, pics, stories and videos from Miami carnival...and your complete results from the sixth annual soca awards. You can find all that on the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) Blog at triple W dot Mustard Seeds dot net. Remember to download the Rounds podcast to go at www dot soca therapy dot com. Now back to de docta!

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Nurse's Lounge: UWI Fete Miami 2008

Today was greeeeeeeeeeaaat!

Took another short dip in the water outside my front door. The sun is hot, and so far...dis carnival hotter! While I was swimming about, I noticed the sky getting dark. So, in for me! On the bright side, the early return to my room bought me a couple extra hours in the day.

My girl The Split and I rolled down to South Beach to pass the time with a few friends. Respect to the guys from South Beach Shutdown. They were on their hustle getting ready for their All White Affair with Mr. Vegas. So sorry we didn't make it back for that. Also, big up to Mr. Slaughter. That macaroni pie was sweeeeeeeeeet! I still don't really believe you made it, but no matter. You have no idea how hungry I was.

As the sun began to set, we blazed up the I-75 back to Grand Palms Golf Resort for UWI Fete 2008. So this event is a big time all-inclusive. Every space on the main floor of the building was teeming with people. Then outside WATCH PEOPLE...like ants. On the hills and valleys, in the bars a food stalls...PEOPLE!

So, yesterday I gave major kudos to the bar staff at this very same venue for being so well organized. Tonight was a different story all together.

Bar Going Crazy at UWI Fete

That picture can't even begin to descibe the bacchannal they had going on there. Needless to say, one visit was more than enough.

I was there to see a stellar show from Machel Montano HD. First time seeing them since Trinidad. Somehow I had managed to miss them everywhere else I have visited this year. I finally got to meet Lady Elizabeth Montano in de flesh. Yup, we talking about Machel's mommy - the woman responsible for handling the artist's business matters.

Meeting Elizabeth Montano for the first time

The entire crew was there. Special shout to Farmer Nappy. I feel like this man is getting younger every time we meet.

Farmer Nappy and Nurse Karen

The Machel posse had to run off pretty quick. They had another show downtown at 90 degrees. Next up was Bunji Garlin and Asylum. I watched that set from the stage.

Faye-Ann and Bunji satisfying the crowd

I'm not sure if Bunji and Faye-Ann realized what was going on behind their backs, but I wasn't JUST protecting your water bottles from stage stormers...Scarface actually let The Split and me sing backup into his mic during Party Animal. Doh vex, kay?!?!

Don't we look like we were up to something?

Scarface, walk tall. Looking forward to hearing you on a very special top-secret riddim for Vincy Mas 2009 (hee hee)

Original Godfather's Asylum Fam, Scarface

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Booster Shot: Edwin Yearwood will perform with Asylum for Carnival 2K9!

Edwin Yearwood Performs with Krosfyah at Broward Carnival 2008

Ok, I know what you're thinking. Even as I wrote the title, it was looking funny to me too. Edwin Yearwood, our dearly beloved Bajan General has just signed on to perform alongside the Asylum Band for the entire Trinidad Carnival season. Don't get it twisted though -- He's not leaving Krosfyah.

By aligning himself with the band that boasts both Trinidad's reigning Power Soca Monarch (Bunji Garlin) and Road March Queen (Faye-Ann Lyons), the arrangement will enable Mr. Yearwood to give his music songs a serious boost beyond the usual Crop Over season.

Nurse Karen and Bunji Garlin just after an amazing performance at UWI Fete, Miami 2008

The news comes to me directly from Ian Pantin, Manager of Bunji Garlin and the Asylum Band. I got the scoop just a couple hours ago while on my way to Miami's "Socavivor: International Flag Party". No additional names have been disclosed, however, I've got good reason to say this will not be the last big announcement you will be hearing out of the Asylum camp before Trini Carnival officially heats up. So, come back often to get your dose!

Before you go sifting through your regular online sources for Caribbean Entertainment buzz....you might as well accept that you heard it on (Nurse) Karen (Etc) first. The ink is still wet on the contract, but it is most definitely a done deal. Edwin had an exceptional 2008 Crop Over season winning his fourth Tune of the Crop title with Handle Yah Business, and a People's Monarch title in Nah Missing Me. So, if you weren't in Barbados for Crop Over 2008, you can look forward to seeing Edwin again, like never before.

You can liken the deal to Antigua's Tizzy of El-A-Kru taking the stage with Destra Garcia and Atlantik during C2k8 or Ricky T of St. Lucia performing in the Machel Montano HD set. It's temporary. It's business, and it's giving fans some extra bang for their carnival buck.

None the less, it's a pretty interesting development, considering the fact that Krosfyah, the homegrown Barbadian band responsible for making Edwin's name a Caribbean-wide gyal magnet is still very much alive and kicking. Fellow Krosfyah bandmate, Khiomal Nurse will be working the Trini circuit too. He won Barbados' Party Monarch competition in 2008, which automatically authorizes Nurse to "Unleash the Beast" at the Caribbean Prestige Foundation's Bmobile International Soca Monarch show come February. Great for Khiomal, but veteran Edwin has got to handle some business of his own!

I am definitely looking forward to seeing The Asylum/Yearwood collaboration. Now salty meets sweet, downtown meets uptown, and Trini meets Bim - all in one!

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Nurse's Lounge: Miami! Guess who's in the house!

So, I finally made it! It's hot as fire in South Florida and I'm lapping it up. I'm smart enough to know that the comfy weather Toronto is supposed to get this weekend will not stick around. Took a sweet little dip in the Atlantic this afternoon while sounds of groovy/ragga soca wafted into my ears. 

Taking a stroll on Hollywood Beach

Funny how things go. While I was checking into the hotel, I found out that the Army fete was moved to MY hotel at the last minute. Talk about a convenient location. Hadda big up Clem for the link. You look sweet in the fatigues, even though that camo gear kinda gets me a lil on edge.

Looks to me like most people didn't get the memo about the venue change, cause for every two people coming, it's three people leaving. That even goes for me and the crew. We OUT!

So, tonight is all about Black and White, and maybe the international flag party later. Black and White It's a drinks included party over at the Grand Palms Resort. This weekend, i hear Grand Palms is housing Asylum and Xtatik. But no performances at this fete, just constant tunes and constant drinks flowing straight through.

Let me fix up for later!

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