On De Scene : St.Lucia Carnival Calendar 2010

It has been a while soca lovers but Carnival is a mere 3 months away in St.Lucia and promoters, artists and bands are not wasting any time with starting up the festivities! I must admit this year things are shaping up nicely. So eager!

So here is an update on everything St.Lucia Carnival

NG Soca Stage will be kicking things off with their first event dubbed "Soca Therapy" on April 17th 2010. Music is coming in slowly as everyone paces themselves to what is expected to be a successful season.

Also the following bands have announced their Launch dates :

Just 4 Fun Carnival Band portraying " THE GREAT LOVES OF THE PAST" - April 24th , 2010

Red Unlimited Carnival Band portraying " UNSPOKEN DESIRES" - May 8th,2010

Toxik Carnival Band portraying "MAS BEYOND" - May 15th, 2010

From the looks of things, 2010 has by few more websites pertaining solely to St.Lucia Carnival on de scene.

www.luciancarnival.com

www.slucarnival.com

www.stluciacarnival.net

So what excuse you have for not being informed? NONE!

Lastly , I was fortunate to get my hands on the Calendar of Events for St.Lucia Carnival 2010 compliments www.stluciacarnival.net .

SAINT LUCIA CARNIVAL 2010

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Events marked with a Red Astrix will be broadcasted live on the website.

• Lucian Line Jam – Monday 24^th May – 2:00 pm

• Press & Sponsors Launch – Wednesday 26^th May – 8:00 pm

• Official Carnival Launch – Sunday 30^th May – 3:00 pm*

• Carnival Queen Show – Sunday 27^th June – 6:00 pm*

• Kaiso Headquarters – Friday 2^nd July – 8:30 pm

• Groovy Soca Monarch – Saturday 3^rd July – 8:00 pm*

• RC Jam – Sunday 4^th July – 4:00 pm

• Calypso Semi Finals – Sunday 4^th July – 4:00 pm*

• Soca Monarch Finals – Saturday 10^th July- 8:00 pm*

• National Junior Carnival – Sunday 11^th July – 1:00 pm

• Carnival Arts Exhibition – Monday 12^th – Friday 16^th July – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

• Mas On The Square – Monday 12^th – Wednesday 14^th July – 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
• Mas On The Square – Thursday 15^th – Friday 16^th July – 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm

• Inter Commercial House Calypso Competition – Thursday 15^th July – 8:00 pm*

• Panorama – Friday 16^th July – 8:00 pm

• Muzik An Nou (The Music In Us) - Saturday 17^th July – 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

• Calypso Monarch Finals – Saturday 17^th July – 8:00 pm*

• King & Queen Of The Bands & Caribbean Soca Monarch – Sunday 18^thJuly – 8:00 pm*

• J’Ouvert – Monday 19^th July – 4:00 am to 8:00 am

• The Pageant - Monday 19^th July – 11:00 am to 8:00 pm*

• Parade of the Bands – Tuesday 20^th July – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm*

Please Note: Dates and Events are subject to change; Venues will be announced at a later date;

For more information please contact

The Cultural Development Foundation

Barnard Hill, Castries

Tel: +1 (758) -452-1859

e-mail: cdf@candw.lc

Stay Tuned Guys as St.Lucia Carnival Unfolds.

Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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The Rounds: Anslem Douglas performs at Manchester Carnival

In this edition:

- Caribana Launch, Kiddie Carnival and OCPA Calypso Monarch

- Bunji's Birthday Party

- Manchester Moss Side Carnival

- Grenada Soca Semi-Finals

- Caribbean Soca Monarch

Good evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. So, I’m back in Toronto after a 3 week tour of 4 soca hotspots in the Caribbean. It was great to take in some of the Carnival action in St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Barbados AND get a sense of what some of your favourite Trini acts are working on for the upcoming season. So, I’m back, with lots of stories just for you! But for now it’s all about Caribana people...

More than 1000 people gathered at Yonge-Dundas Square on Tuesday to officially open the Caribana season. In spite of the ongoing city worker strike, Caribana intends to roll out as usual, save a couple of venue changes. Be sure to check out CaribanaFestival dot com, for official news on whats going on.

If you’re one of those people who only thinks of the parade of the band when you hear the name Caribana, think again. The festival includes all sorts of events and competitions, with a couple of big ones having taken place YESTERDAY. Congrats to Callaloo who won band of the year at the Kiddies Carnival. Last night our local Calypsonians went head to head for the title of Caribana Calypso Monarch. Congrats to Redman, the 2009 Organization for Calypso Performing Artistes champ!

Soca artiste Bunji Garlin celebrated a big birthday in Trinidad on Tuesday night. He, Fay-Ann and a room full of their celebrity friends danced the night away together. Guests included people like Kes, Nadia Batson, Benjai, Saucy, Maximus Dan, Lil Bitts, Ms Alysha, TC, Mr. Vybe, and Dancehall artiste Cecile. But the real highlight of the night was a performance by Garlin’s father-in-law Austin "Superblue" Lyons.

Yesterday, the city of Manchester in England held their annual Moss Side Caribbean carnival. The weather was cool and overcast, but the rain held up to allow 20 floats, dancers, steelbands and revellers block traffic on Saturday afternoon. Anslem Douglas was among the performers bringing entertainment on the road. Moss Side Carnival began nearly 40 years ago and continues to grow every year.

This coming week, Grenada will get one step close be crowning a soca monarch. On Friday, the semi-finals for the GCC LIME Soca Monarch get underway. Four first-timers and only 2 females are among the artistes vying for a chance at the big money at the final showdown set for August 7th.

With Ricky T, Slimmy and Rochelle at Banker's and Lawyer Fete in St. Lucia (July 10)

Last but not least, tonight in St. Lucia the original Caribbean Soca Monarch takes place at Mindoo Philip Park. 9 competitors from across the region do battle against last year’s champ, Ricky T. (check Nurse Karen Archives for results)

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds, for more info on all the news mentioned tonight, stories from my summer carnival tour, and results from Caribbean Soca Monarch...check for me at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow Nurse Karen at twitter. Now, back to de docta!

Karen L. Richardson
a.k.a "Nurse Karen"
http://www.nurse-karen.com
http://www.twitter.com/nursekaren

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Booster Shot: Ricky T is 2009 Caribbean Soca Monarch

Ricky T has successfully defended his Caribbean Soca Monarch title. (results below)

This week, I'm not in St. Lucia to watch the carnival action live. However, watching Caribbean Soca Monarch streaming live on ScruffyTV had it's definite advantages. From the responses of the viewers, it was sad to see learn that the music of most of the competitors received little or no airplay on St. Lucian airwaves. The result was an uphill battle for visiting competitors who in most cases had songs and performances worth of an international stage. It's tought to make a crowd jump and wave if they've never heard your music before.

Usually, all 3 artistes who place in the St. Lucia Soca Monarch are guaranteed spots in Caribbean Soca Monarch. However, Pringles aka Superman HD, decided not to enter the competition and his spot went to female artiste, QPid. Instead, Pringles was one of the Emcees.

As who place It was a long night for the audience. Prior to the Caribbean Soca Monarch competition was the King and Queen competition. After is J'ouvert. So, the artistes had to work extra hard to keep that crowd satisfied.

No matter what disadvantages exist in any such competition, I always tell artistes that shows like can be used in the same manner as a music video. It is an advertisement. It shows the viewer an artiste's general attitude toward their music career. Is it a joke thing? Do you put your fans first, and guarantee a top class show? Are you the kind of artiste that knows how to take charge of a situation? Tonight, a few artistes really did give it their all.

According to the judges, here's who came out on top:

Results:

1. Ricky T / St. Lucia ( 397 points)

(Ricky T and friends last Saturday after winning St. Lucia Soca Monarch)

2. Skinny Fabulous / St. Vincent (386.6 points)

(With Skinny Fabulous two weeks ago at Fire Fete St. Vincent)

3. Ilah Man / St. Lucia (377.5 points)

(Ilah Man with his 2nd place trophy for last week's St. Lucia Soca Monarch)

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On De Scene : Caribbean Soca Monarch 2009 TONIGHT!

Carnival Sunday and though it is overcast in St.Lucia, the celebration will continue. This morning I attended the dipping of the positions for tonight's event ; Caribbean Soca Monarch.

Cultural Development Foundation graced the media, artists and everyone else present with some words on the growth and influence of this competition. A few artists scheduled for tonight's event will be absent due to flight delays. Which leaves a total of 10 competitiors (including the reigning Caribbean Soca Monarch King, Ricky T).

The 10 listed in order of numbers which they drew at the function will compete in front of 7 judges (from around the region) and of course the soca enthusiasts which will flood the Mindoo Philip Park this evening.


1. St.Vincent and the Grenadines - Skinny Fabulous (De Beast Leggo)

2.Grenada - Herminey “Miney” Victor (1000 Masqueraders)

3. St.Lucia - Ilah Man (I want my Money Back)

4. Barbados - Michael “Mikey” Mercer (Explosion)

5. St.Lucia - Ricky T (Like a Jumbie)

6. Guyana -: Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts (Ah Coming)

7. St.Lucia - Q pid (Relieve Me Pressure)

8. Trinidad and Tobago -Street disciples (Take a Wine and Hush you Mouth)

9 Grenada -Lyndon “Pupa Leendi” Adams (Rum Oye)

10. Dominica -Chester “Daddy Chess’ Letangs (Ready or Not)

The show begin after the King and Queen of the Bands scheduled for 8 p.m.. And we will be bringing LIVE COVERAGE of the enitre event (King and Queen of the Bands and Caribbean Soca Monarch)!

So WATCH LIVE !


Peace and Soca
Rochelle

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On De Scene : St.Lucia Soca Monarch Finalists

Last Night, I know a few of you joined us as we streamed the Preliminary LIVE (by teaming up with scruffytv.com) and turned out successful . The crowd was relatively small competing with the Big Cricket Action this weekend in St.Lucia. Nonetheless the hardcore soca fans came out in numbers at the National Cultural Center. I came in after making a round in Piton Party in the Yard and upon entrance was Orion performing "Bring the Iron Back" which received an encore from the few persons already present.The night proceeded as a few artits came on , I will admit some of the tunes, well it was my first time hearing it and it would take a while to catch with me. But Alpha 3 time Soca Monarch king closed the first half off with his latest track out the studio "What you waiting for" which was one of the crowd's favorite.

Then the backing band switched over to T.E.M featuring Penn on the samplers which turned the show up a notch! This segment was by far the most well received one ! Q-pid "relieve her pressure" and mine too! Superman and Teddyson performed on the single "UP UP UP and Away" which was chasos! I was up front doing everything I was told and I had a time turning out to be one of my favorite performances that night. Private 6 did not fail with "I doe Care" and if at some point de liqour got to you and you began looking Funny Platinum George took care of that ! Boy the entire show came to a close in a firey way!! Illah Man flatten the place , real flatten "I want my Money Back" good gosh!!

All in all next week Saturday looks good. Hats off to those who did not make it but gave their best I applauded you guys! Nurse Karen you ready, Soca Monarch July 10th 2009 at Mindoo Philip Park with the 19 joining Ricky T !!

SOCA FINALISTS :

1. Winter
   
2. Nintus
   
3. Frost
   
4. Ilah Man
   
5. Private Six
   
6. De Arc
   
7. Superman HD
   
8. Alpha
   
9. Blaze
   
10. Esteban
    
11. Kakal
    
12. TC Brown
    
13. Q-Pid
    
14. Platinum George
    
15. Cocoa Farmer
    
16. Minelle
    
17. Mantius
    
18. Orion
19. Jessica

Source : www.luciancarnival.com

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On De Scene : Caribbean Soca Monarch Finalists Announced

Well this is de show dat pushes St.Lucia Carnival up to a higher gear , talking about the Caribbean Soca Monarch. The list of competitors are in so here it is at your disposal. There are a few islands whose arists have not been confirmed by CDF. But according to them , towards the end of next week they should be announced. So for now here is the list of artists that will join the 2009 St.Lucia Soca Monarch along with 2 other St.Lucian aritsts on July 19th at the Mindoo Philip Park. Boy I excited bout this show , saw at least two of the artists in Trinidad and they delivered! I am certain it will be a Great Show!



Caribbean Soca Monarch

Mikey - Explosion (Barbados)


Tino - So High (BVI)


Daddy Chess - Ready or Not (Dominica)


Miney - 1000 Masqueraders (Grenada)


Pupa Leendi - Rum Oye (Grenada)

Vanilla - Ah Coming (Guyana)

Rondell Meade - ( Song not Confirmed) (Montserrat)


Skinny Fabulous -Head Bad (St. Vincent)


To be announced (St Vincent)


Benjai - Drunk Again (Trinidad & Tobago)


To be announced (Anguilla)


To be announced (Antigua & Barbuda)


Nurse Karen, I know you itching to change your flight schedule. No worry ah go get on bad for two or for de whole Team!

Peace & Soca
Rochelle

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On De Scene: Signature of St.Lucia Carnival

Each island has their unique element to Carnival and today I want to share with you what is St. Lucia Carnival signature that has made our carnival one to savour.

Like most islands we have the different competitions example: Soca Monarch, Groovy Soca Monarch, Calypso Monarch, Carnival Queen, Panorama, King and Queen of the Bands. But since 2001 we have been hosting the OECS Soca Monarch as of 2006 known as the Caribbean Soca Monarch which is usually held Carnival Sunday.

On the same Carnival Sunday, expect most party bands to host their pre-j'ouvert fete. Now those who familiar with the Trinidad Carnival scene, you would know in Trinidad most J'ouvert bands are separate from the actual mas band. Well, in St.Lucia it is different. When signing up with a band, you are already signed up with that band J'ouvert band. So yes, it is part of de package hence hardly any hassle. But there are also separate J'ouvert Bands catering to those who are not playing Mas.

On the road , St.Lucia Carnival is known for their LIVE BAND , yes live band music on the road on both Monday and Tuesday giving the revelers samples of music that made impact throughout the season and the classics you love to hear. Very few bands, however opt for Hi-Fi or Dj's on de trucks.


Every year bands from our neighbouring island Martinque come over to play Mas with all their drums and other instruments along with their costumes reminding us all of traditional Carnival. And this year considering the social and economic issues which was facing this island back in February (which had their Carnival celebration cancelled). So this year they will have at least 4 bands coming over the seas to join in our Parade of the Bands.St. Lucia Carnival is arguably most influenced by French culture. From the use of our folk Language (patois) in our music which creates alot of humour in our songs


Part of the Carnival Parade includes the display of Ole Mas costumes which highlights social commentary and humor, not forgetting de masquerades on their sticks moving to the beats.


Ole Mas (compliments torontolime.com)

Most Carnivals across de region do highlight a lot of Pan on de road. We also have our pan groups on de road from J'ouvert to de very Last Lap giving revelers an extra "emmm" in their wine .


One more thing , in most islands revelers DO NOT wear full costume on Carnival Monday , in St.Lucia full costume is woren on both days hoping you have enough costume on de tuesday to play Mas. Also a trend which is picking up in St.Lucia is the flooding of band songs (READ MORE)



This year I noticed the CDF included a Carnival Art Exhibition and to be honest I am excited to see how this element is received and displayed . This along with the normal pre events, parties, limes and all the sight-seeing makes St.Lucia Carnival an unforgetable exeperience. Just ask de Nurse !

Welcome to St.Lucia Carnival !

Peace and Soca


Rochelle

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On De Scene: Caribbean Soca Monarch history lesson

In 2001, the OECS Secretariat endorsed the OECS Soca Monarch which from inception has been part of St. Lucia Carnival Activites. Leading soca artistes from all nine OECS member states along with Barbados met on one stage in a show of regional solidarity. However in 2006 the show was renamed “Caribbean Soca Monarch” to allow for entries from countries outside the OECS.

This competition which is entirely different from the International Soca Monarch held in Trinidad, has aruagably held less prestige in the wider Caribbean due to the comparatively lower prize money involved; nonetheless it is the signature of St.Lucia Carnival. St.Lucian artists who place in the local Soca Monarch are automatically entered into the Caribbean Soca Monarch against the regional competitors. Critics echo the competition has of recent years been biased towards St. Lucian artists as the island has the most entries.

Below is the listing of all the winners of the competition who have continued to make history :

OECS Soca Monarch Winners

2001 - Godfrey Dublin ( To Take Away) St.Vincent and the Grenadines
2002 - David "Pung Wa" Patrick (Pussy and Tony) St. Kitts and Nevis
2003 – Mantius (I doing a ting) St. Lucia
2004– Mantius (We Making Love) St. Lucia
2005 – Bomani (I am Soca) St.Vincent and the Grenadines

Caribbean Soca Monarch Winners

2006 – Mista Vybe (Ting for de Road) Trinidad and Tobago
2007 – Ninja Dan (Rise) St. Lucia
2008 – Ricky T (Wheel and Come Again) St. Lucia

Me alongside de reigning Caribbean Soca Monarch King Ricky T

Caribbean Soca Monarch , which is in its 8th year will be held on July 19th 2009 at the Mindoo Philip Park . See who becomes part of history!

Peace and Soca


Rochelle

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Booster Shot: St.Lucia Carnival Season Dates announced by CDF

So ya been hearing plenty talk about the bands and maybe you heard a few tracks coming out of St.Lucia. However the dates to look out for are here!

Cultural Development Foundation annouced the offical dates for the different events set to take place for 2kwine !

Calender of Events for Carnival 2009

May 24th

• Opening of Carnival

June 1st

• Lucian Line Jam

July 1st

• Groovy Soca Monarch

July 4th

• Carnival Queen Show

July 5th

• Calypso Semi Finals

July 11th

• Soca Monarch Finals

July 12th

• National Junior Carnival

July 12th-18th

• Carnival Art Exhibition

July 13th-18th

• Mas on the Square

July 14th

• Inter Commerical House Calypso Competition

July 17th

• Panorama

July 18th

• Calypso Monarch Finals

July 19th

• King&Queen of the Bands/ Caribbean Soca Monarc

July 20th

• J'ouvert

July 20th & 21st

• Parade of the Bands

August 19th

• Prize Giving Ceremony
  

*Dates and events are subject to change

Now you have de dates for the cultural events now if you looking for de hot fetes and shows , no worries , http://www.slucarnival.com/ has that for you. Wha you waiting for , PLAN ya lime !

Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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The Rounds - July 22, 2007

Dr. Jay’s Rounds
Sunday July 22, 2007
Karen Richardson

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve been here to tell you what’s new in the soca world…and I’ve missed allyuh so much.
I was down in St. Vincent for the 30th anniversary celebrations of Vincy Mas…and let me tell you...THAT WAS BACCHANAL. If you haven’t heard yet, Fireman Hooper is once again the soca monarch with a song called Charge. You should have seen him running up and down the stage dressed like a wizard, waving his magic wand. The whole crowd was spellbound...and so were the judges. Ranking him first overall for the third year in a row and the 6th time in his career. Second place went to Lively for “We Drinking”. I wanted Dr. Jay to fully appreciate the IMPORT of a song about mixing all of the local liquors together for a special carnival brew. So, I had every intention of bringing back a few of bottles for the soca prince to try….but unfortunately, by the time I had left St. Vincent the duty free shop at the airport was clean out of rum. Not a drop ANYWHERE!!!! Maybe that would tell you what kinda fun people had in the fetes. So I guess he’ll just have to get down there NEXT year to try it for himself. Miss Zoelah, is real excited about her upcoming show at KOS j’ouvert, especially now that she’s 2nd runner up for Soca Monarch of SVG.
For all you PROBLEM CHILD fans out there. Everybody get MAD…because this year HE is the ROAD MARCH KING. The tune is called Party Animal…and while a lot of people were unhappy that a song that heavily samples Kassav’s Zouk –LA took top prize for road -- There’s no disputing the fact that NO CHUNE was more popular.

Special Big Up to Jamesy P for hoisting me onto his J’ouvert truck. Seeing all of Kingstown wild and dutty in the early morning sun is a memory I will never forget. For these and other tales of mas and fun in the July sun, check Toronto-Lime this week for Nurse Karen’s Vincy Mas diary.
Last week the action jumped one island north to St. Lucia. Teddyson John took the crown for groovy soca monarch. And just as predicted, Ricky T’s Pressure Boom WALKED away with road march, playing two and a half times more often than the next tune: Blah Blah, by Kakal. But second place isn’t a bad finish for the newly crowned Power Soca Monarch if you ask me.
By all reports, this year’s Caribbean Soca Monarch Show was a big disappointment.

Congratulations, none the less, to St. Lucia’s own Ninja Dan for taking the crown. The organizers might want to look into the reasons why 4 of the twelve international competitors pulled out at the last minute. I’m no genius, but if I was an artist, I’d have issues if I found out that radio stations were actually PROHIBITED from playing MY foreign song until two days before the competition. That makes it virtually impossible to score big points for crowd support. I doh know…I’m just saying…
With Cropover and Caribana and Antigua Carnival just two weeks away, you can count on de nurse, to give you just what you need.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Text me your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds - June 3, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. The music you and I love, might come from an archipelago of tiny caribbean territories, but its impact stretches beyond the seas, and over the airwaves, touching the entire world. As we start to get ready for Caribana here in Toronto, is important to remember that “we ting” was meant to be shared.
Last week the sweet sounds of soca music weren’t only heard at the Memorial Day carnivals in the States. In jolly old england a group of the queen’s subjects in Preston were jumping up too. In Berlin, Germany carnival swept the streets clear of bigotry and hate as 600,000 danced together as one for the 9th annual Carnival of Cultures parade. Theirs is a multiethnic event, but it was based on caribbean style masquerade…and the main music - is soca.
Back in the Caribbean, the official opening of St. Lucia Carnival is happening as I speak. This year they taking a practise jump today to ready de people for the road come July 16th and 17th. New for 2007, my Lucian posse can look forward its first ever Groovy Soca Monarch competition.And an “inter-commercial house” steelband competition. That just means they holding a panorama type ting for bands sponsored by different workplaces. One of the best aspects of Lucian carnival has always been the OECS soca monarch competition. Last year they opened the show up to competitors from the entire caribbean and Mista Vybe was crowned first ever Caribbean Soca Monarch..for “Ting for d Road”. Well, they bringing it back this year and I cyan wait!
The next thing ah cyan wait for is the Carnivalissima festival at de harbourfront centre. Carnival is not unique to the caribbean, but naturally we do we ting in an extra special way. Next weekend, the carnivals of the world will come to together for three AWE INSPIRING DAYS of fete! (evil laugh) I know allyuh tink I making joke….but is true! Some of you people don’t go no way unless Doctor Jay trowin’ a pah-tee. But I feel I could get allyuh to haul sum-TING fuh dis one.
Machel Montano HD will be giving a FREE 90-minute show at de Harbourfront Centre this coming Sunday at 4 pm. You better don’t stick on dat! If you get a little jumbie, Sunday would be the perfect day to exorcise it. Then the next week, we going right back for Barbados on the water!
If you prefer to celebrate carnival culture from the comfort of your own home, there’s a new book you might want to check out that could help you just that. Good news, not all the Trini’s in NYC are planning pyrotechnics at JFK! Some will be attending the US launch of John E. H. Barry’s comprehensive catalogue of ALL the Soca and and Calypso Monarchs EVER crowned at Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. The text is called “The Finalists” and it will be launched in Brooklyn this Thursday and the Caribbean Literary and Cultural Centre in the Flatbush Library. Ummm….pardon me? Any body know if Toronto have a Caribbean Cultural Centre…and if is no…why de HELL not? I digress….
Well, one thing I know we DO have, is music…and it’s time we get back to de wining.
I’m nurse karen and those were Doctor Jay’s rounds. Text me your comments at 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds - July 23, 2006

Good Evening Soca Lovers! I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.
St. Lucia Carnival came to a close on Tuesday after a hectic season of competitions and two days of Mas. I want to big up all the Lucian posse on the outside…and beg you a special favour too. You see how I does always tell allyuh to send comments every week. Do me a favour and send me some comments nah man!
Last week I told the soca faithful that Trinidad doesn’t compete in the OECS soca monarch competition because it’s not an Eastern Caribbean State. Well, I’m sure you could imagine my surprise when I read the news on Monday only to find out that Trinidad’s Mista Vybe won the competition this year. Well, better late than never as they say. For 2006, the annual international soca monarch show was renamed “Caribbean Soca Monarch” to allow for entries from countries outside the OECS. My source (which shall remain nameless) listed Mista Vybe as a special guest…not a competitor. But he most certainly was! A delegate who was not competing as a the reigning soca champion in his home country managed to beat out a cast of international heroes. So, don’t be surprised if “Ting for de road” makes a special resurgence for Caribana…just remember you heard it here first.
R&B newcomer Ne-Yo had a big concert in Barbados this weekend. That may not seem like a big deal to most of you. But if you know anything about carnival in the Caribbean, you know that it’s pretty much a taboo for any music that falls outside the realm of soca, pan and calypso to be heard anywhere during festival time. Well, the promoters didn’t completely lose they sense. The opening acts ( Edwin, Satement, Hypasounds and Don Trent) are all homegrown bajans…singing soca – but of course.
West Indies Cricket Star Brian Lara has big plans for Cropover too. I hear the best looking man in white just leased himself an exclusive plantation in Barbados to host a Cropover party that will cost $200 a head to get in.
We’ve seen a break in the weather over the last few days. But don’t get ahead of yourself. We have by no means passed the hottest part of summer. Caribana is now officially upon us and the competition is on. Yesterday afternoon Marlon Singh’s Callaloo Mas camp brought home the first victory of the season. Jr. Callaloo’s presentation of Exotic Species won Band of the year at Kiddie Carnival for the third consecutive year.
Personally, I like to team up with winners myself …why else would I join the best international soca dj Dr. Jay de Soca Prince every Sunday to give you SWEET Soca Therapy? That being said…I took a long time to decide…but this year, your resident nurse Karen will be adding some of her own hot pepper to de Callaloo. Come Caribana Saturday look for Dr. Jay spinning tunes on the big truck…and you can find me jumping in de band. I think we could take it this year.
I’m nurse Karen and those are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Puhlease…send me your comments at SOCA AT FLOW 9 3 5 DOT COM. Now back to de docta…

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