The Rounds: Buju Banton dreaming of a White Christmas

riginally aired on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy on Sunday, December 13, 2009.

In this edition:
- CP to perform at Miss Caribbean Teen Pageant (Antigua /St. Kitts)
- All-Rounder changes his name for 2010 (Trinidad)
- DJ Jester releases Soca Certified Smash Mixtape (Canada)
- Dr Jay collects canned food for charity (Canada)
- International premiere of "Fetting" by Skinny Fabulous ft. Machel Montano (Canada)
- Birthdays: The Great Zeee (St. Vincent) Teddyson John (St. Lucia)
- Drug rumour about Bunji Garlin (Trinidad)
- Buju Banton jailed on drug charges (USA/Jamaica

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s a busy week. So...lewwe go!

The St. Kitts and Nevis Miss Caribbean Teen Pageant will be celebrating 30 years this season, and to celebrate, Antigua’s multiple-time Party Monarch Queen Claudette Peters has just been confirmed as the headline artist. That’ll teach those beauty queens a little something about style!

In Trinidad, one of the country’s most creative musical minds in the Calypso genre has decided to change his name. The artist formerly known as All-Rounder will from now on be called, “Dive”. You didn’t ask me, but that doesn’t sound like a man who plans to win any titles...but he’s back for another season of Humorous Calypso with the Klassic Russo Calypso Tent on January 15th.

This past week, Flow’s own mix show DJ Jester released the Soca Certified Smash Mixtape hosted by Mr. Vybe. You can download it for yourself on the Nurse Karen Etc blog, at Nurse dash Karen dot com.

The holiday season is all about peace on Earth and goodwill toward all. So what are you doing to help others? Next Saturday, join Dr. Jay for his annual appreciation fete, featuring visiting acts Fadda Fox and Skinny Fabulous! All you have to do is walk with 5 or more non-perishable food items for the less fortunate, and you will get in for only ten dollars!

Before then, Skinny Fabulous has a big bomb to drop for Trinidad Carnival this week. Dunno if you’ve heard about it. But the two-time Vincy Soca Monarch, has a brand new collaboration with Soca King Machel Montano ready to hit the airways everywhere this Wednesday.

But because you are a loyal Soca Therapy fans, you may as well start counting your blessings now. Tonight. Right here on Soca Therapy. Dr. Jay de Soca Prince will bring you the world premiere of “Fetting On” in the 8 o’clock hour. So stay tuned!!

This week Soca Therapy would like to extend warm and fuzzy birthday love to Vincentian artiste and producer, The Great Zeee on Monday the 14th, and to St. Lucian blues man and groovy artist, Teddyson John on Thursday the 17th.

Teddyson John and Superman HD aka Mr. Pringles in St. Lucia (July 2009)

The rumour mill in Trinidad and Tobago has been working overtime this weekend. Talk on the street was that Soca artist, Bunji Garlin is locked up in Miami for drugs. But hold your tongues people until you get the real story! Bunji Garlin isn’t even in Miami today....but you know who is? BUJU! Yep...Buju Banton is the one facing drug charges, related to...get this... “Conspiracy of possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilos of cocaine!” Looks like somebody was trying to have a white Christmas. Ho Ho Ho....

I’m Nurse Karen, and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on anything you heard here, please check me online at Nurse dash Karen dot com or follow me “nursekaren” on Twitter. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Recognizing Achievement in Soca

Originally Aired on Flow 93.5 FM, "Soca Therapy" with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince


In this edition:
- Showing appreciation
- Antiguans pay homage to Claudette Peters
- DJ Tony Tempo joins Whoo Kid's DJ Fraternity
- Shal Marshall's B-day
- SAO Soca Awards nominees out
- UK Soca Music Awards last night

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. This week the soca world took time out to show some appreciation. Even in Toronto, last night top mas bands Carnival Nationz and Louis Saldenah threw big appreciations fetes for their revellers.

Right now, this evening the Antiguan community in New York is getting together to recognize ITS own. Four time Party Monarch Claudette “CP” Peters was flown in to receive the Salome Drysdale award for her contributions to the development of Carnival, culture and the promotion of Antigua and Barbuda worldwide. The award, is given by the Antigua Progessives Society, a Harlem-based social organization that has served New York’s Wadadlian Community for the last seventy five years.


Tony Tempo and Nurse Karen at Soca Awards 5 in New York
Recently, Atlanta’s DJ Tony Tempo made a power move that he hopes will fly the soca flag higher. The mixmaster best known for his various soca remixes recently signed on to DJ Whoo Kid’s Shadyville DJ Fraternity. For the hip hop lovers out there, you know Whoo Kid as the official DJ of G-Unit. What you may not know it that he’s Haitian and has a passion for Caribbean music. Tony Tempo is first soca DJ to join the team.

While we’re on that subject, I may as well mention another popular DJ who celebrated a birthday just yesterday. I’m talking about Shal Marshall, who beyond being a popular radio and club DJ in Trinidad, is also a husband, father, and SOCA ARTIST. Happy Birthday Shall...Hope it was a good one.


Shal Marshall and Nurse Karen at UWI Splash 2009, Trinidad

The other big excitement this week was the announcement of the 2009 Nominees for the International Soca Awards. Please don’t get it confused with the ones happening in England tonight. As usual, some of the selections were a surprise even to me, but none the less, artists are getting excited about the voting which opens this week. Congratulations Tdot’s own Kerwin Du Bois, Shyann Bailey, Toronto-Lime dot com, and the Enforcas Soundcrew on their nominations.


Inside the Flow studio with Shyann Bailey

As for the UK Soca Music Awards, our fellow soca lovers got together this evening to honour top achievers in the industry at the 2nd annual Soca Music Awards. The audience paid forty pounds a ticket to see performance from the likes of Scrappy, Soca Johnny and Miss Desire. It’s nearly midnight there, so I would imagine most of the results are out, but YOU will have to visit Nurse Karen dot com for that.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were doctor Jay’s Rounds. For more information on any of the new items mentioned today, be sure to check out Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me...NurseKaren on Twitter. Now back to de Docta!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Claudette Peters to be honoured by NY's Antiguan Community

I don't know how may times I need to say it, but the international soca community does not give its due respect to Antigua's Claudette "CP" Peters. With a myriad of titles under her belt, she is the most celebrated female artist in Antigua's music history with an impressive catalog of music to her name. Did I mention that she has won Party Monarch four times? That's more than any other Antiguan including Mervyn "Sleepy" Edwards and Toriano "Onyan" Edwards of Burning Flames.

I guess that's why this makes me smile. So often, we as people work hard to impress others, but never get the love and approval we deserve from the people who know us best. This rings true far too often. Whether it's your parent, teacher, or coach...why is it so hard to get respect on your home turf?

Claudette should feel very blessed that in her lifetime, she is being honoured by New York's Antiguan community for her work and contribution to the development of Carnival, culture, and the promotion of Antigua and Barbuda worldwide. Great, huh?

The Antigua Progressives Society (Est 1934) will be honouring her at its 75th Annual Banquet and Awards. The organization is the longest running association of Antiguan expatriots in the world.

On September 26, 2009, CP will be in New York to accept the Salome Drysdale Excellence Award for Women inside the Faculty Dining Room of City College.

This particular award was established only recently and Claudette says she was extremely honoured to be recognised with an award in the name of a woman that has done so much to uplift of her fellow countrymen and women. Salome Drysdale was a former President of the Antigua Progressives Association. She is cherished by the organization for her personal sacrifice for its development. Drysdale mortgaged her family home in Queens, NY unknowing to her husband so as to help the 75-year-old organisation purchase 12 West 122nd Street in Harlem widely known as "Antigua House."

Congrats to CP! You definitely deserve it. Looking forward to seeing your star continue to rise beyond Antigua and the Leeward Islands to truly reflect the magnitude of your incredible talent.

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Source: Antigua Press Releases

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The Rounds: Wanna have a baby for Tyrese?

In this edition:
- August 1 is Emancipation Day
- Tortola Emancipation Fest 2009 (Tyrese, Shurwayne Winchester and YOU)
- Barbados Road March Results
- Antigua Road March Results
- Grenada Soca Monarch Results

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Caribana is over, but don’t worry bacchanal posse...the season is far from over. This month, the jump up moves through Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, Edmonton, Hamilton, Hartford, Barrie, and that’s not all!

In Many Caribbean territories, the celebration of Carnival is closely linked to the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire. That happened on August 1st, 1834 - that’s one hundred and seventy five years ago.

The 1st day of August or first Monday in August is recognized as Emancipation Day in Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, and Bermuda. Trinidad and Tobago was actually the first country ever to declare that date a national holiday. And even here in Ontario, our government officially started recognizing it just last year. So if that’s not a good reason to celebrate...YOU tell me what is.

In Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Emancipation Festival 2009 wrapped up this weekend. They had a action packed week complete with j’ouvert, fetes and road parades. Last night the big event was a concert featuring Taurus Riley, Tyrese and Shurwayne Winchester. Fans gave mixed reviews on the event stating the Tyrese was out of place using profane language on stage and actually asking women in the audience if they wanted to have his baby. (um...no comment). Shurwayne and YOU’s performance was A-OK until an audience member decided to wet down the saxophonist during his solo. All’s fair in love and soca, i guess...but the sax man, Alton Bertie is a Tortola native...and I don’t doubt the hometown crowd got their kicks outta keeping him humble.

Nurse Karen with Shurwayne Winchester in Toronto 2008

Monday was Kadooment Day in Barbados. Edwin Yearwood reigns victorious as the 2009 Tune of the Crop Road March Winner for Middle ah de Road. Mikey’s chune “I in dat” was good enough for 2nd place, and Calypso vet RPB came 3rd with Something’s Happening.

Carnival Tuesday in Antigua was a splash of colour and revelry that saw Red Hot Flames capture road march with a ditty called Trade March. Newly crowned Party Monarch Tian Winter came second with Soca Rebel, and Claudette Peters’ Flying Colours took the 3rd spot.

Grenada Posse! Guess who’s wearing the Soca Monarch crown this carnival!?!!? Mr. Killa is back. He left his competition in the dust with this performance of Swing it Away. Defending champions Luni Sparks and Electrify, and Zingo had to settle for a distance second and third.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds, for more juicy details on everything mentioned tonight, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow ME,,,nurse Karen on Twitter, now...back to de Docta.

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Booster Shot: Trademark is 2009 Antigua Road March

It's the day after Antigua's carnival Tuesday...and as to be expected...I've got some info for you.


ROAD MARCH !!!!!


1. Red Hot Flames - "Trademark" ( Stop the Crying Now) - 37 times
2. Tian Winter - "Soca Rebel" - 17 times
3. Claudette "CP" Peters - "Fly Away"


Congrats to all! Hope you enjoyed a safe and happy Carnival 2009!


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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On De Scene : Tian Winter Antigua Groovy & Party Monarch 2009

If you watched the live coverage, you saw what Anitgua had to offer. As my first time viewing the competition I must give hats off to a good show , though it was draggged just a little bit.

We witnessed the double win in Barbados by TC this past weekend, and this morning it has spread to Antigua as Tian Winter claims the 2 titles , Groovy and Party Monarch , just as Claudette did in 2008 . I must admit it was my first time seeing Tian on stage and I was impressed , vocally he nailed it and stage presence was there. Tian walks away with 2 cars plus the prize monies in both competitions ! I cant wait to hear Ziggy review on this competition. So to all those who missed in this action here are the 2009 results of :

Antigua Groovy Monarch




1.Tian Winter




2.Joshun Huges




3. Tammy






Antigua Pary Monarch


1. Tian Winter


2. Mervin Sleepy Edwards


3. Samoya




Peace and Soca
Rochelle

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On De Scene : Antigua Groovy and Party Monarch LIVE!

To all of you , who are not in Toronto taking in the Caribana action or in Barbados on the home stretch to Crop Over or even the BVI in carnival celebrations ; tonight Antigua is inviting one and all to view their Groovy and Party Monarch LIVE!

If you in the Caribbean region you can just flick to "Carib Vision" and join in the action on you TV or if you out of the region watch the live streaming online. CLICK HERE!

Competition has began so quick quick join me in this MAS!

Tonight there will be two newly crowned Groovy an Party Monarch as the reigning Monarch Claudette Peters will not be defending her titles. She is actually one of the hosts of this live broadcast , but she is expected to do a guest performance as well as El a Kru and Burning Flames.

I sure hope I can be there in the next few years, nonetheless our Antiguan Correspondent, Ziggy will give us an aftermath of the competition. Tune in and Enjoy guys!

Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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Booster Shot: 2009 International Soca Monarch Finalists announced

Ok, be honest!  How many of you were watching that choppy live stream of Trinidad soca semis online yesterday instead of the Grammy's? I did AND I've got the results!  Soca is MY music.  So, I could barely wait for today to reach to find out who the judges were feeling.  

Yesterday, the Arima Velodrome played host to the precursor for Trinidad Carnival's most hotly contested event.  It's the place where careers are made, and soca stars are truly born....the 2009 bMobile International Power Soca Monarch competition and Whe International Groovy Soca Monarch competition.  

Respect where respect is due.  Sunday's Semis began right on time, and stage management was clearly handled with style and finesse.  What seemed like a million and a half semi-finalists managed to take to the stage between 4pm and midnightish , all hoping for one of a handful of spots on Fantastic Friday.  In the power category, there were only six available spaces to fill thanks to what I like to call the Caribbean Prestige Foundation's "Lesser Antilles Affirmative Action Plan." De man dem wan call de show INTERNATIONAL, so they made sure of it this year by actually guaranteeing a slot in the finals to each of the  reigning 2008 Soca Monarchs/Party Monarchs/Power Soca Monarchs from the soca power house islands; Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

I didn't catch all, but I watched long enough to know that there are quite a few artistes who seriously mean business this year!  The problem is, there just aren't enough spots at the main event for everyone who feels they paid they dues to get there.  It's ONE MILLION TT DOLLARS at stake, so you better believe the gloves are off!

Who will reign victorious? Hell, if I know...but one thing is for sure, there is no place I would rather be on February 20, 2009!

Congrats to all who made it through.  For all my soca family who didn't make the final cut, we all love your music just the same.  Keep giving your all this season. Besides, the fans are the only judges you need to worry about!  

Love and soca..

(Nurse) Karen

I don't wanna kill you with long talking. So, these are the lucky stars who shone bright enough to make their dreams come true.

Power Soca Monarch Finalists:

Bunji Garlin - Trinidad and Tobago (defending)
Claudette Peters - Antigua and Barbuda(seeded)
Khiomal Nurse - Barbados (seeded)
Luni Sparks and Electrify - Grenada (seeded)
Ricky T - St. Lucia (seeded)
Skinny Fabulous - St. Vincent and the Grenadines (seeded)
Berbice - Grenada
Blaxx - Trinidad and Tobago
Fay-Ann Lyons - Trinidad and Tobago
Iwer George - Trinidad and Tobago
Patrice Roberts - Trinidad and Tobago
Shurwayne Winchester - Trinidad and Tobago


Groovy Soca Monarch finalists:

Shurwayne Winchester - Trinidad and Tobago (defending)
Benjai - Trinidad and Tobago
Biggie Irie - Barbados
Fay-Ann Lyons - Trinidad and Tobago
Hunter - Trinidad and Tobago
Kerwin Du Bois - Trinidad and Tobago
Nadia Batson - Trinidad and Tobago
Patch and Mastamind - Trinidad and Tobago
Tizzy and Richard Trumpet - Antigua and Barbuda / Trinidad and Tobago
Zan - Trinidad and Tobago
Zoelah - St. Vincent and the Grenadines


Check Up
Ok, I know some of your favourite artists are missing in this list. That's because they didn't score high enough! In case you need a refresher, view the original list of semi-finalists here. Comment below. I'll save my comments for later!

CLICK HERE 

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The Rounds: Benjai is sick, so Machel's off the hook till next month!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds . I hope you are listening well, cause there’s a lot of info to catch this week.


About three years ago, a major development in Caribbean Entertainment began to reduce the distance between those beautiful islands. The MTV TEMPO TV channel was launched and last night St. Kitts played host to Tempo Forever – The Trilogy, the 3rd anniversary party and concert. As you all know, smack dab in the middle of hurricane season, this past week has been a wild one for rainfall in the region. So, Tempo Turns 3 was moved from Friday to Saturday night. It was a star studded show. Crowds were treated to performances from calypso greats the Mighty Sparrow and David Rudder AND from Soca circles; Destra Garcia, Denise Belfon, Claudette Peters and Machel Montano and company...

Speaking of Winer Boy himself, that old court case got pushed back again! Apparently Benjai, who is also one of the accused is ill with a chest infection, and is presently stuck in England and unable to travel. The case is adjourned until October 8th. So check me after thanksgiving for more detail on that front.

The big news out of Trinidad this week comes from the Caribbean Traffik Jam Camp. Lead singer Shurwayne Winchester has called it quits. Together the artiste and band have enjoyed a number of successful carnival season with road march wins and soca monarch crowns to boot. Doh look to me for Bacchanal, Shurwayne is just looking to develop his career in other ways. So we wish both HE and Traffik all the best. The departure becomes official on October 16th. So if you’re planning to see the whole act sometime soon....yuh still safe.

Now down to St. Lucia, last weekend a popular local soca artiste was shot by police. He goes by the name of Yardie. The incident happened in Vieux Fort after a woman called the cops about someone attempting to forcibly enter her home. Crazy story really. Police came. Yardie had already hightailed out by foot. He was then shot in the upper thigh...read groin...and forced into the back of a police van...where he received a swift kick in the chest. Not cool.



Rumour on the ground has it that the woman involved has been romantically linked to both Yardie and the police officer with the gun. However, she made a statement on Lucian TV on Thursday negating those stories. There you have it!



I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more detail on any of these stories, visit me online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at http://mustardseeds.net . Never miss your dose of the rounds by downloading the podcast from Soca Therapy dot com. Now back to de docta.

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The Rounds: Lavaman withdraws from Grenada Soca Monarch

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's rounds. What a big week in the world of soca. While most of you were recovering from a wild and wonderful caribana season…so much of the Caribbean was smack dab in the middle of the action. Carnival still abounds! So this edition of the Rounds is all about RESULTS.

First to Antigua: It's no secret that Claudette "CP" Peters is still her nation's soca queen. She's dancing all the way to the bank this week after winning both the Groovy and Tempo Party Monarch competitions. This is the 4th year in a row that she's won the Party Monarch title. But this year, her Tempo win with "Bring It On" lands her automatic entry into Trinidad's international soca monarch competition in February. There, CP will compete against TnT's top acts as well as reigning monarchs from across the region like Khiomal, Ricky T, and Skinny Fabulous!

Moving along, Monday and Tuesday was all about Red Hot Flames in the Red Hot St. John's Antigua heat. Oungku called it! Antigua's new Road March is none other than Musical Bomb a.k.a Scyattah.

Over to sunny Barbados... There's this guy de people and dem refer to as De General. Known for consistant hits with his legendary band Krosfyah, Edwin Yearwood is smiling after an oh-so-successful Crop Over. The song is called Handle Yuh Business. And it's obvious - that is PRECISELY what he had in mind when he performed his way into 1st place at the Peoples' Monarch show last week Thursday.

Then Monday was the big finale…The Grand Kadooment parade. Why stop at one title when you can have two? Edwin walked away with Tune of the Crop as well. (For the non-bajans out there…that's Road March. This is the 4th ever Road March win for Mr. Yearwood. Congratulations Edwin – Handle Yuh Business!

Grenada is in the height of Spice Mas right now! On Wednesday, Yaga Miser became the brand new Groovy Soca Monarch. His performance of "Someone to Love" beat his closest competition (Terror Kid) by 19 points. Last year's winner, Scholar, chose not to defend his crown.

In the Power Category, the the action took place on Friday. Luny Sparks and Electrify took top marks with Clear D Way. Mr. Killa in 2nd and Mr. Legs 3. For you Lavaman fans, I should note that your boy withdrew his name from the competition due to a discrepancy over the rules that came to light at his Village Soca Monarch performance early in the week.

(Let's be real...that's what the management is saying in an official statement released to the media, but the evidence speaks for itself.) Lavaman was performing at the Village Soca Monarch earlier in the week. He had the crowd real going crazy. He instructed the fans to go down by the judges. So they did - the only problem is they were carrying chairs, torches and big flags. As he sang SPLASH wet up, wet up, the judges got a public bath. Needless to say...they didn't like that too much.

It was a real scene. See it for yourself.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please leave me a comment online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustardseeds dot net. Now back to de docta!

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Booster Shot: Antigua Carnival Results

Antiguan massive!!!! How was your carnival this year? I heard amazing reviews from some of the members of Atlantik and the studio 758 crew. They really enjoyed the party vibes while they were there. Can't wait to experience it for myself.

In case you haven't seen the results, here's the big news out of Antigua...

Road March:

1. "Musical Bomb" Scyattah! - Red Hot Flames (Oungku, yuh large...you called this one!)

2. "Jump Up In De Iron Band" - Burning Flames (Still sorry I missed your show in SVG...next time)

3. "Mardi Gras" - Taxik

Antigua doesn't mess around when it comes to the band thing. I like to see that. In most other soca nations we're seeing the rise of solo artists. While the celebrity aspect is important to the development of the soca genre in terms of international marketing. This is a cultural thing. Carnival is a community thing..and our music is a communal thing. Caribbean showmanship fluorishes in the presence of live intrumentation and collaborative creativity. That's my two cents anyway. Kudos Antiguans for supporting your bands!

Now for the Party Monarch results:

In Groovy...

1. Claudette "CP" Peters

2. Tian

3. The Blade

In Tempo (What they call Power Soca in Trinidad, Grenada and St. Lucia)

1. Claudette "CP" Peters

2. Lord Satalyte

3. The Blade

CP, Congrats on another great year! Goes to show you truly are the queen of your nation where soca is concerned.

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The Rounds: Biggie Irie to Release his first album

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.

If you ask any true soca afficionado why this music hasn't hit big in the mainstream, most of them will tell you this: soca is extremely seasonal and often never gets the chance to grace the sandy shores of neighbouring islands. Well, good news soca lovers, it's beginning to look like that might change!

The Caribbean is growing smaller now that two West Indies produced music TV programs have been licensed to air across the region. About two months ago, Barbados-based ALT entertainment announced that it's 5-year old music video countdown program called "Roamin" would begin to air in 25 new territories, after striking a deal with a CBS affiliate station. The show features reggae and soca music videos, and showcases the local youth-culture of the islands they visit. Every Thursday night viewers in the States, Central America and the Spanish and French Caribbean will finally have a chance to find out what WE ting is all about!

This week, little-old Montserrat celebrated a similar milestone.... The Warren Cassell show will focus on live performances by Caribbean artistes. Claudette Peters, The Mighty Sparrow, Edwin Yearwood and Kevin Lyttle are all slated to appear in season one. The program will air in 17 countries.

Looks like Caribbean integration is happening all around. When it comes to the music, you can't help but notice that regional differences aren't quite so simple to pick out on first listen. That even extends to themes. Earlier this year, Bunji and Hunter had a big hit in Bring It…and I recently found out that two Bajan artistes plan to celebrate the virtues of RUM this year too.

Contone is one of them. He has big TINGs up his sleeve with a song that samples Rehab by Amy Winehouse.

Biggie Irie brought the Caribbean together in 2007 when he became the first foreigner to win the Groovy Soca Monarch crown in Trinidad. Right now he's busy compiling his first ever soca album. For Crop Over he will release 5 new songs. "Break Away" and "Bigg Girlz" are two groovy tunes produced by Dwain Antrobus, the guy who brought us Wining Season and Assume De Position last year. The last 3 songs in production with Chris Allman. Biggie's songs will start to hit the airwaves by the end of May.

South of the border the month of June is National Caribbean American Heritage Month. So, the community of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida will be getting together to celebrate the 14th anniversary of UNIFEST. It's a pan-Caribbean festival organized by the Greater Caribbean American Cultural Coalition. On June 1st, Leon Coldero, Nigel Lewis and Juliette Mills will be bring the soca vibrations.I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Leave me your comments at the Nurse Karen Etc Blog at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds - August 5, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. This is it Toronto: Caribana 2007! 40 years of mas in T.O….and we’ve STILL got it.
Congratulations to Jamaal Magloire and the Toronto Revellers Mas band for stopping Carnival Nationz in their tracks. The larger than life presentation of Viva Las Vegas clinched the band of the year title, denying last year’s winners their highly anticipated 3-peat. Instead Carnival Nationz had to settle for 3rd place, right behind longtime favourites, Louis Saldenah’s Mas K Club.
Friday night, the action was at Pan Alive…and there’s no doubt the music was sounding sweet, sweet, sweet. So sweet the judges and them had a hard time picking a winner. In the end, Salah’s Steelpan Academy from Montreal caused a major upset on Toronto turf. Rivals Pan Fantasy, Afropan and New Dimension left Lamport on equal footing, stunned…in a three way tie for second place.
Did you see how pretty the pretty mas was looking on the road yesterday. Sure, all the sexy Toronto men and women could take credit for that. But you really have to big up the bandleaders, mas designers and mas men and women for building some of the most spectacular big costumes Toronto has ever seen. If you were fighting up to get a glimpse on the lakeshore, do yourself a favour and buy yuhself a ticket to the king and queen show next year. That is theatre and pageantry….Masquerade at it’s best. Congratulations to Barokeete Canada’s Joanne Boisson for winning Female Individual of the Year. And Carnival Nationz Kurt Alexander, Tamara Alleyne Gittens, and Rudy Rampersad for winning top prizes for Male Individual, Queen of the Bands and King of the Bands respectively.
For all the bajans and Antiguans who weren’t able to find an outrageously priced flight to this year’s cropover and carnival festivities…let me tell you what you’ve missed. Over in Antigua, they’re celebrating 50 years of Carnival. As predicted last week, Claudetter Peters is once again Soca Monarch and Little Rick was Crowned party monarch last Sunday in BIM. His win was overshadowed, however, by a terrible car crash that claimed the lives of six barbadians on the way to the show. Allyuh remember to be safe on the roads as you enjoy the carnival. We want to see you again next year.
On a lighter note, Mr. Dale was just crowned the Peoples Monarch for Soca Junkie. As the Winner, he earned himself a brand to mazda sedan…The problem is… my man doesn’t exactly know how to drive. But don’t laugh too hard. Since they started giving out cars at these shows, he’s the seventh artiste to win that has no experience behind the wheel. Whappen tu yuh bajan posse…allyuh have the flattest island, with the safest roads…and if they sharing out cars…the least you could do is get a license.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds for Caribana 2007. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now back to de docta.

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The Rounds - June 29, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. With one week to go till Caribana, the city is on fire with hot events blazing soca. All the entertainers are packing their bags, checking their passports and boarding their planes…because Toronto is THE place to be.
Last week, Trinidad was home to some major soca action. When radio station Soca 919, hosted their annual Soca for Summer Showcase. About a month ago I mentioned to you that this year’s concert marks the 20th anniversary of Iwer George’s career in soca. He’s the reigning soca monarch…AND the owner of that radio station. Well…after 20 years in the business, IWER GEORGE has called it quits…well…not HIM, but his name. The big man has retired his government name in favour of…THE BOSS. Ah hope de odda BOSS, Bruce Springstein is OK with DAT choice. Personally, I kinda like Iwer betta.(under my breath)
Since last Fall, the soca world has been mesmerized under the enigmatic spell of Machel Montano HD. Even die hard fans agree that this year’s stage show AND music showed a marked improvement over some pretty amazing years gone by. So next week, the HD posse will be on the road, At Lamport stadium AND at Fire Fete 6, but after that? who can be sure? What I do know is that the band has already finished writing and recording about EIGHTY percent of their NEXT album. Yeah, I’m talking about 2008. So, be sure and lap up the last of this year’s presentation…because before you know it, it will be time for something new.
Carnival vibrations sweep through the Caribbean all Summer long. So THIS weekend would have been a great time for a get-away. Whether in Antigua, Grenada or Barbados, Friday and Saturday were all about moving one step closer to crowning the next Monarch. Antigua’s groovy competitors have been narrowed down to 9. Claudette Peters leads the pack with “Go Claudette”.
On the UpTempo side, El A Kru’s Tizzy, is making another attempt to BOUNCE she way to that crown. At Grenada’s soca semi’s on Friday, the show mostly gave newcomers and emerging artists a chance to expose their music to a wider audience. But, some of my greenz posse will be happy to hear that favourites like Nnika Francis, Boogie B and Inspector are back in the running THIS year.
BIM is looking for a Party Monarch too and Barry Chandler has got some stiff competition. The 2007 music is sweet fuh so. So whether it goes to Khiomal, Hypasounds, Lil Rick, or Mr. Dale, All my Bajans can rest assured de title will be in good hands.
Well Toronto posse…this is we time. So save up your pennies and support the culture. Friday we going to KOS J’ouvert…and then it’s no sleep at all till Tuesday morning.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds . Please text me your comments at 9-3-5-9-3-5. now back to de doctor.

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The Rounds - August 27,2006

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. As I was preparing to come in today, it occurred to me that I’ve never taken the time to tell allyuh how much I care for you and your heatlh. Hear nah, is not just because it’s my job that I’m compassionate. I does really kay in truth. Dr. Jay prides himself on his uncanny ability to make you wine from 6 to 9…and I tell you, that is no simple task. Yuh need real waistline strength for the stamina soca therapy demands. So, you’ve been trained by the best and now it’s time to work on some other skills.
I believe the key to happy living is moderation. There is a time and a place for all things…but never EVER lose control.
Who doesn’t love fried chicken? Tastes nice, feels good in yuh belly…but it would never be healthy no matter how many HERBS and SPICES that Colonel wants to season it with.
Outta Season soca artists have been known to cook up some trouble too. Down in the Spice island, one of this year’s roadmarch contenders was caught in possession of HERBS. Lavaman sang a song called “behave yuhself”…but he forgot to practice what he preaches last week when he and his friends were pulled over after a gun shot was fired at party in Gouyave. Police found a pistol with a spent shell in the chamber…and in his vehicle they found plenty of that WACKY TOBACKY.
Tomorrow is the big road parade in Notting Hill, England. The 42nd annual carnival is the biggest outdoor festival in Europe. Eleven thousand police officers are getting paid join the party. Today the focus was on children. It’s a big party still, but plenty smaller than the mayhem expected for tomorrow. When I think children’s carnival…I picture families, little cuties in costume. Babies balling on stage cuz they fraid to wine fuh judges. Dem tings dey. What I don’t expect is to hear the twenty six people were arrested for drug offences, theft and drunkness. People…what allyuh tink dis is? For carnival it’s ok to get wild, but dat don’t mean you hadda go crazy.

We pushing music here, not schupidity.

I’m hoping the soca lovers in Charleston, South Carolina have a healthy appreciation of West Indian culture without making the same mistakes as some who have been celebrating a while longer. Earlier this month, Charleston celebrated its first Carifest, complete with Steelpan, Mas, soca, reggae and The Mighty Sparrow. Sounds like a good start to what may become and yearly tradition.
Dr. Jay’s Rounds are all about that…culture! I let you know what’s going on everywhere in the world where soca is playing. In this city, so many of us look forward to a weekend of fun and fetes each summer, but many of you know ANYting about what Toronto Caribbean Carnival is really all about.
I want you to think about it. Meditation is good for your health too. After Dr. Jay signs off for the night at 9 pm, turn on the tube for two hours (while you’re listening to SPEX of course!) There’s a special on Omni 1 tonight called “We Jumping Higher”. You’ve got to learn your culture so that no one can take it from you and sell you back a watered down version. When you educate yourself you can keep it organic...authentic and real.
While I’m on that subject I have to raise a noni-juice to Dr. Jay de Soca Prince. Once again, he has been nominated for an International Soca Award. Look for him in the category: Peoples Choic “Best International DJ”. This year’s event will take place at the legendary Apollo theatre in Harlem, NY. The awards show is a not-to-be-missed event. Could you imagine all these people on stage? Kevin Lyttle, Alison Hinds, Machel Montano, Bomani, Claudette Peters, Gail Ann, Keisha Stewart, Lisa Toney, Ragga, Natasha Wilson and Jason Benn! Well you don’t have to imagine. THEY WILL BE THERE. So will Dr. Jay. Here at Soca Therapy, we’re hoping he’ll win the title for the second consecutive year. He works hard to give you the best in soca music while educating you about the culture in pan moments and the rounds.
My last key to a well balanced life is social participation. When you have a chance to have your say…make sure you’re saying something! Voting ends this Thursday, so be sure to remind the world who is the real big man in the business. Cast a vote fuh de man!
I’m nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s rounds. Sned your comments to soca at flow 935 dot com. Now back to de docta.

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