Booster Shot: Barbados Kadooment Results

For the non-Bajans out there, Kadooment is the name used in Barbados to refer to its costume parade day. Here are the results for anyone who might have had trouble digging it up themselves. This info comes to you from CropOverCarnival.com


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Kadooment Costume Band Results

Results are shown in order of winning.

Historical -

1.Ooutraje Trevor Chase The Beginning.

2.Betty West Betty West Barbados Back Den.

3.Mas' Explosion Neal Robinson The People Who Came.



Topical -

1.Radikal Amanda Forde Tourism Is We Business.

2.Wednesday 2000 Mackie Holder Kadoonival.

3.De Renegades Doug Hoyte Rum Glorious Rum.


Community -

1.Bajana Trydeijha Britynee Entwine Seasons.

2.Youth Exlosion Quincy Jones Energy Yuh Want, Energy Yuh Gine Get.

3.No prize awarded.


Traditional -

1.Betty West Betty West Barbados Back Den.

2.Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

3.Ooutraje Trevor Chase The Beginning.


Advertising -

1.Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

2.De Renegades Doug Hoyte Rum Glorious Rum.

3.No prize awarded.


Fantasy -

1.Rebel Vibes Andre Elias Psychomachia.

2.Baje International Corey Knight Fire & Ice.

3.Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.


Large Band -

Jump Promotions Renee Ratcliffe Sweet Fuh Days


Small Band -

De Renegades Doug Hoyte Rum Glorious Rum


Most Colourful Large Band -

Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures


Most Colourful Small Band -

Ooutraje Trevor Chase The Beginning


Crop-Over Anniversary Award -

1.Wednesday 2000 Mackie Holder Kadoonival.

2.Jump Promotions Renee Ratcliffe Sweet Fuh Days.

3.Bajana Trydeijha Britynee Entwine Seasons.


HIV/AIDS Awareness Award -

Jump Promotions Renee Ratcliffe Sweet Fuh Days.


Best Band On The Road -

1.Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

2.Betty West - Barbados Regatta Betty West Barbados Back Den.

3.Ooutraje Trevor Chase The Beginning.


Flag Person -

1.Dee Dee Winston Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

2.Sue Ellen St Louis Wednesday 2000 Kadoonival.

3.Sedia Jackman Youth Exlosion Energy Yuh Want, Energy Yuh Gine Get.


Best Individual - Male

1.Adzil Stuart - The Silver Lining Ooutraje The Beginning.

2.Ewan Pilgrim - Harrison's Cave Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

3.Randolph Auld - A Fishing Boat Betty West Barbados Back Den.


Best Individual - Female -

1.Marilyn Rice-Bowen - Splendour of the Coral Reef Betty West Barbados Back Den.

2.Jasmine Babb - Blue Skies Power x 4 Sweet Fuh Days.

3.Marlina Forde - Soft & Sweet Betty West Barbados Back Den.


Small Band Of The year -

1.Ooutraje Trevor Chase The Beginning.

2.Mas Explosion Neal Robinson The People Who Came.

3.Bajana Trydeijha Britynee Entwine Seasons.


Large Band Of The Year -

1.Gwyneth Squires Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

2.Jump Promotions Renee Ratcliffe Sweet Fuh Days.

3.Power x 4 Chetwin Stewart Love & Revelry 15 years.


Festival Designer Of The Year -

1.Gwyneth Squires.

2.Betty West.

3.Renee Ratcliffe.


Queen Of The Bands -

1.Lynn Callender - Hidden Beauty Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.

2.Sophia Chase - Mukuru The African God Of Agriculture And Harvest Trevor Chase The Beginning.

3.Betty West - Barbados Regatta Betty West Barbados Back Den.



King Of The Bands -

1.Trevor Chase - Mukuru The African God Of Agriculture And Harvest Trevor Chase The Beginning.

2.Trevor Nicholls - Hidden Culture Gwyneth Squires Hidden Treasures.


3. No prize awarded


* No prize awarded for Best Overseas Band

Read more...

The Rounds: Edwin Yearwood shares winnings with Mikey!

Hey All,

Sorry for the delay in getting this to you! With Caribana...and all the resulting fireworks this year, I must admit I have been struggling to stick to my regular schedule. Don't forget to check 'DE LATEST NEWS' for more detail on these items...

In this edition:
- Caribana Band of the Year Results
- Crop Over Pic of de Crop Calypso Monarch
- Crop Over Peoples' Monarch
- Antigua Soca Monarch

Good evening soca lovers I’m Nurse Karen , and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Happy
Caribana weekend 2009! Wow....this is the time of year when sweet soca music takes center stage, and our fair city of Toronto show off the incredible beauty and culture of the Caribbean to the rest of the world. If you’re visiting from out of town. Sure hope you’ve had a chance to experience the exhilarating vibrations that only soca can provide. If you’re not already feeling the vibe...keep listening. Marxman and Dr. Jay are making you wine from 6 to 9.

So first the results from the road. Congratulations to Carnival Nationz on their 2009 Band of the Year title. The presentation of In Full Bloom was absolutely stunning to see. Runner up was Lousi Saldenah Mas K Club with a Tribute to Harold Saldenah. Congrats Dr. Jay...2nd place ain’t so bad. Toronto Revellers took home the 3rd place spot with Brasil, Bacchanal in RIO.

If you didn’t know, Toronto isn’t the only place celebrating carnival right now. Down in beautiful Barbados...it’s all about Crop Over. Red Plastic Bag took hom, yet another Calypso Monarch Crown this weekend. Then this weekend De General Edwin was votes Peoples’ Monarch of Barbados. That is a competition sponsored by a group of radio stations. Listeners get to text in votes for their favourite song and artist of the festival. Edwin’s uptempo...Middle of the road was the clear winner. He beat out his opponent Mikey 82 percent to 18 percent.

None the less, I can vouch that Mikey’s song I in Dat is a very big tune. Edwin thought Mikey deserved to get something too...so get this. He actually offered to give him 10 thousand dollars out of his $25,000 top prize.

Before I head out to continue the carnival action, lemme tell you what happened in Antigua last night. Tian Winter dethroned long time crowd favourite Claudette "CP" Peters in both the Groovy Soca Monarch and Party Monarch categories. So get used to the songs "Baby I" and "Soca Rebel"...and the name Tian Winter. He's on top of his game for 2009, and he's here to stay.

I'm Nurse Karen, and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more info on anything mentioned here...check out your best source for reliable soca news, Nurse Karen Etc at www.nurse-karen.com or follow nurse karen on twitter.

Read more...

Booster Shot: Barbados Kadooment Road March Results

Edwin Yearwood rocking the crowd at Broward Carnival 2008

You can blame Edwin Yearwood for a whole lot of bad behaviour on the road at Kadooment Day in Barbados yesterday. His monster jam "In De Middle Ah De Road", played most ofetn at judging points...making Mr. Yearwood the 2009 Road March / Tune of de Crop winner.



Next in like was Mikey with "I in Dat"

Third was Pic of the Crop / Calypso King Red Plastic Bag with "Something Happening"


Love and Carnival,

Nurse Karen

Read more...

Booster Shot: Edwin is Peoples' Monarch again!

Congratulations...De General, Mr. Edwin Yearwood continues to be a favourite in the hearts of Barbadians.

The Starcom Network of radio stations allows the general public to vote for the artist and song they believe to be the top tune of Crop Over.

The field was narrowed down to two great selections:

Mikey - I in Dat
Edwin Yearwood - Middle of de Road

The Crop Over frontline vocalist was able to amass 82 per cent of the vote. Mikey, weighed in with just 18 per cent. Edwin wins $25,000 as a result. He demonstrated class and great sportsmanship by offering $10,000 of his winnings to his opponent. Awwww, isn't that the sweetest thing?

Congrats goes to Edwin! His song happens to be one of my favourite uptempo soca tunes of 2009. If you don't know it, it'll grow on ya!

Middle A De Road (2009 Barbados Crop Over) Http://www.myspace.com/krosfyahband - Edwin Yearwood


Love and Soca,


Nurse Karen

Read more...

Booster Shot: More on Barbados' Sweet Soca and Party Monarch

Nurse Karen with Sweet-Soca and Party Monarch Champ TC in Barbados (July 2009)

Found an article worth sharing about the big competitions held for Crop Over this past Sunday. Congrats once again to TC and Nathalee. So far, Woman is Boss for Crop Over 2009

TC does the double to join winners’ row

7/27/2009
Barbados Advocate
By Khalil Goodman
TERENCIA “TC” Coward brought ‘the riddim’ and made history – winning the both inaugural 98.1 The One/Banks Sweet-Soca competition and the Mount Gay/Lime Party Monarch yesterday.

Singing the song “Hot Sun and Riddim” in both competitions, Coward captured the two trophies and $32 000 in combined cash prizes. Neil Bernard and Nicholas Brancker produced track helped edge out TC’s tent mate, Natalie “Natahlee” Burke. She came second in both competitions singing “This is What We Do.”

Natahlee lost to TC by 20 points in the Party Monarch competition and by only one point in the SweetSoca.
To read on, click here

Nurse Karen with Sweet Soca & Party Monarch Runner Up, Nathalee Burke in Barbados (July 2009)
Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Read more...

On De Scene: TC is 2009 Barbados Party Monarch too?!!

Our very own Corey Graham has been on de scene awaiting the most anticipated Party Monarch results for the past few minutes . Barbados seem to be in soca mode with TC gaining the FIRST ever Crop Over Sweet Soca Competition and tonight she is the Party Monarch for 2009 .


Results :


1. T.C. - Hot Sun N Riddim




2. Nathalee




3. Red Plastic Bag



4. Khiomal


5. Mr. Dale

We're in the dark as to how the same song is permitted to take the title in two seperate competitions. Time to take a closer look at the NCF Rules!

Thanks Corey and we look forward to your review on the competition in the coming days. Congratulations to TC !!!







Peace and Soca



Rochelle

Read more...

Booster Shot: TC is inaugural Sweet Soca Champ

Here are the results from The first ever Crop Over Sweet Soca Competition!!!

(Special thanks to our own Corey Graham 2.0 who is at Farley Hill National Park in Barbados awaiting the Party Monarch results)

1. TC - Hot Sun N Riddim

2. Nathalee Burke - What We Do

3. Mikey - I in Dat

4. Mr. Dale - We Come to Party

5. Blood - Back It Up

Congrats to Miss TC. She's been doing this soca thing for a while now. It was my pleasure to finally meet her in person 2 Sundays ago at Caribbean Wet Fete in Bridgetown. We chatted about this season...and the chances of this very thing happening! She edged out Nahtalee Burke by just 1 point!!!


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

P.S. Party Monarch results coming any second now!

Read more...

Booster Shot: Barbados Party Monarch & Sweet Soca Finalists Announced

Barbados - Party Monarch & Sweet Soca Contestants Announced

The anticipation.. the agony of waiting… feels like it's been a long haul, but finally the results are known. The finalists have been released for two of the most aniticipated competitions on the Crop Over calendar.

The eight finalists in the 98.1 The One Banks Sweet Soca Competition are:

Song Title Artiste

1. All Night Til Morning Statement

2. Back It Up Blood

3. Come Out Mr. Dale

4. Hot Sun and Riddim TC

5. I in Dat Mikey

6. Trouble Khiomal

7. What We Do Nathlee

8. We Come to Party Sir Ruel

RESERVE:

Winin' Zone Brett
----------------------------------

The ten finalists in the Mount Gay and LIME Party Monarch Competition are:

Tent Artiste

1. Bachannal Time Timmy

2. Celebration Time Donella

3. Celebration Time Khiomal

4. Celebration Time Lil Rick

5. De Big Show Nathalee

6. De Big Show Red Plastic Bag

7. De Big Show TC

8. Headliners Blood

9. Headliners Mr. Dale

10. Headliners Mikey

RESERVE:

De Big Show Kirk Brown

Crop Over

Read more...

Booster Shot: No More Competitive Pan at Crop Over

Cuts. Cuts. Cuts... Sadly, steelpan will not be a competitive arena at 2009 Barbados Crop Overdue to what appears to be a lack of respect for the nation's local talent.

I found this article in this morning's Barbados Advocate. Still shaking my head. Thought you may like it...

Just Say it: When will we start to value other artforms?

BY JANICE PERRYMAN

THE National Cultural Foundation (NCF) met earlier this year with steelbands of Barbados and discussed the rules of the impending steelband competition to be held during the Crop Over Festival 2009. Subsequent to this meeting they corresponded with the leaders of the bands and informed them of the details of the competition – prizes, date, time, venue, etc.

Players obviously began to prepare by paying an arranger and having regular rehearsal. It was therefore a surprise when we heard by a chance conversation that the event has been cancelled.

For the full story, click here!

Give it a read, and leave your "2 Cents" below...


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Read more...

On De Scene: Krosfyah Ventures and Pyramid Entertainment join forces for Crop Over 2K9

(originally written on Friday, June 12, 2009)

Head Table - Mikey of Krosfyah, Mikey, Tony "Rebel" Bailey, Adrian Dutchin, Ingrid, Santia, Tony Hoyos, Ruel Ward

Pyramid Entertainment Management Inc. the company which represents Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Biggie Irie and Mr. Dale, and Krosfyah Ventures Inc. which represents the Krosfyah band (Edwin Yearwood, Khiomal and Adrian Dutchin) have joined forces to create Barbados 246. Yeah people, I was at the press conference yesterday, and I learnt all about Barbados 246.

What is Barbados 246?

"It's a musical production which will showcase the past and present repertoire of the artistes as well as the diverse talents of the island's leading entertainers. Barbados 246 is a cultural business initiative designed to the brand Barbados locally, regionally and internationally."

Basically these entities are coming together to produce a full stage show that showcases the best of the artistes involved. Krosfyah's band will be bringing the full musical backing to the live performances by Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Biggie Irie and Mr. Dale. They are planning to include choreographed dancers and special effects into their performances. The interesting thing for me is that they have also stated that "each show will have a separate and distinct theme setting it apart from all the others". I find this interesting. I know any carnival is a very busy time and I am wondering if the Barbados 246 cast will be able to change their set from performance to performance. I mean they have said that they will be at select events over the Crop Over Season 2009.

19th June 2009 - Official Launch Event in Association with Brewster's Road - Return of the Burn
27th June 2009 - Plantation and Barbados 246 present "Boogie Nights" - Back In Time - Plantation
5th July 2009 - Soca Splash - Ultimate Beach Party - Carlisle Bay Centre
18th July 2009 - Fete - TBA - Plantation Theatre
25th July 2009 - Brewster's Road Fete - TBA - Tim's On The Highway
30th July 2009 - Glow - All White Party - Party Stand
31st July 2009 - Ten to Ten - All Night Event - Carlisle Car Park

To top it off they will be unveiling a Barbados 246 bus on Wednesday 17th June 2009! I will try to bring this to you. There will also be Barbados 246 Merchandising with T-Shirts along with a Barbados 246 Compliation CD which will be available on CD Baby, Got Rhythm.com, Trinidad Tunes, more on that as the season unfolds.

Mikey of Krosyah, Corey Graham 2.0 and Santia Bradshaw of Pyramid Entertainment

My 2 cents on this issue is that this effort is long overdue and I believe it is important that Bajan Entertainers step up to the plate and put on well produced stage shows.

Corey Graham 2.0

Read more...

The Rounds: Sanelle Dempster now singing with Jabae

(originally aired on Sunday, June 7, 2009 on "Soca Therapy" Flow 93.5 FM, Toronto)

In this Edition:

• Artist news at Crop Over: Stabby, Contone, Bruce and Barry Chandler
• Bunji and Fay Ann for Cohoblopot
• Problem Child goes poo poo in the bushes
• Signal Hill Choir to honour Shadow and Rudder
• Knycky Cordner now writes for Nurse Karen Etc

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. The last of Barbados’ pre Crop Over Cavalcades took place last night. And boy, was it ever bubbling over with information. Stabby de Guard performed a couple of new follow up tunes to last year’s smash, Go Stabby. And he informed the crowd that he’s now - a Sergeant. I guess boyfriend got a promotion or something. A few other things have changed since last Crop Over too. Contone cut off his dreadlocks. Bruce and Barry Chandler are no longer a part of the band Jabae, and the new frontline includes Sanell Dempster, and some fresh-faced 17 year old dude (Hadda find out his name for you!) A while ago, Barry had informed me that he’s been performing on a cruise ship throughout the year. Even without the band, he continues to make an impact on Crop Over with his very hot track, “Old School.”

Barry Chandler and Nurse Karen in Toronto

Apparently, the organizers of Crop Over are ignoring last year`s protests and complaints from the local music industry about booking foreign artists for Cohoblopot. This year, in addition to Machel Montano HD, Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons have been added to the already expensive cast.

Nurse Karen and Bunji Garlin in Miami

If you’re heading to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for carnival, and your itinerary happens to include any big fetes at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Puhlease do yourself a favour and mind where you step. Last night the venue played host for the Wildest, Wettest H20 Soca Fete ever. Destra and her band, Skinny Fabulous and the Alliance Band, plus a bunch of local acts gave memorable performances. In spite of the drinks flowing like water, and the water flowing like, well water too...the promoters somehow failed to provide sufficient bathroom facilities backstage for the artistes. So, Problem Child made the best of a bad situation by ( hear this) taking a number two in the bushes! Well, when yuh gotta go, yuh got to go!

Problem Child and Nurse Karen in Toronto

Trinidad's Signal Hill Alumni Choir is hard at work rehearsing the repertoire of Shadow and David Rudder in preparation for the group's 25th anniversary concert later this month. Artistic Director John Arnold describes the work of these two Calypso greats as "music that would certainly live on as classics for years to come."

Nurse Karen and David Rudder in Washington, DC

Everyweek, when I sign off, I take a moment to remind you to check out Nurse Karen Etc for more information. I don’t normally take time to share personal news with ya, but this time I’ve got something I can’t wait to say. This past week, soca artiste, Knycky Cordner, who happens to also be a popular trini radio and tv personality and former Miss Trinidad and Tobago, just joined my amazing team of international soca bloggers!

Our girl Knycky and friends in Trinidad

So now you can get on the scene reports from Trinidad, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Barbados, plus my regular Booster Shot news updates! I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Don’t forget to log on to nurse dash Karen dot com to welcome Knycky Cordner to the family. Now, back to de docta!

Read more...

On De Scene: Making Contact, LIME announces its Crop Over 2009 Plans

Krosfyah performing at Contact Launch

I am really beginning to catch the festival fever, I think I got the fever fuh trute.

My Friday night was spent at the Cable and Wireless LIME Contact Mas Band launch. The theme for 2009 is Fire Stones. It was a fully catered event with drinks free (of course) and waiters moving through the crowd with platters serving the various finger foods. It was the jerk pork with plantain that was my favourite!

If you know Bajans, you know we like our pork! The success of the CW Pork Lime every Friday evening stands as a testament to that! Pork done every way you like it, and some sweet soca in the background made for a great lime. Indeed its no wonder that this year LIME is adding more to the event with more live performances and some surprises too. I don't know what they might be, but every Friday from June 12 till August 9, make your way to CW Sports Club car park and get your Pork! All you pork mouts...

The feature presentation of the evening was, of course, the launch of costumes for the Contact band 2009 . It was a well choreographed presentation with the band entitled - Firestones.

Sections -

• Pearl
• Black Diamond
• Ruby
• Emerald
• Sapphire
• Fire Opal
• Amber

You take your pick! CW having sponsored Krosfyah for 10 years, saw it only fitting that they would bring the curtain down on the evening which was a nice touch.

Krosfyah Band in Miami, October 2008

Edwin Yearwood, Khiomal and Adrian Dutchin up front and pelting down the hits, I felt like that was one of the better Krosfyah performances I have seen. Maybe because the energy in the air was electric I am not sure but the people responded to ever tune, at least for the time I was around. Local lead singer of the band Nexcyx Mahalia came on to the stage and grooved to a reggae vibe with Khiomal and added some flavour to the set.

Karen Richardson I know you are a poet and you would love to know that Mahalia is a local poet and hosts a very popular poetry night here, rightly called Mahalia's corner.

I had a blast for sure. It will be interesting to see what Krosfyah has in store this Crop Over!

Read more...

On The Scene: 2009 Berger Boyz fete schedule and band launch

Last week Thursday I had the benefit of attending the Berger Boyz Launch where they launched their 2009 Carnival Costumes and their list of parties announced for the season. I have to say that I enjoyed the lime at Berger Boyz, I mean give me a VIP band, and drinks, and food - I will say I enjoyed the lime. Now for those of you out there who might be planning to invite me anywhere, let me make it clear ... I might enjoy the lime, but that doesn't mean I will SAY it was a good lime. So, just make sure that it is!

Alrite, so with no further delay. Here is the Berger Boyz 2009 Crop Over Schedule: (You are getting it here first, since their website isn't even live yet)

Berger Boyz 2009 Mas Presentation is Entitled - "Colours Ah We Paradise"

Voyage

Dreams

Radiance

Heritage Rhythm

Dreams Section

Radiance Section

Voyage Section

Group shot Of The Models For Colours Ah We Paradise

This year Brewsters Road Crew, Passion Network and the UWI Guild of Students will be involved with the band. They are all people who love to party and love, love their soca. I am sure this will be ah true party band on the road.

I found the costumes looked a little plain, but some of the models were not afraid to wuk their waistline. I am sure that is what Berger Boyz will be about on Kadooment Day. They not watching face ... only waist!

Here is there fete schedule now. Berger Boyz have officially moved out of Xtreme Night Club and going to the car park of the Port Sports Club. Basically, they are now in an outdoor venue, where I believe all Crop Over events should be held.

June 25th

The Launch - Skinny Fabulous, Mr Slaughter and Blaxx - Wear Black Short Pants Fete.

July 2nd Tight In White - If you wear white, drinks are free until midnight

July 9th
Ole Time Ting - John King and Friends - This year Ole Time Ting goes further back - Sno Ball Man, Ham Cutter Lady and the Hawker

July 23rd

Night of Champions - Wear football jerseys, and there will be free football jerseys to be won.

July 30th

The Wettest Night - water slides, mist washes, foam pitt and more.

Aug 1

10 to 10 - featuring Destra Garcia, that is about all they had to say.

The DJs for the season will be Peter Coppin and the MonstaPiece Crew, Pete Rock, Alvin Toppin, Bubbles and Stan, Joh Doe, Exodus and Dave Smooth.

Corey Graham 2.0

Read more...

On De Scene: "One More Day" for Crop Over, Biggie Irie lobbying for change?

Peter Ram (Left), fan,  Biggie Irie (Right)

So hear wha gine on, I just heard the new tune One More Day from the former International Groovy Soca Monarch, Biggie Irie featuring Peter Ram. I have to give Biggie Irie props. Ya done know the man vocals always correct, butwhat I really drawn to is the message:  give we one more day.

This tune is like a soca social commentary. We all know that there is just one day for the jump up in Barbados, Kadooment Day. Its not new to request for another day.  It's been a thought thrown around for a while.

Nurse Karen asked the man about it:

Nurse Karen:

How does it feel living in one of the only Caribbean islands with just one carnival parade day?

Biggie Irie:

Well we've been accustomed to one day on the road, but as Bajans travel to other carnivals worldwide they are becoming aware of the two day celebration, so recently on the call in programs and on the street i've been hearing ppl ask for two days here in Barbados, so hopefully gov't will comply soon.

Nurse Karen:

How serious are you about petitioning for change?

Biggie Irie:

*Laughter I'll leave the petitioning to the people, but they can use the song in the petition if they like! *Laughter* Seriously though, it is a serious song for the festival and hopefully it will be an anthem for other carnivals who don't have two days to jam on the road.

What makes this tune even more hard hitting, is that in recent years - especially last year, the police have been hurrying up the Kadooment Day music trucks, moving too fast for you to comfortably meet your Kadooment Day wuk-up quota!

Let me be more specific, imagine you start jumping say bout 9 am, right. Last year by 2 pm you would have been off the road and on your way home.  Yessss, I serious!

Listen I ain't going to go any deeper into that and get too passionate. I just want to give Biggie Irie some big ups for putting the whole mélée in a tune and he gets his partner in crime Peter Ram to back him up on this tune with one of his signature chants. And listen, I know people will sing it even when they merry from alcohol intake. 

Picture it, its 4 am

[Police man - enter  stage right to shut down the fete]

[Biggie Irie on stage and the crowd of rum filled soca lovers]

[From the distance, you hear the chant coming the crowd singing acapella ...]

"Gimme one more day....."

Oh and let's not forget the producer, Mr Dwaingerous stamping his name in the soca arena since he burst on the scene 2 years ago with the mega tunes Assume De Position by Patrice Roberts and Wining season by Machel Montano HD.

Dwain "Dwaingerous" Antrobus, another proud son of the Bajan soil.

Crop Over is here! Gve we one more day, nuh!

One More Day F.Peter Ram (2009 Barbados Crop Over) - Biggie Irie

Read more...

On De Scene: Crop Over Warm Up Vibes with Monstapiece, Brewster's Road and Rebel Vibes

Kaaaaren Nurse Karen, I sorry, I know I was to update the crew on the past weekend in Barbados.  Ah telling ya, Crop Over has started and the people are ready! Onstan?

I know I am late but I am telling you, I had to recover from the weekend! -  "I'm not drunk, I'm not drunk you can say way you want!"

I passed through the Monstapiece studios, and the guys in there are hard at work! Girl they might have a pretty good follow up year. I will tell you more soon. I promise.

Brewsters Road began their limes last Friday. Once I hit there and I got my rum and coke I was already feeling the vibe. All the usual "get on bad" suspects were out in force! After my rum - I had to speak with my uncle Johnnie. Yesss, Johnnie Walker is my uncle.

I had me a blast getting a few minutes to relax and listening to what the people were saying about the coming season after they tongues were loosened by the spirits. Girl, sounds like the people are ready.
I left a bit early, but apparently more and more people kept coming until Pelican was full. I am pleased to report that the people are stressed and ready for Crop Over. Brewsters Road looks like they are going to be hot. Come June 19, two thousand wine Brewsters Road will be singing oh goshhhhhhhhh Crop Over come again....

Next nite was the 1st anniversary party of the ever popular Taboo Saturday Nights.
Taboo's Location on Google Maps: http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=My+Location@13.093211%2C-59.612575

I have to congratulate to The Rebel and Clint Gregory  for being able to lock down the  Saturday nights in Taboo (formerly the boatyard) as the premiere clubbing spot on the Island. Rebel decided this year to put a band on the road, The Rebel Vibes Band -Psychomachia is the name and the website coming to - www.rebelvibes.com. They really got some hot and confident models to go on stage and strut their stuff, its something I believe that more band leaders should pay attention to. 

Check out the photos in this post. I am out - one more weekend closer to Crop Over!

 

 

Read more...

The Rounds: BBC Radio 1 cancels its soca show

In this edition:

• St. Vincent Carnival Launch
• Ist Cavalcade of Cropover
• Royalties Xtreme Band Launch
• Alison Hinds at IRAWMA's
• BBC 1xtra cancels its Soca program

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. What a weekend! Saturday was an action packed day all over socaverse.  There were Carnival road parades in St. Thoman, St. Marten and GRAND CAYMAN. Dr. Jay actually DJ’d on the road down there for Swanky international, and I understand the band went on to capture the band of the year title.

Over in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Vincy Mas 2009 has officially begun. Festivities took places across the mainland with music trucks parading into town from all parts of the island. Last year’s road march king, Icon...defeated Zoelah in the new song competition. He’s already got fans in the palms of his hands with popular releases like Teaser and Congaline.

Zoelah had won that title in both 2007 and 2008. But no worries Zoelah fans, her new tune More Water, promises to get its share of DJ spins as her follow up to Wine Up On Me.  

Nurse Karen last month in Toronto with Zoelah

The Crop Over festivities unofficially began in Barbados yesterday with the very first cavalcade. Tone Def Studio is out the gates early as usual with an album called Chaos produced by Andy “Blood” Armstrong, former frontline vocalist with Square One.  

Blood in his studio in BIM

Mas bands are launching all over the Caribbean, and here in Toronto two. One of our biggest bands, Carnival Nationz unleashed it’s 2009 presentation called “In Full Bloom - Fruits and Flowers” last night. In St. Lucia on Friday night, a popular radio personality, magazine editor and DJ, MC Scady impressed the local media when he added one more title to his resume as the P.R.O. of the new carnival band Royalties Xtreme.

Rochelle in St. Lucia last Friday with Scady

 The Lucian posse out there would remember Royalties as very a popular force on the road from the 1980’s through 2002. Then they disappeared. In ’08 the Lucians in England brought a band called Xtreme to Nottinghill Carnival. So the two groups have joined forces to bring de ting back home. The gorgeous presentation is called Africa is Our home.

Something else that started in England, made the rounds this week. UK born Soca star Alison Hinds has a date with the International Reggae and World Music Awards in Queens, New York this evening. She will be the only soca act performing at the show.  

At lastly, BBC 1xtra, one of two commercial stations in the UK that plays any soca at all, has made the decision to cancel their International Sounds of Soca program. In the past, the program was hosted by Slick and Machel Montano. Our boy, Kerwin Du Bois used to DJ on there sometimes when he was still living in England. Then bajan beauty Alex Jordan was the first female to host the program, and became the first DJ to ever resign from the station last Autumn. Since then, DT temporarily took the helm. 

Nurse Karen at a 1Xtra live broadcast with Alex Jordan in London, England

Well, it is possible that some kinda soca show will be back on air in the Summer but for now, CRICKETS!

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. If you love soca, and wouldn’t let anyone take your favourite music off your FAVOURITE radio station, visit me online at Nurse dash Karen dot com. Now, back to de Docta!

Read more...

The Rounds: Crop Over is coming, producer preview...

In this edition:

• Private 6 turns 20.
• Shurwayne Winchester releases a new album
• Bacchanal Jamaica Midnight in Paris
• Crop Over music preview
• Alison Hinds nominated for 2009 IRAWMAs

Good Evening Soca Lovers!

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.  While April may be the rainiest month of the year in these parts, there's no reason to assume that means spirits are low.  There's lots to celebrate all over the soca world, as we take on Spring with a bang.

   Last week Thursday, up and coming St. Lucian soca artist, Private 6 turned 20. If you don't recall the name, he brought us a song called Kalina on the Soca Blutooth Riddim in 2007 with an artist called Orion, and last year he had a cheeky diddy called "For Cable", that made a bit of a splash at home and abroad.

      Shurwayne Winchester and YOU is celebrating the release of their first studio album together, simply called YOU.  The CDs were pressed last week, and lucky fans in Trinidad will be the first to be able to grab their copies starting Thursday - just in time for Easter.

      There's no doubt that Easter is one of the holiest days on the Christian calendar.  For me, its a quiet weekend spent in church, and with close family and friends.  In Jamaica, Easter weekend is all about Bacchanal Jamaica Beach J'ouvert, featuring Machel Montano and Patrice Roberts.  On Friday night, the Bacchanal Mas camp was already hot with action for Midnight in Paris with Destra Garcia and Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon.  
Denise Belfon and Nurse Karen backstage at UWI Splash, Trinidad - February 2009.

 Jamaica has serious soca fans, making it Destra's favourite place to perform.   I heard great reports from the performers, but off stage, Tortola's soca songbird Jalena wasn't having such a great night after being robbed in Kingston.  That’s gotta suck!  Had a similar experience in Trinidad, but LET’s not talk about me...

          Over in Barbados, preparations for Crop Over are underway at all the studios.  Red Boyz are saying they won’t be doing soca this year. Peter Coppin is pumping out what he hope will be the 2009 version of the coconut tree riddim.  And Xtreme Platter/ Jammas…other wise known as Big Red, King Bubba and Foreigner Frank are working on an compilation album that will feature themselves plus Lil Rick, Jana, Peter Ram, Rashida AND  Don Trent.

Biggie Irie is spending this weekend recording two tracks with Dwaingerous…so there’s plenty of great new music just around the corner. 

Before I go, let me say congratulations to Alison Hinds on her International Reggae and World Music Awards nominations last week. Ally made the cut in two catergories, Best Female Vocalist and Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer.  I'm still waiting on the complete list of nominees, but I'll keep you up to date.  I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds.  Stay in the know by reading the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net.  Or get up to the minute updates by following me on twitter:  That's twitter dot com slash nurse karen.

(Nurse) Karen
http:/www.twitter.com/nursekaren

Read more...

Eye Unit: Tempa Wine Video *Fresh from the Lab*

One of the tracks that brought some extra heat to Barbados' Crop Over 2008 has finally emerged with a snazzy new video.  Be one of the first to see Machel and Patrice's latest video offering. 

Tempa Wine

I feel these two need to do a collabo album  or sumting!  How they find theyselves in studio together so much?  LOL. Lemme not start something, eh.

Just enjoy the video!

Read more...

Booster Shot: Edwin is King Again....

Can somebody please tell me why so many great carnivals all take place at the beginning of August?

It makes it very hard for a girl to give everything its due.

So my Bajan posse, please forgive the tardiness of this post. Crop Over done since Monday and The General is still in control. That's right ladies, Edwin Yearwood takes "Tune of the Crop" for the fourth time for "Handle Yuh Business". He won Peoples' Monarch last Thursday with the same song.



Not a bad showing for Krosfyah this year at all. Edwin's fellow bandmate Khiomal Nurse (no relation to yours truly!) is the reigning Party Monarch. Dat little cutie performed "Unleash the Beast" looking like a bright green monster. But dat don't scare me! I still wanted to give him a hug.



The international community can look forward to seeing Krosfyah at a fete near you. A few friends in Barbados were mentioning that they hoped the band would jazz up the set a bit in time for Cohoblopot. Instead, they've been bringing the same show for the whole season. Where I'm concerned, I guess it doesn't really matter....cuz clearly, it's working for them...and after all I haven't seen it yet.

Congrats to Edwin! The count is now up to 10 titles. 5-time Party Monarch , 4 - time Road March King (Tune-o-de-Crop)...and 1 Pic-o-de-Crop crown....and one new chune that will forever long for the sweetness of carnival at home!



Still bringing hits. Still getting on bad. Still well loved by the people.

Yuh Large!

Read more...

Nurse's Lounge: Hello Barbados! Bye Bye Caribbean

I'm in Barbados for a few hours. Sneaking a little time on the net at the BoomTribe.com/Alt Entertainment headquarters.

Tonight is the big WET FETE. That's the event that some would say is the real start to Crop Over. I'm about to take a stroll through Bridgetown to see if this big event is affecting the usually Sunday lull. But, first up...we'll check out the out the venue to see who might be clocking in for sound check.

Too bad, I won't be able to stick around for the show!

Read more...