Somewhere out there, Soca's original rude gyal is celebrating her birthday. Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon has re-emerged as a crowd favourite during Trinidad's 2009 Carnival season. Over the past year, she has been surprising fans with Jazz performances in Trinidad, and shedding a few extra pounds. Just look at how great she was looking for Miami Carnival!
Other than that Denise has been and pushing out some quality new music.
The latest is a new single with Ghetto Flex called "Love you from the Get Go"
Denise is working on an album that should be available by 2K10 Trini Carnival. This cool groovy collab is one of possible three songs featuring Ghetto Flex on the CD. So my gift to both Denise and to her fans...is to let you check out her new music!
Originally aired on Soca Therapy on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto (Sunday, November 22, 2009)
In this edition:
- Tobago will have a rep at International Soca Monarch (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Still no venue for ISM (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Caribana dates set (Canada)
- Scrappy releases compilation album (Montserrat)
- Lil Bitts' and the dead dog (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Happy Birthday Saucy Wow and Boy Boy (Trinidad and Tobago)
Good evening soca lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds!
Great news hit the beautiful shores of Tobago last weekend. The soca artists based there recently found out that the winner of their local Soca Monarch competition on January 17th will get an automatic bypass to the finals of the International Soca Monarch competition in Trinidad. Tobago joins the ranks of islands such as Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent who all enjoy seeded positions for their reigning monarchs. That means one less spot is open for Trinidad-based artists in the finals.
But all this soca monarch talk is probably still premature, considering the Caribbean Prestige Foundation still has not settled on a suitable venue for the 2K10 competition.
While we’re on the topic of Soca royalty, the 2005-2006 Montserrat Soca Monarch, Scrappy recently released a new album just in time for his island’s upcoming carnival season. Welcome to Montserrat Volumes 1 and 2 is a two disc compilation album showcasing STRAT’s top talents in both soca and reggae. But if you’re a big Scrappy Fan, he’s got a solo album set to drop any day now. It’s called “The Caribbean Dream”. Be sure to check it out.
Fast forward to Toronto Carnival 2010. Plans for next year’s Caribana are already beginning to take shape. Festival dates have been set for July 13 through August 1. Tell your family and friends!
Here’s something else you might want to tell your friends. Be sure to lock up your pets around Lil Bitts. I know I’m going to get in trouble for reporting this one. But today the artiste who is ironically promoting a single called “Careful” rolled over a dog with a car in Trinidad around 7 o’clock this morning. Lemme vouch for the girl and tell you, the accident was completely unintentional. After all, Miss Lady is barely big enough to hurt a fly let alone a dog. But sadly, the pooch did not make it.
As we approach the end of November, there’s no shortage of birthdays to celebrate. Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon turns 41 on the 23rd, and on Tuesday, the 24th Machel Montano turns 35. Happy Birthday Soca Babies...we love you!
Dominica's annual World Creole Festival is right around the corner. The music event features a wide variety of music styles that relate to the island's joint African and French heritage. Usually we think of Cadence, Zouk, Bouyon and Kompas when the Creole Festival comes around, however, there's a healthy dose of soca and calypso in the mix as well. This year Trinidadian veteran bandleader, Roy Cape will be among the honorees!
Cape is being recognized for his contribution to Caribbean music for decades, both at home in his native Trinidad and Tobago and in Dominica. He will travel to Dominica to perform in the 3-day long event, October 30 through November 1st. This is the saxophonist's first appearance at the fesitival, although it is reported that Roy Cape's first performance on the Nature Isle was in 1969 with the Sparrow Troubadours. He came back again with Black Stalin in 1988.
The World Creole Festival continues to grow as one of the region's premiere music events. If you like reggae, you can catch Morgan Heritage and Maxi Priest. However, for soca lovers, the final show is looking like a very hot ticket. Scheduled appearances include the likes of WCK, Denise Belfon, Iwer George, KMC, Daddy Chess, Kurt Allen, Chocolate and of course Roy Cape All Stars.
Roy Cape says he was bestowed the 1994 Hummingbird Gold National Award in Trinidad, but he finds it special for another country to pay tribute.
More than other penny pinching promoters throughout the socaverse, Miami party promoters are known to cut corners when hosting events. I talk to artists all the time, and it may suprise you to learn that for Miami Carnival MOST soca perfomers have to pay for their own flights, hotel stays and meals. Several promoters are known to pay up late, or not at all. Some of the biggest events only pay about 20% of their billed artistes, while the other cast members perform just for the hope of greater exposure.Of course, you have those who also advertise artists and DJs who aren't even confirmed, then have the nerve to ask patrons to pay handsomely for tickets that would probably cost less in any other city. I'm no artiste, but that kinda treatment would be enough to discourage me from my craft. If you can't even expect to profit from performances in front of huge crowds that earn US dollars, when can you expect to make a buck? I dunno if any of you have heard about this new fete happening in Miami during Columbus Day weekend this year. But, there's a little something called Miami Vice, happening on Friday, October 9th on the actual set of Miami Vice, the Ice Palace.
I felt like personally throwing my love behind this event for what it represents. So before anyone is too quick to talk. This is not a paid advertisement. I wrote this because, I support the music, the music-makers, and anyone who believes in excellence.
Miami Vice was the brainchild of Fay-Ann Lyons. After several bad experiences fighting for the respect of persons who feign to
PROMOTE the soca artform, she and husband Bunji Garlin thought it would be a good
idea to put their money behind a Miami-based event that would showcase soca in a professional manner.
So beyond the fact that the thing goes down at a mansion/film studio made famous by a TV series that literally put the city of
Miami on the map, there are other noteworthy factors that make this fete worth supporting with your dolla-dolla bills y'all:
1. ARTIST DRIVEN: I told you all that. The Asylum camp ARE the promoters. 2. CONFIRMED CAST: Bunji and Fay called up a few of their best buddies in the business. They WILL be there; Beenie Man, Benjai, Biggie Irie, Denise Belfon, Hunter, Kevin Lyttle, Peter Ram, Problem Child, Sizwe C,
Skinny Fabulous, Trini Jacobs... 3. NO TRACKS! The entire cast will be backed by the Asylum Band. Dem boyz are working overtime in rehearsals learning the music for that long @$$ list of guests. Most of these artists do not travel with bands, so this is a rare chance to catch the kind of energy live music alone can inspire.
4. PRICE: It's 35 Bucks...what is that $2.50 per artist? It's cheaper than most of the other local offerings on the same night.
Knowing what most of these acts charge, I really have no idea how they're even making money on this event.
I love soca, but I freely admit that there are a lot of things that
happen behind the scenes making this business very dirty and cruel at times. So congratulations to all of the people working hard behind the scenes to make Miami Vice a success. From what I understand, regular people have been volunteering
their time and creativity to make sure the word gets out. I sincerely hope that in doing this, all of you begin to send a strong message to some of the players in the game who have been breaking the rules for far too long.
I will be there, and if anyone wants to join me, you can buy advance tickets HERE
Wanna send out a little birthday love to Hilton Dalzell, otherwise known at Ghetto Flex!
Yesterday was actually his big day, but I failed to send the wishes on time. (My bad). Today they are just as sincere. I decided I ought to post one of my favourite tracks from the Trini artist, who like me, has a Vincy mama and papa!
Nurse Karen and Ghetto at Black and White Fete in Miami, October 2008
So my gift to you on behalf of Ghetto, is this: "Wine and Bend Over". It's that very memorable collaboration with Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon, with a video that was shot right here in Toronto, directed by Jason Singh. I found out last week that Miss Belfon has a new album in the works that is said to feature multiple collaborations with Ghetto Flex. Isn't that swell?
Happy Birthday Ghetto! Thanks for the tunes. May these year bring you loads of new blessings!
Tomorrow night, Bunji Garlin is hosting a birthday party in Washington D.C. His actual big day is July 14th...but he's a star, he can do whatever he wants.
Besides he and Fay-Ann, the show will also feature performances from Hunter, Benjai and Saucy Wow all backed by the Asylum Band. Last night I was in Trinidad at Denise's rehearsal with Asylum.
Here's a lil clip to show ya the vibe in the band room.
Here's a quicky... I sure hope you're ready for this.
Trini posse! When I was liming at Question Mark Entertainment yesterday, I had a brief chat with Saucy. Wow is all I can say. Girlfriend was practicing her set for Washington D.C. My girl brought the winery 100%. The band was literally timing themselves to the motion of that infamous bam bam...but dat's not really why I'm writing this.
OK..so as we were chit-chatting on the couch Denise Belfon let me know that she's starting a new event at Mas Camp pub on Ariapita Ave. You didn't know? Ha ha...,well keep reading. You couldn't have heard THIS before.
So the event is going to be a music night called "Talent on the Avenue". Every Thursday night beginning Thursday, July 16...you'll get to experience feature performances from many of Trinidad emerging soca artistes...but the event isn't about soca at all.
It's an opportunity for Trini's to appreciate local talent outside of the carnival season. She tells me that she herself will be singing jazz and soul...basically flexing a completely different musical muscle.
Special treat soca freaks! So, you know your girl was REAL looking forward to going to Atlanta for carnival this year. It didn't work out. Which happens to me A LITTLE TOO OFTEN for my liking! What can I say?!!? News must share. So, I pulled a few strings to get an on-the-ground account of the action from DJ LP from New York's G13 Sound System. If your memory is short, you know him as the sound boy who gave you that too sweet Free Download Mad Decent Power Soca Mix earlier this year. If you didn't get it before, handle that! Yuh stickin'....
So, back to the point. Atlanta Carnival is now. LP is there - feting like a fiend. Enjoying his long weekend!...and I here in Toronto doing my regular Sunday Soca Therapy thang! So, you wanna know the vibes in ATL, right? Who better to tell ya than a DJ who LOVEs soca? He's on de scene... ( I hear de man link up to snap pics for Toronto-Lime too, busy guy!)
The man is a boss. He gave me updates and pics from several events. So, like a good nurse, lemme give you in small doses. One today, another tomorrow. Following? First up....J'OUVERT!!!!
LP, tell the people....
Friday, May 22, 2009
Hi Karen,
Hope all is well in TO. Here's my rundown...
Although there were a few Wednesday and Thursday fetes, this is well known as the official launch for the weekend. I reached Atrium on Memorial Drive around midnight. I was still early, but the vibes were flowing nicely as they do at Krushmore Entertainment events. The soca room started to fill up around 12:30 a.m. and the crowd was treated to a very good mix of new and old classics from various islands care of Optimisque from Dominica, DJ Hottness from Atlanta by way of Guyana, DJ Kevy Kev from Orlando by way of St Kitts & Nevis, and ATL's #1 soca DJ Tony Tempo.
Tony Tempo and Giselle De Wassi One
Atlanta is very well known for its small island massive, and of course the VI, SKN, and Dominica massive were front and center the entire night, supporting a lot of new USVI and SKN soca from bands such as UMB Soldiers, WCK, Small Axe Band, and Nu-Vybes band, selected by DJ Kevy Kev
After the small island session, DJ Tony Tempo and Giselle Di Wassi One took full control for the rest of the night with 100% soca, including performances from Ziggy Ranking and Denise Belfon. By the time the party was over, there were only a few hours until masqueraders were to line up along West Peachtree Street for the parade.
Ziggy Ranking at J'ouvert Party
Sounds like a nice session!! Thanks for the review LP! Next up : The Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleaders Association Parade of the Bands. Check for the post in the morning!
You know I try and carry my camera everywhere I go. Too bad, this carnival I really was focused a little more on the lime than anything else. Never mind that, if you missed the Bacchanal of Trinidad carnival, I think I brought home enough to give you a sample.
Here are some clips from the sets of Kes the Band, Destra and Machel Montano HD.
You'll see a few of your faves including; Kees, Nadia Batson, Alison Hinds, Saucy Wow, Skinny Fabulous, Machel, and Busy Signal.
Hi, I am Rochelle from one of de most beautiful islands in the Caribbean , St.Lucia. I am honoured to be covering my first Trini Carnival with the Nurse and you can bet your bottom dollar the atmosphere is everything I expected!
Last Night, was my very first trini fete having arrived at 1 a.m. because Karen and I had no intentions of attending the proclaimed Bacchanal Wednesday which was held in Chagaramas. Nonetheless we have no regrets!
Nurse Karen and I inside Bacchanal Wednesday
When we arrived, we were welcomed with the tunes of Kes the Band and Nadia Batson. Now before I continue, I must tell you all ,that I am a huge Nadia fan . Her vocals and lyrics are just captivating so when we spotted her public for a split second I was star stuck ,yes I was!
Nadia Batson and Myself at Bacchanal Wednesday
Anyways, back to de Bacchanal after Kes the Band and Nadia warmed de crowd up , Destra came on with her band ; and I must say I was more than impressed with Destra performance. Especially her inclusion of the two soca Queens (Denise Saucy Wow and Alison Hinds) on their 2009 track "Obessive Winers"! The performance and chemistry was indeed the highlight of the show for me.
As expected , Trinis went mad when Machel Montano HD came on stage , the crowd was literally going "wild like ants" . What a sight! Machel performed all de way to 5:30 a.m, for a second I thought he would not stop til sunrise. So for my first trini fete , I must admit I think ah catch some sorta party fever and I just want to party now, It is addictive ah tell you!
Many patrons will complain about the long traffic afterwards but I did not mind , because the company on the way home was great and I had a blast at Bacchanal Wednesday. So cheers to Zen for a great show , ah coming tonight again, for University Splash !
So stay tuned , Nurse thanks once again for having me on board.
Take care guys and if you eh in Trini , dont worry The Nurse and I will be giving you the 411 on all the events.
If you've never done the Trini Carnival thing, and you're looking for a big fete with top artistes that won't cost you your month's rent to attend, give Bacchanal Wednesday a try. Mind you it's not cheap. Carnival time isn't the time for deals.
After stick fighting, Rochelle and me rode west to Chagaramas. We weren't sure what to expect, arriving at 1:00 am to an event that started at 9p.m. Lucky for us, we were right on time to see performances from Kes the Band, Destra and her Band and Machel Montano HD.
My highlight was the Destra's performance of Obsessive Winers together with Alison Hinds and Denise Belfon. Beautiful to see those divas on stage together! I don't have any juicy news, or back stage scoop. I spent the night liming with friends. Ran into people I know from Toronto, Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Miami - united in soca! YES!!!!!
Behind the scenes with Saucy WOW (one night later at UWI Fete)
Boo factor: So Zen, as a patron of your event, I didn't appreciate that I had to purchase $100 worth of chits if I wanted to drink anything that all. I wanted water! Come on nah man...what is that one?
None the less, such a sweet welcome party! We lapped up 4 plus hours of fete, followed by nearly 2 hours of traffic. Then I was out like a light.
Ready for me next adventure!
Love and soca,
(Nurse) Karen
P.S. I wanna introduce you to a special guest contributor who will be helping me keep the blog up to date for the rest of the Trinidad Carnival season. Please join me in welcoming my girl Rochelle from St. Lucia, here for her first go at Trinidad Carnival! Make sure and read her posts and leave her lots of comments! Lata!
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.
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. It’s a been a couple of weeks since I’ve had the pleasure of being here in the flow studios, and let me tell you, I couldn’t wait to get back to tell you what’s going on in the Sunny Caribbean.
My three week Caribbean tour took me through Trinidad, St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Barbados. You know me, I had to connect with as many of your favourite artistes, producers and media outlet as I could just be sure, you’re always getting the most up-to-date news from the soca world. If you want journals, pics and tons of video, check out Nurse Karen Etc at Mustardseeds dot net. And be sure to visit Vincy Carnival 360 at Toronto-Lime.com
Here's the crew that made it possible working hard in Trinidad (Jan/Feb 2008), Jef (Camera and Editing)
Mr. Playhouse, the crazy host!!!
But listen, I ’m glad to be back. It’s not wise to stay away from Toronto too long in the Summer. After all, Caribana kicked off this past week. Yesterday was Kiddies carnival up at Yorkgate Mall. I’ve got your UNOFFICIAL results right here. Congrats goes out to Louis Saldenah Mas K club for taking Junior Band of the Year, with second place honours going to Carnival Nationz, and Toronto Revellers in with a third place finish.
Over in Barbados the list of Party Monarch finalists was released on Friday. 19 soca artistes will go head-to-head on Sunday, July 27th to see who can defeat reigning monarch Lil Rick. You wah know who? Kimberley Inniss, Miguel White, Khiomal Nurse, Justin King, Donella, Rameses, Peter Ram, Nathalee Burke, Red Plastic Bag, TC, Buggy, Jafar, Mikey, Blood, Mr. Dale, Hee Haw, Dragon Slayer and Jay – B.
Nurse Karen with reigning Bajan Party Monarch, Lil Rick in Toronto
In St. Lucia, Calypso finals were last night and a tune I really love managed to snatch first place. It’s called Suzette and it’s sung by a Lucian Calypso veteran called Herb Black. I’m not sure if there’s another island where same song could be entered in both Groovy Soca Monarch and Calypso Monarch and win de both of them. But such is the case in S.L.U. and once nobody breaking the rules. There’ll be no complaints from me.
Herb Black performing at Party in the Yard, St. Lucia
Tonight is when the eyes of the entire Caribbean will focus on St. Lucia. In a few hours the annual Caribbean Soca Monarch Show will kick off. Competitors from 11 nations will vie for the international title. It’s a little confusing to me. In years gone by, you could only compete if you were the reigning soca monarch of an Eastern Caribbean State. Now that it’s open to the entire region, it’s obvious that some countries don’t bother asking their actual monarch to compete. For example, Fireball and Denise Belfon will be representing Trinidad. Adrian Dutchin should have been repping Guyana, but he’s not.
Nurse Karen and Adrian Dutchin in Toronto
St. Lucia entered ALL of the top 3 finalists from last week’s awesome show. Ricky T, Mr. Pringles and Ilah Man.
Mr. Pringles/ Superman with Nurse Karen in St. Lucia
Luta managed to sneak in there for SVG alongside last year’s soca monarch Fireman . Plus there’s a mix of groovy and uptempo songs! Me eh know. Some things aren’t meant to be understood. But you better believe, this is a show to be enjoyed!
Fireman Hooper, Luta and Nurse Karen in SVG
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. As always, leave me your comments online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at Mustard Seeds dot Net, and be sure to grab the podcast from Soca Therapy dot com. Now, back to de Docta!
So, let me start with and apology. All year long you hear me on air talking about soca monarch and party monarch competitions from all over the globe. Any kind of monarch really, Chutney, Calypso...what can I say? I'm obsessed with the monarchy.
Well I here in Trinidad for Carnival 2k8, and guess where I didn't go tonight? Don't actually guess...that's what they call a rhetorical question. Instead, de ladies and me niced up ourselves to party with Island People at Girl Power.
Parking was a headache and a half. Alas, we made it to the VIP gate and got in. I immediately spotted D'Bandit and a big crew from Toronto...and ruined their perfectly good picture. Then, I was all alone. I lost all 6 of the other girls I came with. You know what that means? I had to go for my first Bailey's alone.
Saucy Wow was on stage, singing her rude girl anthem. She picked the smallest lil man from the crown to kill him with de wine. Ah fine she killing me these days too. Denise, what to say, really? I love your big smile, your big voice, your big bam bam...I ain't mad. I especially love your "don't care" attitude. So, I hope you don't care when I say tight does not = sexy.
Destra and Atlantik had next. She have some really eye candy in that band. Num num. At this point, I met up with the girls and we had a premium spot to the right of the stage. I looked up and I saw gold sequined hot pants reflect all manner of light. She sang the old favourites...as her secret weapon writing buddy Kernal Roberts looked on from back stage.
He and Machel greeted me with smiles and kisses to welcome me to Trinidad. Sean Paul and Ms. Garcia did they wine up thing again. And the Rider girls really crushed a very happy man...bouncing in the sky and ting. All of that makes for a nice lil presentation..but the real highlight of the show was a petite Antiguan ball of fire by the name of Tizzy. When she ran on stage, it was all style, class, elegance and talent. She's got a command of the crowd that is intensifying each time I see her perform. I feel like her performance of Expose was the first one to really get that crowd away from the bar and the food tents for a few minutes. Congrats Tizzy! She must have come straight from the Groovy Soca Monarch Show. I have no idea why Atlantik didn't use "Show Dem What You Have" in their shows. It's a big tune on the radio...and it's the one that got baby girl into the finals. But none the less, she worked the hell out of her 5 minutes!
Content on some stew beef, mashed potatos and salad...I decided to check out the General Admission side to find a few friends. Much to my surprise...the other side was more spacious, and had a better view. So, that's where I parked it till the sun came up. Kes the Band, gave a wonderful show. Nadia was cool and relaxed in her black tee and jeans. Kees stripped down, just to remind the girls why he's such a hottie...and finally...I relaxed and took a wine.
The last band of the night was Machel Montano HD. They still on that HD ting for 2K8? At once the liquor must have kicked in...cuz the crowd was finally ready to party. I'm sure this was about 4 am. Farmer Nappy, Patrice, Machel...and even Ricky T got exactly one minute to bring de pressure before the fete shut down. It was rags and flags and glow sticks...and jamishness. As the sun began to rise over Jenny's car park, I turned around and saw two family-ar faces wining like they on vacation! Marxman and Soca Sweetness from the Kingdom of Soca and Soca Therapy took a break from DJ duties that night to enjoy Girl Power. (Now why they calling it that again?)
Police tell Machel to stop..and de party stop. Ran into Lil Bitts on the way out...visited all the performers to share some kudos. If you see how hard they work during this season. And to think those boys were still looking to lime. Not me. time for bed.
I'm Nurse Karen and that's your Booster Shot! Next stop Maracas Bay...
Good Evening Dr. Jay, and Good Evening Soca Lovers. I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Today is Super Sunday. And while millions of eyes are glued to the TV set, I want to thank you for giving us your EARS at the very least! To tell you the truth, I couldn’t care less about American football…so I’m fine with watching Dr. Jay and Marxman sneak a peak at the game between songs. You know what I DO CARE about, right? That’s right dahlin…Ah love meh soca. Last night was the 12th Annual Doh Cry Ah Leaving party. The big fete was Toronto’s last chance to party alongside de Soca Prince for nearly a month….Then it’s off to Trinidad for Carnival. Lucky HIM. On top of all the hot new music and great company last night, soca fans were treated to a Big announcement from de Doctor himself. In case you haven’t heard…Toronto’s own Soca Sweetness is the newest addition to the illustrious Kingdom of Soca family. So if you don’t about this man’s musical sugar, get ready to take a taste of this all-star DJ working his magic at a fete near you. Down in Trinidad a brand to soca star has emerged from the Idol-style competition on Synergy TV. Umi Marcano sealed the deal on Thursday with a performance of Machel’s “One more wine”. As the winner of…(check the tongue twister) Synergy Soca Star Season 2, Umi is in great Company. Last year’s winner, Fireball is blazing up the charts with his release “What I Want”….A tune that had ME BLAZING up de dance floor last night. While I’m on the topic of dancing, I’m looking for someone to teach me the bicycle wine. I heard that Miss Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon is doing her stretches to prepare for the Soca Monarch finals. Belfon is hoping her Bicycle Wine routine will convince the judges to let her ride RIGHT into the top four. She might just be right…and If I could borrow she bicycle to help me get ahead, I might just be riding in time for Spring. Because I’ve SEEN what happens when Saucy Wow gives a show, those of you travelling to Trinidad for Carnival will be happy to know that the promoters of the International Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch shows sat down last week to address security issues for the big night. There will be no tickets sold at the gate on Fantastic Friday, so get them things arranged quick. It’s going to be a great night! The building excitement around TnT’s carnival is rubbing off on its Caribbean neighbours in Jamaica. Adventure is the theme for Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival 2007. The season kicks off on Friday, with the opening of Mas Camp Village. Jamaica carnival has a couple months to go until it’s as hot as can be, but with the ICC Cricket World Cup coming to town at the same time…it really will be a great adventure. I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds for Super Sunday 2007. Please send your comments to SOCA at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Now back to de docta…
Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. With less than one month to go before Soca or Die five…I’m starting to feel the anticipation in the air. Personally, I think de good doctor gone mad bringing every artiste and they brudda up to celebrate he birthday. But I tell you, when you’re the Prince of Soca, there’s no better way to show the city how much soca has been part of your life, than to throw a party the city will never forget. I’m real looking forward to it. Last week Doctor Jay mentioned that I will be marking a birthday too….dancing into the night with a slew of soca Scorpios -Murda! This week, MTV Tempo finally released their birthday celebration plans as well. And guess when is their big party… that’s right! Saturday, November 4th. The big anniversary fete goes down on the island of St. Croix. It will feature performances by Shurwayne Winchester, Saucy Wow and a couple of others. But nothing like what we’re doing here. We packing up de KoolHaus with Doctor Jay and a truckload of his soca friends. I don’t think allyuh understand how excited I am to see Kimberly Inniss and Lil Rick perform “My Hips”…oh gosh L’il Rick people!!! Oh-Kay…back to de rounds. Last week I let you know that Jamesy P was chilling at home rather than going down the road with fellow hit maker Jason Benn in Miami, That’s OK, because it turns out Mr. Benn was doing just fine on he own. Benn took away the 2006 Miami Soca Monarch Title last weekend with a song called “Who to Choose” It appears that the judges chose him. The Trini born singer is based in Brooklyn New York and is known there as a top promoter of Boat rides and Parties. He’s also known for his golden voice, having won New York Soca Artiste of the year four years ago at the first ever international Soca Awards. I love it when hard working people get their due recognition. Benn is a songwriter too. In the past, he has composed songs for Denyse Plummer, Natasha Wilson, and Candy Hoyte. Jason says he’ll be stepping it even hotter this year. He wrote a song for Destra called “ I dare you.” And although he hasn’t performed in Trinidad for carnival in three years, he plans to break that habit in 2007. While we’re talking about hard workers who hadda get they props…I want to direct your attention to Doctor Jay de Soca prince. After all these years of Soca therapy, dat man been busting he hump to give you the very best in soca music. He works plenty hard and understands that sometimes when you’re busy, it’s good to get a little help. Lucky for me, because if wasn’t for Jay, Nurse Karen wouldn’ta ha no wuk. And I must say, I’m thankful. Since I started bringing you the rounds, I’ve been learning something new every week. This week I found out a little something about my own heritage. Los Angeles carnival takes place in the community of Westchester. It’s home to a good sized Caribbean population as well as lots of Garifuna people. This is especially interesting to me, because of my own Garifuna ancestry. The Garifuna are a mixed race people who are the descendants of Shipwrecked African slaves and Amerindians who lived in St. Vincent. 5000 of them were exiled from St. Vincent when the British colonized the island. So, LA carnival has a slightly different sound track. Soca – Check!, Calypso – Check! And Punta…. Sounds similar to soca, it’s sung in English and Garifuna and comes from Belize, Hunduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and everywhere else large Garifuna populations are found. Maddzart performed last night at a huge Punta meets Soca fete. And right now, he’s joining the action on the road. I definitely have to join that action one day too. Punta music is plenty fun to dance to. And with that I bid you “Bwee-tee Gunyon”, I mean Good Night… I’m nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to Soca a Flow 935 dot com. Now, back to de docta.
Do you have news you think we should know about? Do you want to share your opinion about something your read on (Nurse) Karen (Etc). Call de Nurse for free from anywhere in the US or Canada! Click below to connect her phone to yours...
andsomely for tickets that would probably cost less in any other city. I'm no artiste, but that kinda treatment would be enough to discourage me from my craft. If you can't even expect to profit from performances in front of huge crowds that earn US dollars, when can you expect to make a buck?
I felt like personally throwing my love behind this event for what it represents. So before anyone is too quick to talk. This is not a paid advertisement. I wrote this because, I support the music, the music-makers, and anyone who believes in excellence.
