Power
4. Fay Ann Lyons
3. Bunji Garlin
2. Iwer George
1. Machel Montano HD
Groovy
4. Blaxx
3. Destra
2. Benjai
1. Kees
Originally aired on Sunday, April 4, 2010 on "Soca Therapy" on Flow 93.5 FM, Toronto with Dr. Jay and Marxman.
In this edition:
- Destra's first post preggers performance in Toronto. (Trinidad / Canada)
- Toronto Fire Fete (Canada)
- Edwin at Virgin Gorda Carnival (Barbados / BVI)
- Oscar B returns to Jamaica (Tobago / Jamaica)
- Artists observing Easter (Barbados / Jamaica)
- Changes in store for Crop Over 2010 (Barbados)
Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s easter Sunday and it’s my hope that my voice finds you surrounded by family, friends and everlasting hope as you celebrate God’s promise of eternal life. If by chance you find yourself alone today. Think again. Dozens of soca artists are forced to be away from loved ones as they travel internationally to entertain fans.
I chose to spend last night with family, but the cast of Toronto Fire Fete spent a good chunk of the special weekend away from home. The show boasted Destra’s first show in T-Dot in almost two years. Not to mention, her first local appearance since she gave birth to little Xaiya!!! Yes gentlemen. She has her body back. And you know Destra, she’s definitely still thick in all the right places.
Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM "Soca Therapy" with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince (Sunday, January 17, 2010)
Getting ready to welcome motherhood. I'll be a mom by Saturday! So anxious words cannot explain. I cant wait to meet my baby.
Ok Allyuh, I have good news and bad news. Bad news first: I didn't report anything whatsoever about Anya Ayoung-Chee, because her recent sex tape (miniseries) buzz has NOTHING to do with soca or carnival. (If you don't know who I'm talking about...don't worry about it.) Good news: The Rounds are posted below! Carry on...
The Rounds: Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto "Soca Therapy" on Sunday, November 8, 2009
In this edition:
- Soca or Die 10 a success (Canada)
- Destra's Birthday (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Synergy TV Soca Star 5 starts this week (Trinidad and Tobago)
- RIP Alamanac (Trinidad)
- HD bus driver shot (Trinidad and Tobago)
Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Well, Toronto he’s done it again. Last night SOCA or DIE 10 proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this city is the international Soca mecca, when thousands of you packed kool haus to see a show with surprise cast! Wow, allyuh must really trust Dr. Jay. Well you definitely had good reason to. Soca or Die 10 delivered the goods with Grenadian soca fave Tallpree, Vincy bad boy Problem Child and Bajan General Edwin Yearwood putting on amazingly strong performances.
Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince, Sunday, October 4, 2009
In this edition:
- MSU Carifest (USA)
- UK Soca Music Awards Results (UK)
- IMA names Kes the Band "Spotlight Artist" (USA)
- Roy Cape to be honoured at Word Creole Festival (Dominica)
- Ras Shorty I Tribute and birthday (Trinidad)
- Bomani's birthday (St. Vincent)
Good evening soca lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. It’s October! We already know that next weekend is Thanksgiving and Miami Carnival. But are you aware that the entire month is Black History Month in the UK and Calypso History Month in Trinidad? If you ask me, the two go hand in hand. So let’s celebrate!
Yesterday 275 Caribbean Students in Texas took time out to educate the population of Midwestern State University about Caribbean Music and Culture at their campus “Caribfest”. Students from a variety of islands packed everything from Steelpan, and Soca, to yummy Caribbean treats into just a few hours of Carnival to show of their pride and power inspite of their very small numbers.
Last week during the Rounds, the London Soca Community got all dolled up in suits and dresses for the 2nd annual Soca Music Awards. Congrats go out to all the winners. Honourable mention to Scrappy for winning Best UK Soca Track, AND Best UK Male Soca Artist. Miss Desire took best UK female. The international acts voted ...The Best were Destra, Brother B and Kes the Band!
Soca survivors! How are you doing? Greetings and salutations from New York City!
TRINIDAD EXPRESS
In her first performance at home since revealing her pregnancy, soca siren Destra Garcia delivered an energetic, no holds barred show at the Outta Control Tour at Adam Smith Square, Woodbrook on Friday ...
Originally Broadcast on FLOW 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy
In this edition:
- Mr. Killa is Grenada Road March King
- Nu Vybes mourns the loss of Analdo Williams
- The Soca Awards Moves to Turks and Caicos
- Destra Announces her Pregnancy
- Happy Birthday Fire Empress
____________________________________________________________
Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.
This week I’ve got all kinds of news for you, some good, some bad....But just remember....I’m ONLY the messenger.
So first up, early Monday morning it was announced that Hollis “Mr. Killa” Mapp earned himself the Road March title for Grenada Spice Mas 2009. The song is called Wave It Away. If you’ve been paying attention, you will recall that it’s the same song he used to BLOW away the competition for power soca monarch about a week before.
On Monday, I regret to tell you that the soca fraternity had to bid farewell to another cherished brother. Analdo Williams, the original drummer and frontline vocalist from St. Kitts’ famed party band, Nu Vybes, died suddenly in the wee hours of the morning, from what appeared to be stroke. Williams, who had been residing in Atlanta, leaves behind a wife and three children. The whole soca therapy crew extends our heartfelt condolences to the entire family and all who are mourning the loss of another great West Indian talent.
Yep...a few of you have been guessing this for a while now. As luck would have it, I haven't seen Destra in living colour since February, so I wasn't able to confirm it for you. But kiddies....now it's public knowledge.
(Originally aired on Sunday, June 14, 2008 on Flow 93.5 FM "Soca Therapy")
In this edition
- RIP Sheldon Benjamin (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Slaughter Arts car accident (St. Lucia)
- Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child endorse new Caribbean rum (St. Vincent)
- Destra addresses Junior Achievement Grads (Grenada)
- Happy Birthday Uncle Sam (USA)
Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Before I really get started, I have a rather tragic update on Trinidadian Music Producer, Sheldon ‘Shel Shok’ Benjamin. Sadly, on Tuesday afternoon Sheldon lost his seven month battle with non-hodgkins Lymphoma, a rare form of Cancer affecting the Lymph nodes. He was at home in Valsayn, under the care of his mother when he lost all signs of responsiveness. He was then rushed to Mount Hope Hospital and later pronounced dead, only 3 days before his 40th birthday. In his 17 year career, Sheldon released more than 300 songs. The entire Soca Therapy family wishes to extend our condolences to everyone who is feeling the loss.
Today June 15th, we said goodbye to him in a more formal sedated event, his funeral. It was held at the Good Shepherd Anglican Church, Freeling Street, Tunapuna. 3pm. When I got there the church was full, though not overflowing as I had expected. Chairs, tents, & screens were set up to the sides & back of the church to accommodate the massive turn out however, there was no need for it. Could T&T have already forgotten their son? Hmmm.
The service was lovely. The eulogy was given by Sheldon's brother Garvin & he gave us an insight into a much younger Sheldon. He had the congregation laughing at some of Sheldon's lil boy antics. The Reverend gave a short but stirring sermon. He preached the way I like my funeral sermons. He spoke to US who are still alive. He spoke to us artistes especially & begged us not to let Sheldon's death be in vain. He encouraged us to pay tribute by producing songs with positive messages. He said Sheldon did his part & now we must do ours.
3 Canal sang one of their songs produced by Sheldon, "Giants". The lyrics were appropriate. Next was Russell Leonce. Me eh shame to tel alyuh daiz when ah put on meh shades. I felt a familiar tingle in my heart & eyes. Buh ah didn feel shame cause when ah glance around, ah realize Russell's song "Troubles won’t last" had the same effect on most people. I saw various degrees of “trying to wipe meh eyes witout anyone seeing”, smile. But we're too silly because that’s what a funeral is about, to say farewell till we meet again & this can entail a lil tear shedding.
Destra Garcia sang her version of "To God be the Glory". I held my breath for that one because I know Miss D can be very emotional. She held her own though & only did a lil stumble/fumble at the very end so not too dramatic.
Well the farewell is over, for some of us, but what now? How do we proceed? A few of us have started discussing a tribute song. I will keep you posted. But really, what next? Are we gonna just continue our lives as usual, as though Sheldon's death was just a bump in the road? Are we gonna take Reverend's word to heart & check within, try to be more responsible, better people?
So young, gone too soon, at least his music will live on are just a few of the phrases I've been hearing about Sheldon over the past few days. Maybe we should ask ourselves "what if it were me, have I done enough, I'm I doing enough with the role God has given me?" Do we even know what our role is? I suspect (HOPE) a lot of self searching will commence. I'm waiting to see the outcome...
Bye Socanites,
Oceans may divide us but music CAN bring us together,
Knyxx...
Failure is only a stepping stone to success
Soca PEOPLE!!!! Here's your last installment from LP of G13 Sound International. Gotta say thanks once again for working overtime to get (Nurse) Karen (Etc) exlusive reviews of the Atlanta Carnival action. I almost feel like I was there. (Almost y'all! But being there woulda been WAYYYYY better!)
From my point of view, of all the fetes, Carnival Explosion had the most hype leading into the weekend. I can wager a guess why. Check this line up: Destra and her Band, Fay Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Benjai, Trini Jacobs and Ziggy Ranking!
Here's what LP had to say...
Saturday, May 23, 2009: Carnival Explosion
This fete was a bit further from downtown Atlanta than Memorial Drive, but the T&T posse as well as the soca faithful made the journey out to Decatur after a long day at the Festival Village. DJ Stan from St Lucia and DJ Soca Diva from Miami started the warm up nicely until Giselle De Wassi One took the control and brought out Ziggy Ranking and Trini Jacobs for live performances. Patch took the stage to his hit, "Rum & Roti," followed by Benjai who delivered his big tunes such as "Over & Over," "Drunk Again," and "By De Bar," which also led to a guest performance by Bunji Garlin.
Denise Belfon took the stage next, giving a big performance of her classics such as "Wine & Bend Over" as well as newer tunes like "Bicycle Wine" and "Licks".
The crowd was now hype for the current road march and soca monarch queen Fay Ann Lyons. Fay Ann took the stage and delivered hit after hit, keeping the crowd running the entire time, ultimately ending in the 2009 T&T Road March, "Meet Superblue".
The crowd then waited for about an hour before Destra Garcia and her band took the stage at roughly 5:30am. Always worth the wait, Destra proceeded to deliver hit after hit such as "Bacchanal," "Jumpin," "We Say So," "Max It Up," "Bonnie N' Clyde," and "Fly", until unfortunately the owners of the venue shut the party down at about 6am. All in, the crowd seemed to enjoy the jam and still weren't ready to go home! Big up DJ Tony Tempo for really holding the event together from start to finish.
I was able to get great video of the first three Destra songs and upload it to youtube, check it out!
In this edition:
- RIM and Toronto-Lime.com to sponsor Caribana 2009
- Disgruntled artiste makes a scene at Sint Maarten soca competition
- Akim Ahjahmoo Farmer dies in tragic car trash
- Farmer Nappy confusion
- Mavado rides a soca riddim
- Destra's returns to NY
Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Lots of news this week around the soca world, so buckle up and get ready for the ride.
On Tuesday, I zipped over to the Scotia Bank Caribana press conference at the Royal Ontario Museum. Those of you out there who love your crackberry almost as much as you love soca, will be happy to hear that Research in Motion has signed on as an official sponsor of the festival...so has Toronto-Lime.com, so you can look forward to some great coverage online!
Before carnival heats up in Toronto, there are plenty of Caribbean festivals happening right now. Both St. Thomas carnival, and Cayman Batabano come to a climax next weekend. This week there was some pretty dramatic action in Sint Maarten, after the Senior Soca Competition. This year marks 40 years of carnival in the Dutch territory, but the first year that a sore loser decided to tell off the judges once the results were announced. First, lemme congratulate King T-Mo for winning the competition, since Ricky the Phox stole a little bit of the spotlight by grabbing a mic to sound off about his frustrations. Tisk tisk! Police rushed the stage to restrain him, but he removed himself after announcing that he won’t be participating in carnival in the years to come. It’s reported that he was disqualified for breaking the rules.
The music community in Trinidad and Tobago is mourning the loss of one of it’s bright young talents. Yesterday afternoon Karim Ahjahmoo Farmer died tragically in a car collision in La Romaine. The 28 year-old singer / songwriter has collaborated with the likes of Machel Montano (Won't Stop), Len Boogsie Sharpe and Collie Budz on various projects. His friends say that he never drank or smoked.
A rumour was circulating that Farmer Nappy was the victim of the crash, but let me set the record straight. I contacted Farmer’s manager this morning. She assured me that he’s fine. In fact, he’s currently in Barbados, hanging out for a while. Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Akim Farmer, may he rest in peace.
A couple of producers in St. Lucia are patting themselves on the back for being the first to get dancehall star Mavado to sing on a Soca Riddim. The tune is called My Life. It’s a collabo with a new artist called Baby Blue. But if you expect the gangsta for life to blow a whistle, jump up and wave tune, let’s be realistic. Mavado sounds just like... mavado. He brought his signature sing-songy dancehall vibe to Courtney Louis and Francis De Lima’s boom boom riddim, and compared to the other tracks on it, the sound is more hybrid that soca.
When it comes to people who been singing soca for a minute, people the world over know the name Destra. Ms. Garcia did her first show in New York city after about a 2 year absence. She launched the HOTT album at Manhattan’s SOBs, to a crowd that enjoyed every minute of it.
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds. Check out Nure Karen Etc, now at Nurse dash Karen dot com, for more information on all the stories you heard today, including an official statement from Farmer Nappy.(coming soon) Now, back to de docta!
T&T Carnival has been over for nearly two months, but the spirit lives on through the music.
In this edition: 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. 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. 
Denise Belfon and Nurse Karen backstage at UWI Splash, Trinidad - February 2009.
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
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The Nurse answers your questions!
In this edition: Bunji Garlin, Destra Garcia, Fay Ann Lyons, Machel Montano, Sheldon Benjamin, St. Lucia Carnival, Aex Jordan, Tobago Soca Monarch.
Q. When did Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons get married?
A. Trinidad’s IT couple tied the knot in Trinidad on December 23, 2006.
Q. When was Fay-Ann’s baby born?
A. Baby Alvarez, Syri, is the daughter of Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez and Ian Alvarez aka Bunji Garlin. She came to the world via C-Section, on Saturday, February 28, 2009.
Q. Did Machel Montano have a show in Toronto on March 7?
A. There was a facebook event advertising an appearance by Machel Montano HD on March 7th. However, Machel Montano did not have a confirmed booking in Toronto on that date. The fete that ensued featured performances from Patch (T&T), Berbice (Grenada) and Fireman Hooper (SVG)
Q. Is Shel Shok ill?
A. This question requires some sensitivity on my part. So, I’ve allowed Sheldon Benjamin to address this one himself.
“I don't go by the name Shel Shok anymore and I am not on soca and carnival. As for health, I am very sick but it will be a long road to recovery. I have to be in bed all the time staying off my feet, ”Sheldon Benjamin (March 28, 2009)
Q. What was the name of Byron Lee’s band in the seventies?
A. Mr. Lee’s band was none other than Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. He started the band in Jamaica way back in 1950, by Byron Lee and his friend Carl Brady. It continues today, even after the death of Byron Lee on November 4, 2008. So, in the seventies, it was the very same band!!!!
Q. When is Destra Garcia’s birthday?
A. Soca star Destra Garcia was born on November 10, 1977 in Trinidad.
Q. What is Destra Garcia’s phone number?
A. LOL. You must be mad! You can always ask her manager for that. Keep in mind he’s also her man, so, try yuh best!!
Q. When is Fay-Ann Lyons birthday?
A. Fay-Ann Lyons was born on November 5, 1980....of musical stock. She is the daughter of Calypsonian Lady Gypsy, and Superblue!
Q. When is St. Lucia Carnival 2009?
A. It’s coming soon! Carnival Monday and Tuesday are July 20th and 21st.
Q. What is Lava Man’s real name?
A. When he’s not sending Grenada’s soca crowds into frenzied madness, Lava Man is known as Marcus James.
Q. Did Alex Jordan leave the BBC 1xtra Soca show?
A. I asked Alex the same question a few months ago. Here’s what she said:
“I did. First DJ to ever resign from Radio 1. Well I decided that I wanted to move back to Barbados for a bit as I've been missing my family - and after initially discussing if I could do it from there, logistics wouldn't allow. They are having DT do it and are looking for someone full time in the meantime. My move is to the islands to involve myself in radio/TV/music there, so I'll still be on the scene.”
Alex Jordan (December 5, 2008)
A. The Tobago Soca Monarch competition was held at the Golden Star Entertainment Center, Crown Point, Tobago on February 13th 2009. You already know that Fire Empress took the crown, but here are the rest of the finalists who did battle that night;
Baby Vybz,
Culture B,
Dave Sampson,
Jackie Reid,
Kabasi,
Kerrecia de Defender,
Lion,
Mauri Hall,
Mr. Fusion,
Princess Adana,
Rheena Riley,
Sando,
Ware,
Wendell Frederick.
More questions? Post your comments below, or add me on Twitter
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