The Rounds: Shelly G is a no show at Carib Soca Monarch

The Rounds: Originally aired on "Soca Therapy" Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto on Sunday, February 28, 2010

In this edition:

- Bonesman is Guyana's Carib Soca Monarch (Guyana)
- Shelly G fails to defend her title (Guyana)
- Sye wins Mas Domnik Road March title (Domnica)

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Now that we’re all back from Trinidad, it’s time to catch you up on some of the news from the rest of the Caribbean. This week: Guyana. Mashramani Carnival just ended this past week. Vanilla retained her Road March title. Her second consecutive win is brought to you by the song “High”. It was played more often than Jumo’s “In the Air”, “Fan Me” by Slingshot and “Is We Own” by Bonesman.
Guyana crowned a new Soca Monarch last weekend! Last year’s winner Shelly G was a total no-show for the Carib Mashramani Soca Monarch last weekend. While it was a big surprise to all her fans and supporters, the organizers saw it coming, considering she never even bothered to rehearse her presentation beforehand with the band.

In fact, before Mashramani Shelly G spent two weeks in Trinidad where she took in Carnival and recorded new collaborations with an Antiguan artist and three Trinis….one of whom is Miss Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon.

It would probably take a bit too long to explain her reasons for bailing on the event, but it has to do with a fellow competitor who produced a song with derogatory lyrics aimed at her…and some other drama surrounding her being banned from a local tv station.

So, she wasn’t there. But instead, the 29-year old Forest Ranger who goes by the name of “Bonesman” celebrated all that his nation and carnival have to offer with “Is we Own”, the tune that earned him one million Guayana Dollars.
His winning performance featured a costume display and the X factor Dance Troupe, but he says his highlight for the night came in the form of a compliment. Bonesman nearly fainted when he came off stage and Machel Montano told him his performance was excellent! Awwww….how schweeet!

A few weeks ago, I let you know that Dominica would not be holding it’s Soca Monarch show during the Carnival Calendar this year. So no news there, but there is a new Mas Domnik Road March King. Congrats goes out to Sye, a calypsonian from the Salisbury Calypso Tent. His controversial song “Dr. Finger” is the new Dominica Road March, even though it was banned by a popular radio station for it’s lyrical content.
I’m Nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more info on anything you heard today, look me up on line at Nurse dash Karen dot com…or follow nursekaren on Twitter. Now, back to de Docta!

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Booster Shot: Dominica cancels Soca Monarch Show in 2010 Carnival

February is almost here, which means it's the traditional carnival season around the world.  The Caribbean's nature isle, Dominica will be celebrating as well.  however, this year the celebrations will be missing a couple of elements that patrons have begun to look forward to.

International Artiste Night and Soca Monarch, two events introduced to Dominica carnival in the last two seasons, will not be staged in 2010 due to budgetary constraints.  Unfortunately, these events though relatively new to local celebrations, were very popular with Dominican youth and will be sorely missed.

The cancellation is disappointing, but its not the end of the road for Dominica Soca Monarch.  Organizer Val Cuffy told the media the event has been rescheduled for May 23, 2010.  Before then reigning soca monarch Daddy Chess will be taking his show to Trinidad to represent Dominica at International Soca Monarch on Friday, February 12, 2010.

Love and Soca,


Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Roy Cape to be honoured at World Creole Festival

Nurse Karen and Roy Cape (June 2009, St. Vincent)

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.

Very special indeed. Congratulations Mr. Cape!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Dominica Soca Monarch kicks off on Valentine's Day

For many, February 14th is all about chocolate, flowers and streaming romance. But this year soca fans in Dominica will have to reschedule the mushy stuff. Tonight is all about Soca Monarch.

The event takes place at Pottersville Savannah. There will be feature performances from MFR Band and WCK, plus dancehall artiste Wayne Marshall. The 2009 Champion will win cash prize of $10,000 and a scooter valued at $15,000.

In order of appearance, here are the 12 competitors tonight:

De Hunter
Clinty (2008 1st runner up)
Mr. Benjie of Triple Kay - "Fire"
DJ Midian of Esclav - "My time"
Daddy Chess (Defending 2008 Soca Monarch) - "Ready or not"
Skinny Banton of CK4Lyfe - "Get up"
Mr. Mystic - "Take a pause"
Benno of Esclav - "We like it"
Lloydie - "Another year"
Falcon - "Carnival"
Ja Foxx - "Down de road"
Anwa Cadette of WCK Band - "Carnival zombie"


The winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000 and a scooter compliments R.C Enterprises valued at $15,000.

Cuffy said a “bumper crowd” is expected since Jamaican reggae/dancehall artiste; Wayne Marshall will be the headline of the night.

“Mr. Wayne Marshall has promised to come down and deliver a fantastic performance for the ladies. There might be a very special surprise that he may bring in from Jamaica as well, but we will wait and see what is happening. But definitely we know that the acts of Jamaica have lived up to expectations and have delivered once they have reached to Dominica’s shores. Las t year we had Mr. Vegas.

“It’s Valentine’s night. We expect every Dominica to walk with a rag; walk with a flag. It’s the first major event since the opening,” he said.

The MFR Band of Portsmouth, the WCK Band and other bands will also entertain the audience at Potters Ville Savannah.

Tickets can be bought at Bulls Eye Pharmacy, Depex Colour Lab and Frontline Bookstore for $25. The damage at the gate is $30.

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The Rounds: Ma$tamind joins Shurwayne's Band!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

 

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds, for Super Sunday 2009!  I don’t know a thing about American Football, but I’m pretty good when it comes to Carnival.  So let me tell you who’s in the game.

Dominica’s national carnival, Mas Domnik officially opened yesterday.  The festival began with an event known as The Real Mas.   Dominica is one of very few Caribbean territories that has never moved their celebrations from the traditional pre-lenten season, which makes them the underdog in the carnival playoffs against Trinidad and Tobago.

Last Thursday, Val Cuffy,  the Executive Director of the Dominica Festivals Commitee announced that he thinks now is the time for a discussion on changing the dates, as most of the other islands did more than 25 to 40 years ago.   Personally, I don’t mind if they do, cause then I can finally make that trip.

Another nation on the Caribbean Sea celebrating carnival right now is Guyana.   Last night the sweet sounds of soca got locals ready for Mashramani 2009 at the Soca Monarch Semi Finals.  The finals are set for the National Park on February 15^th.  Word on the street is that reigning soca monarch Adrian Dutchin will NOT be defending his crown.  So, somebody else is gonna have to kill the ladies with winery that night.

Oh by the way, Adrian’s Krosfyah bandmate Khiomal, who is equally talented in the waistline celebrated his birthday on Wednesday.  In case you forgot,  Khiomal Nurse (no relation to yours truly) is the reigning Party Monarch of Barbados.  His win at Crop Over earned him automatic entry to the Power Soca Monarch finals in Trinidad, going down on February 20^th.

Speaking of Trinidad...lemme give you some Chutney Bacchanal!  On Wednesday, just eight out of 33 artists were selected to advance to the Chutney Soca Monarch finals.  There were some upsets in the judges choices, leaving well known acts like Adesha Samaroo out of the final competition.  So, the artists took the matter into their own hands, staging a demonstration outside the San Fernando office of the organizers, Southex Promotions complaining about unfair judging.  I can’t comment on how fair it was since I haven’t seen the performances nor have I seen the criteria, but that’s precisely the problem.  The artists don’t know what they’ve been judged on either!  

I do know, however, that producer turned artiste, Shawn "Ma$tamind" Noel, made it to the finals with Patch for their chart topping Chutney Soca, Rum and Roti.

As we enter the end zone, I’d just like to say....Da Ma$tamind is making big leaps this year, having just announced that he has joined Shurwayne Winchester and YOU as a frontline vocalist for the 2009 season. I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  For more info on everyone and anything to do with soca, check me out at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net.  And Grab the rounds as a podcast from www.socatherapy.com/therounds. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Byron Lee is alive and fighting for every breath!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

Boy, what a big week for Caribbean Entertainment! First let's go to Dominica For the Festival Musique Creole Dominique. Each year festival organizers work hard to ensure that the best international talent is represented to provide the ultimate entertainment experience. But last night, many Dominicans were left disappointed after a lack-luster performance by Sean Paul. Sucks for them, cause here in Toronto, it was all about Soca or Die 9! And it was saw-weet!....I digress.

Right. So, the real local stars mashing up Dominica this season are a young group called the MFR Band. The acronym stands for Music For Real. They have a song called Sticks and Stones that is on EVERYONE'S tongues even though the tune hasn't been recorded in studio yet for radio play.

Here's a video of MFR Band performing Sticks and Stones

"I see you runnin' ya mouth, but you ain't saying nothin. Blah, blah, blah!"

St. Lucia is taking an leap forward to recognize the potential of THEIR local entertainment hopefuls. Wednesday, a new television program was launched called Guinness Undisputed. It's a talent contest seeking the top vocalists, dancehall dancers and freestylers from Lucia. What's cool about the program is that the contest judges are some pretty reputable local soca personalities. You have Francis "Leebo" De Lima, a reggae artist and soca producer, Nigel Nicholas and Patrice Regis from Slaughter Arts Media Entertainment...the duo who brought you the soca blutooth riddim last year. And Lastly, Mr. Courtney Lewis...he's best known as the 2007 COTT Award Winner for best new male songwriter for Trinidad's Roadmarch that year....Jumbie!

Speaking of the COTT Awards. The action starts now. The 2008 awards gala takes place on November 6th, but a few awards were doled out early. I'd like to big up Noel La Pierre, a member of the Kingdom of Soca extended family. He just won the COTT award for Jazz World Music Composition of the Year, for the song One and Only. Noel made that steelpan sing, and recorded the magic right here in Toronto.

The biggest news of the week is of a somewhat sombre nature. I say somewhat, because the bad news everyone is talking about turned out be a little LESS "bad" than we first thought. I am talking about Byron Lee, the legendary bandleader behind one of Jamaica's foremost musical exports, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. The 73 year old music veteran has been suffering from cancer for two years. He was undergoing treatment in Miami.

This past week a crazy rumour was circulating internationally that Mr. Lee had passed away. Sadly I must admit, I got caught in it myself. Lemme explain. Recently, Lee's conditioned worsened and he suddenly returned home to Jamaica by air ambulance. The next day the governor general paid him a visit in the hospital to bestow upon him one of Jamaica's highest civilian honours - the Order of Jamaica.

Naturally this sparked speculation among news watchers that a tragic end was close in view. So, heres what your Nurse found out. On Monday, there WAS a death in the Dragonaires camp. Former lead vocalist, Vic Taylor who performed as part of the band throughout the 70s and 80s died at the age of 56. See where I'm going? Byron Lee is not dead. Rather, lines got crossed with persons coupling the gravity of Lee's illness with the untimely death of his old colleague Vic Taylor. I have been communicating with a longtime friend of the Lee family who is receiving updates from Byron's daughter Deanna. Lee is alive and fighting for every breath. This morning her email informed me that he does have his good day and his bad. So join me in continuing to keep both the Lee and Taylor families your thoughts and prayers.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more information about anything I've mentioned, check me out online at the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) Blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And as always, you can download The Rounds Podcast for yourself at Soca Therapy dot com.
Now Back to De Docta!

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The Rounds: Kevin Lyttle Blazing the Japanese Charts with FYAH

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.

September is always a big month, when you think about going back to school, getting into a routine, and ushering in the Autumn season. So congrats to everyone for reaching the end in one piece...and congrats to one soca artiste who will likely remember this month for years to come.

A few weeks ago, you heard me mention the Japanese release of Kevin Lyttle's sophomore album "Fyah". The CD continues to blaze up those charts with the FYAH single occupying anywhere from number 26 all the way up to number 2, on the radio charts in major Japanese cities.

Kevin Lyttle at Maddzart's Wild Out in Wred Party, St. Vincent 2006

And as if you would expect anything less, the Fyah ringtone is a common sound in the busy streets of Tokyo. AND Besides all that, September just keeps on getting better for Kevin.

He rang in his thirty-second birthday on September 14th, and just last Friday he was nominated for an Urban Music Award in the UK. Fans can vote online...and the hardware will be handed out at London's 02 Centre on November 15th. It's a little weird, they stuck him in the reggae category alongside Shaggy and Spragga Benz..but accolades are accolades, and naturally we wish this soca ambassador continued success beyond September too!

Looking ahead, October is the Month when the SAO Soca Awards will be bestowed upon the top dogs in the soca world for 2008. The ceremonies take place in beautiful St. Kitts on the 18th of next month. If you'd like to be a part of the action, your best bet is to vote. Check out triple w dot soca awards dot com to throw your support behind Toronto-based nominees like Dr. Jay, Jester, Ms Boomerang and Toronto-Lime dot com.

In Trinidad with Jef from Toronto-Lime.com...the man behind it all! (2008)

November, well I'm sure you heard the news. The very biggest talk is Soca or Die, featuring a cast of acts selected by YOU...the listener.

Well, for those of you can't be in Toronto that weekend, the major action is in Dominica for the 12th edition of the World Creole Music Festival. Dominica will ring in its 30th year of independence from British rule...and will celebrate it in fine style for a whole week. Machel Montano HD will be there. Sean Paul will be there. Kassav and a slew of other amazing Caribbean acts. Over the years the festival has drawn more than 260, 000 visitors to the nature island. In 2008, organizers are hoping to break records for the special reunion year.

Toronto's DJ Kold Fusion will be returning to Dominica for the festivities...
Here we are in Trinidad on Carnival Tuesday! (2008)

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please leave me your comments online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustardseeds dot net....and get your podcast of Dr. Jay's Rounds at Soca Therapy dot com. Now Back to de docta!

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Nurse's Lounge: Toronto Creole Festival

Back in beautiful Toronto. If you haven't heard me say it before, this city is great. Toronto is where I was born and raised...and I really appreciate its vibrancy, diversity and charm. I woke up to rain absolutely everywhere....but NOW, it's sunny, warm and perfect for exploring. It's a good thing Bert from Black Berry Soundcrew let me know about Toronto's 1st Annual Creole Day.



It's a celebration of the history, music and culture of the islands that share a French colonial past...and the resulting hybridized indigenous tongue that combines French with African idioms. How's that for history?



I decided to walk down to Coronation Park on the Lakeshore to show a little support to my Dominican, Lucian and Haitian bros and sisses to make the most of my day. Umm....Kold Fusion, where were YOU????

Here's what I saw...

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