The Rounds: How soca artists spent Easter...

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.

Destra back in all her glory on Saturday night (Photo by Soca Dread)

Patch created a gutter riddim Frenzy, selling pipe on Canadian soil. Terri Lyons, made her sweet voice known to Toronto. Trinidad’s Dynamic Duo JW and Blaze Palanced thru the city ...as is their custom. Skinny Fabulous let go the Vincy beast , etc, etc. My point is...Sometimes you gotta do what you got to do where you gotta do it, and if you find yourself away from the people you love this holiday. At least you have us ! (Awwww....)

JW and Blaze at another Toronto performance last month

Edwin Yearwood woke up today on the Island of Virgin Gorda after a well received performance at THEIR Easter Festival last night. There really is no place like home in Barbados, for him, but Management tells me that the seven thousand dollar a night villa they stayed in makes up for at least SOME of the inconvenience.

Tobagonian soca singer Oscar B left his fam in Tand T to returned to Jamaica for the first time in a long time. He lived and worked there as a singer in Byron Lee and the Dragonaires for eighteen years , having recorded such hits as Soca Tattie and Soca Butterfly. Beyond his excitement over taking to those familiar stages once again, Oscar says he’s looking forward to de bun and cheese!

If you’re not out painting the town red to the sounds of soca this weekend, trust me you’re not in the minority. Many artistes are deeply spiritual, and prefer to break their Lenten fasts with worship and thanksgiving in the traditional way. Dancehall/crossover icon Mr. Vegas wasn’t going to let anything keep him out of church this morning, and Bajan Party Monarch and Sweet Soca Monarch TC was heading to an Easter play when I chatted with her today.

Nurse Karen and TC at Trinidad Soca Monarch (Feb 2010)

Looks like she will be defending her crowns in a new venue this year, as the Those competitions will no longer be held at East Coast or Farley Hill National Park for that matter. The event will be rebranded “Soca Royale” , the wheres and whens of which are yet to be announced. Barbados Ministry of Culture just announced a slew of venue changes for the upcoming Crop Over season, including a new route for the Kadooment day parade.
I’ll be sure to get all the details on that for you in the upcoming weeks, but for now. Enjoy this blessed Easter, wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing. I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more info on the stories you heard today, visit me online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me, “Nursekaren” on Twitter. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Fay Ann is a no-show at Soca Monarch prize giving

Originally aired on Sunday, March 21, 2010 on Soca Therapy with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince (Flow 93.5 FM Toronto)

In this edition:
- International Reggae and World Music Awards Soca Nominees (USA)
- Tizzy goes to France (France / Antigua)
- International Soca Monarch prizes distributed (Trinidad)
- Shal Marshall rocks Mas Camp (Jamaica)
- Birthdays: Private 6 (St. Lucia) Harella (Dominica)


Good evening soca lovers. I’m Nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.

The International Reggae and World Music Award nominations are out. 2010 makes it 29 years, and this time around several soca artists are among the nominees in six different categories. But the biggest award for the genre would “Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer which pits the likes of Alison Hinds, Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous, Edwin Yearwood and Fay Ann Lyons against each other. No matter who wins, you can certainly count on great performances from Machel and Alison at the IRAWMA’s in Queens New York for May 2nd. Vote online at triple W dot I R A W M A dot com.

Nurse Karen shares a laugh with Skinny Fabulous (Trinidad, February 2010)

El A Kru’s Tizzy is enjoying the benefits of a blossoming career. Recently, the bouncy Antiguan lead singer returned to her sunny island from headlining the Caribbean Bounce Festival in Bordeaux France. Do you understand what I’m telling you here? A West Indian woman travels all the way to a town known for a certain grapety beverage to teach the people about wine. Kinda ironic don’t you think?

Trinidad’s Caribbean Prestige Foundation distributed the Soca Monarch prizes on Thursday at the Cascadia Hotel. JW and Blaze were there to collect their $600 Thousand TT and a Brand New Toyota Hilux. Shurwayne who earned top prize in Groovy Soca was in person to collect his winnings, but Fay-Ann Lyons did not show up even though she scored a second place in both categories.

 Nurse Karen with Fay Ann Lyons in Miami (October 2009)

During the festivities, Vice President Tony Lee announced that come 2011, the winner will alos receive the “William Munro Soca Monarch Challenge Trophy” along with the cash. The new trophy, named after the event’s co-founder has been created to continue to honour the contribution of William Munro long after he moves on from involvement with the organization. Although, no actual announcement indicating such a move was actually made.

The Friday Night fetes at Bacchanal Jamaica Mas Camp continued this week. It was Shal Marshall’s turn to mash up the session, following Alison Hind’s big show last week. The action continues until just after Easter.

Nurse Karen and Shal Marshall (Toronto, March 2010 - photo by Soca Dread)

Before  I hand it back to Dr. Jay we gotta wish a happy birthday to St. Lucia’s Private Six on Friday and Dominica’s Harella on Saturday.

And there you have it, I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more news from throughout the soca universe, check out the Nurse Karen Etc blog at nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me “Nurse Karen” on Twitter. Now Back to De Docta.

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Booster Shot: Skinny, Machel, Fay Ann, Alison, and Edwin nominated for 2010 IRAWMA

Congrats goes out to a handful of soca artists who have been nominated for this year's International Reggae and World Music Awards.  Kudos to the IRAWMA committee for getting it right this year.  In the past the soca category hasn't always reflected top achievers in the genre for the period considered.

Check out this press release from Pyramid Entertainment.  Keep in mind, we're talking about Skinny Fabulous' management. So, I don't want anyone trying to say I'm trying to influence your vote.  Vote with your ears and your heart!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Skinny Fabulous Earns IRAWMA Nomination

CAST YOUR VOTE FOR SKINNY 

Skinny Fabulous is among the nominees for the 29^th International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA), getting the nod for his performances in 2009.

Announced on February 27, Skinny Fabulous is joined by fellow nominees Fay Ann Lyons, Edwin Yearwood, Machel Montano and Alison Hinds in the category for Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer. You can go tohttp://www.irawma.com/vote-2010-irawma.html  to cast your vote for Skinny Fabulous.

This year's Awards show is dedicated to the People of Haiti and Health Awareness. It will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 6 pm at the York College of Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York. Visit  www.IRAWMA.com for more info about the Awards and to vote for Skinny Fabulous. 

IRAWMA produced by Martin’s International & Associates promotes reggae and world beat music as an art form. Each year it honors entertainers and others associated with world music for their contributions to the industry and to humanity internationally. IRAWMA is vehicle of expression for the voiceless peoples of the world. More than 20 million fans viewed the 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th IRAWMA on television.

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Booster Shot: TC wins soca artist of the year at BMAs

Congrats to TC (Terrencia Coward) on copping a big award at tonight's Barbados Music Awards...(still in progress)

She will go down un history as the 2009 Soca artiste of the year  much to the surprise of many attendees.

Edwin Yearwood took the award for soca up-tempo single of the year.

Detailed results this week.



Love and Soca!

Nurse Karen



Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device

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Booster Shot: Krosfyah announces 20th Anniversary plans

Ok this is just a quickie!  When Edwin Yearwood was in Toronto for Soca or Die last month, he informed the fans that his band back home (Krosfyah) would be celebrating a landmark anniversary at the end of the year.   Krosfyah is turning 20!  If that's no big deal to you.  Think about it.  What were YOU doing 20 years ago?  Were you even alive?  Did you have the same friends?  Interests? Clothes? LOL....probably not.

Some of the names and faces have changed, but the soca world can thank Krosfyah for 20 years of sweet music backing up the melodious voice of Edwin Yearwood.  Always quality music and an entertaining show....how's that for consistency?

Yesterday Krosfyah held a press conference in Barbados with the Prime Minister to announce the bands plans to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the noteworthy party band on December 31st, 2009.

I've been promised more info to keep you up to date.  So, stay tuned!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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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

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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

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On De Scene: Top Crop Over tunes at Brewsters Road

(L-R) fan, cG 2.0, Lil rick,Katrina Chandler (Country Life Ent), Dwaingerous

Hi y'all,

I am walking out of Brewsters Road now (at 7:30 am) and felt the need to make sure the worldwide soca crew are aware of the clear hard hitters in the Crop Over parties thus far.
This was the launch of the Barbados 246. I didn't get to see the entire show they put on, so I can't comment. I was busy making sure all my TV crew were sorted for the night and there were one or 2 issues that caused me to miss the stage show.

I didn't hear the crowd raving or oohing and ahhing at the performance as much as I expected. But, I can tell what happened after 4 am when we stopped filming and I joined the party.

In de middle of the road - Edwin Yearwood
Riddim section - Mikey
See me and don't see me - Salt

These are the ones I heard get rotated over and over again, people saying the Edwin tune has the Road March based on what has been released so far.

The highlight for me at this time was to see some of the artistes- Khiomal, Mikey, Lil Rick, etc who performed on the 246, come into the crowd and get on bad. I mean get on bad! Mikey leading the charge of his riddim section in the party. Lil Rick was one that really had a blast and the DJ Alvin "Soca Superman" Toppin alongside Pete Rock playing a Lil Rick session and Rick running through the crowd and getting challenged by any and everyone...
It was good to see the promoters, media and other players involved in the season actually getting a moment to enjoy it all.

It was true Brewsters Road Crew style at 6:30 in the morning.

Let me take this time to offer my condolences to Trevor a member of the Brewsters Road Crew who lost his mother recently. Wishing you and your family all the best man.

To those of you with the opportunity to enjoy one or more of these Caribbean summer carnivals, from the words of Rupee - "Enjoy yourself in the mas cause you never know this could be your last."

Soca is us,
Corey Graham 2.0

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Booster Shot: Iwer George retiring as a soca artiste?

Warning: This one is debatable.  Even so, you heard it here first!

Last Saturday, the big event in Toronto was CVR Fire Fete.  The evening featured performances by: Scrappy, Kenneth Salick, Ricky T, Zoelah, Edwin Yearwood, Super Jigga TC, Skinny Fabulous, Blaxx, KMC and Red White and Black.  Geez, that was a mouthful.  A bunch of other artists were advertized, but those are the ones who actually performed.

Here's the big news.  Iwer George made a couple of big announcements during his performance backed by Red, White and Black.

Lemme sum it up.

• 2009 will be his last year releasing music as an artiste
• He wants to be the next President of Trinidad and Tobago
• He's going back to school to get his Master's

No doubt, the man said every word. 2000 patrons heard it too. Still, it appears I have a few items to confirm, before President George Maxwell Richards should start shaking in his boots.     I know how it goes when a room full of people jumping to your songs, that Carnival Jumbie starts to wine up with the Hennessy Jumbie...and your mouth could be possessed.

Stay tuned!

Love and Soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

Follow Me!

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Eye Unit: Asylum and Friends at Tribe Fete (video)

Carnival Thursday is a great night to party.  I tagged along with the Asylum Family for a behind the scenes look at a day in the life of a top soca band.  Tribe Fete was stop number 2 that evening.  I got you a couple of clips from the stage.
You'll see:  Bunji Garlin, Scarface, Edwin Yearwood, Fay-Ann Lyons and Skinny Fabulous.
Enjoy!




Need a little more?

Suss my wee review here:

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2009/02/nurses-lounge-asylum-and-friends-at.html

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Nurse's Lounge: Asylum and friends at Tribe Fete!

Carnival Thursday is now over, and I lived to tell the tale.  Here goes!  After a rather drawn out night at Extempo finals I scurried to file my report...so I could go out and lime!  The action began at Jenny's Car Park for Tribe All-Inclusive.  Last year, Tribe Fete ranked real high on my list. So I had to make a pass through.

Not to be all up in de gyal business, but I was looking forward to see exactly what shape Miss Fay-Ann's belly was taking at juncture in her pregnancy.  Pleased to report she's carrying high and round, with the cutest outtie bellybutton ever.  She even has dem nice juicy round cheeks on she face.  They don't call me Nurse for nothing!

Let me apologize,  I missed Kes the Band's set, and I wasn't able to stay for KMC, since I was making the rounds with the Asylum Family for the evening.  I dunno how these artists do it.  I'm here feeling tired after a couple of late nights.  When these guys have to be up and ready to for 2 to 4 performances everyday. 

The crowd was in love with Bunji, just like the good old days.  It was sweet to see he and wifey singing back up for Edwin Yearwood.  He would seem like and unlikely fit for Asylum, but it brought a sweet cool-out vibe that left viewers hoping for more.  

Beenie Man and Moi

Beenie Man was in the crowd, wining and enjoying himself, even though his song was part of the fete.  Bunji took it on solo and let old Moses loose out his waist.  

Then came a surprise!  Mr. Skinny Fabulous showed up at the corner of the stage, with a cordless mic in his pocket.  We said wassup and exchanged niceties, before he co-opted the hair elestic from my wrist and tied back locks. 

Then it was on.   Skinny performed head bad in the Asylum set.  He has just come from his performance with Machel at UWI Splash.  I found it weird that although he's in Trinidad performing in the HD entourage, Skinny got more time on stage at show he wasn't scheduled for than with HD the night before.  Me eh know.  

Skinny Fabulous and Nurse Karen

The performance was hype!  The two lyrics generals put their own extempo skills to the test for an impromtu freestyle session, poking a little fun at the fact that when Head Bad first dropped, a lot of Trinis thought it was a Bunji Garlin tune.  The crowd lapped it up, as they took a jump together On De Spot.  I bet ya, thanks to Garlin, Fay-Ann and the Fabulous one there's gonna be a lot more people reaching Soca Monarch tonight! 

God willing, I will too!

Love and Soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

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Booster Shot: Soca snatches hardware at the fourth annual Barbados Music Awards

I truly believe that as a Caribbean people, we have to recognize the talent among our ranks before the world can give us our due credit.  Therefore, it's my pleasure to offer kudos to Barbados for continuing to honour its music artistes at fourth annual Barbados Music Awards, held on Sunday, January 4th. The event took place in Two Mile Hill at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Krosfyah at Broward Carnival (October 2008)

This year the awards were dominated by members of two of the islands most celebrated party bands; Square One and Krosfyah.  Newcomers to the soca arena were handsomeley represented by Stabby de Guard who took home the prize for Best New Artist. 

At the head of the pack was former Square One lead vocalist, Andy "Blood" Armstrong, with 5 trophies.  He took home awards for Album of the Year, Best Soca (Uptempo) Single, Soca/Calypso Album of the Year, Best Collaboration with Tarah Holdipp, and a Liftime Achievement Award with the now disbanded Square One.

Ms. Alison Hinds was awarded a platinum certificate for her commercial debut album, Soca Queen.

While Rihanna ain't a soca star, it wouldn't be nice if I didn't tell you that she also copped three awards.  Shontelle Layne was also recognized for her international success with her song "T-Shirt",  but thos ladies weren't on the island for the ceremony.

Krosfyah had an exceptional night as well. Here's the tally. De General, Edwin Yearwood is the proud owner of three BMAs for Best Ragga/Mid-Tempo Soca, Band of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.  

Here I am with the other soca Nurse, Khiomal at Broward Carnival in October 2008

I think one of the sweetest success stories of the night was the naming of reigning Party Monarch, Khiomal as Male Entertainer of the Year. It's hard to carve out a name for oneself when they perform side-by-side with the likes of veteran soca sweet man Edwin Yearwood.  None the less, Khiomal was given as vote of confidence on Sunday that he will not soon forget! He's an entity unto himself with unparalleled energy, a distinct vocal timbre, and a wine that sends female fans completely nuts.  Khiomal, well done!

 My congrats to all awardees and nominess!  Barbados, keep on making top quality music of all genres! ...and I will keep on listening!

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The Rounds: Byron Lee's funeral yesterday in Jamaica

Dr. Jay's Rounds - November 23, 2008

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr Jay’s Rounds. Yesterday, the friends and family of the late Byron Lee gathered at St. George’s College in Kingston Jamaica to commemorate the life of a soca icon. The nearly four hour service paid tribute to the musician’s 52 year career in the industry through renditions of Lee’s music performed by his band, The Dragonaires. Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, and former Prime Minister Edward Seaga addressed the congregation. And there was even a recorded tribute message from American soul musician Ben E King. Those who attended described the mood as both celebratory and solemn. Lee died on November 4th after a long battle with cancer.

While hundreds in Jamaica paused to commemorate the end of an illustrious career in soca music, Trinidad’s Synergy TV was getting set to launch the careers of a number of future Soca performers. Synergy Soca Star (Season Four) kicked off earlier this month with a new crop of 15 finalists who are TAL-EN-TED!!! This batch gave their first live performance recently at St. James Amphitheatre, and somebody is getting eliminated on Monday night.
Trinidad’s most notable Soca Star Mr. Machel Montano will have his mind on something completely different tomorrow night as he rings in his 34th birthday. Happy Birthday Winer Boy! Yuh certainly not too young to soca now!

De Nurse and Machel Montano around this time last year, here in Toronto

Speaking of men with real loose waists....Barbados’ own HypaDog, Lil Rick will be celebrating a birthday this coming week too. It happens to coincide with his country’s independence celebrations on November 30th. This year sweet Lil Rick is throwing a great big birthday bash called “One More Time” at Brooklyn’s Base Nightclub next Saturday. The show will feature performances from HypaDog he-self and Edwin Yearwood, plus music by Barbados’ superstar producer and DJ, Peter Coppin. That sandy rock in the Eastern Caribbean will be celebrating 42 years of independence from British rule. So Bajan posse, bring on the Mount Gay from now. It’s party time!

With Hypa Dog a few weeks ago at Soca or Die

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Leave me a comment or two online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net. And be sure to download the rounds podcast from Soca Therapy dot com. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Edwin Yearwood is not dead!

Good Evening Soca Lovers

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. So Doctor Jay, I know your birthday just passed and ting, but I have a little bad news for you to start off today's Rounds. There's a new Soca Doctor on the scene...and he's actually got a DEGREE to prove it. Five-time Trinidad Calypso Monarch BLACK STALIN was given an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies last week. He becomes the third Calypsonian to earn that title after The Mighty Sparrow and Chalkdust.

I really can not understand when this became the vogue thing to do. But somebody needs to tell me how and when it became OK to spread rumours about people's death. The latest soca star to fall victim to bachannal of the grandest scale, is de Bajan General, Edwin Yearwood. Last week rumours were spreading across the Caribbean region that the lead vocalist from Krosfyah had breathed his last. Truth be told the man had been laying low, but certainly not-six feet under. He was simply down south in Trinidad recording a remix to Nah Missing Me and performing with Bunji. Yearwood heard the rumour for himself from a source in Antigua who informed him that the GRAVE tale was spreading like wildfire in Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia AND Trinidad. It even had his poor mama worked up. But...de man is alive and well. So well, that he's hard at work preparing his second solo-album with VP Records...which we should see in 2009.

Posing for a snap shot with De General in Manhattan (2008)

Grenada's Brother B is getting ready to drop an album too. The full length album will be the rookie release for the man who brought you "A Little Wine" . The last time I mentioned him in the rounds, the artiste was recovering from a car crash in St. Georges. He's now back to full health and strength and ready to take his career to a higher lever. Check your west indian outlets for "More Fire" on November 21st.

Before I go, here's some news I am so excited to finally be able to share! Bunji Garlin and Faye-Ann Lyons are expecting a little soca baby. Maybe you didn't hear me right! Faye-Ann is pregnant. When I saw her in Miami she looked as beautiful as always, but you couldn't deny her decision to wear loose shirts and hoodies at all her gigs (in 30 degree celsius weather), left a lot of people speculating...including moi! So, Thursday night, she performed in Port of Spain at Zen...and the baby bump was spotted outright by local Trini media. At four months, the reigning road march queen is amped at the prospect of motherhood. Baby Alvarez will make his or her grand arrival in April 2009. The couple claims they intend to honour all of their Trinidad carnival engagements. I can't wait to see my girl mashing up the stage with her big fat belly!!!!

Pregnant Faye-Ann, all covered up in Miami(October 2008)

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more info on everything you've heard here, surf on over to Nurse Karen Etc at triple W dot Mustard Seeds dot Net. And if you haven't started downloading The Rounds Podcast, it's not too late. Get it at Soca Therapy dot com, or just search "Nurse Karen" on itunes!

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Booster Shot: Ruckshun Caribbean Music Festival Cancelled

OK...lemme tell you something.  I was really wanting to go to Calgary this weekend.  After Miami Carnival, that was the number one destination that artists were whispering in my ear.

"So, we seeing you in Calgary Nurse?"

"Karen, I guess we would meet up in Calgary next!"

" Girl, why you not going Calgary again?"

"Why don't you just come to Calgary?"

Call it peer pressure, but I was actually trying to work a ting to make it out west for the Ruckshun Caribbean Music Festival.

The event was set to be a two-night all Caribbean showcase featuring performances by (Check the lineup):

• Destra and Atlantik
• Junior Kelly
• Edwin Yearwood and Kosfyah
• Jamesy P
• Lil Rick
• Problem Child
• Mr. Dale
• Zoelah
• Juliette Mills
• Ragga
• Harella
• Maffie and Crew
• music by Barrie Hype, Top Gunners

Sounds like a great lime right?

Well BAD NEWS.  Really bad news.  The whole thing just got scrapped.  

Believe it!  This is not public knowledge, so if you're a ticket holder you might wanna go back to wherever you got it and figure out how to get a refund.  Just doing a public service.  

I won't be telling you my source, because only a few of us know right now.  

Thank God I didn't drop nearly $700 on a flight.

So, sorry Calgary.  I sure hope you get a big show like that some time soon.  I especially feel bad for the seven different acts on the bill who spoke to me about this.  Fill me in when you do...cause I want to be there.    

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Nurse's Lounge: Krosfyah blazes up Broward Carnival

Check out my footage of Krosfyah at Broward Carnival. You ever wonder if they have somebody in the band just to massage dem boys after the wuk up? Hmmmm....

Play close attention. You'll notice the drummer has a bit of an emergency. The snare breaks, and he continues to accompany Khiomal for "Unleash the Beast" without missing a beat! LITERALLY!!!!!

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Booster Shot: Edwin Yearwood will perform with Asylum for Carnival 2K9!

Edwin Yearwood Performs with Krosfyah at Broward Carnival 2008

Ok, I know what you're thinking. Even as I wrote the title, it was looking funny to me too. Edwin Yearwood, our dearly beloved Bajan General has just signed on to perform alongside the Asylum Band for the entire Trinidad Carnival season. Don't get it twisted though -- He's not leaving Krosfyah.

By aligning himself with the band that boasts both Trinidad's reigning Power Soca Monarch (Bunji Garlin) and Road March Queen (Faye-Ann Lyons), the arrangement will enable Mr. Yearwood to give his music songs a serious boost beyond the usual Crop Over season.

Nurse Karen and Bunji Garlin just after an amazing performance at UWI Fete, Miami 2008

The news comes to me directly from Ian Pantin, Manager of Bunji Garlin and the Asylum Band. I got the scoop just a couple hours ago while on my way to Miami's "Socavivor: International Flag Party". No additional names have been disclosed, however, I've got good reason to say this will not be the last big announcement you will be hearing out of the Asylum camp before Trini Carnival officially heats up. So, come back often to get your dose!

Before you go sifting through your regular online sources for Caribbean Entertainment buzz....you might as well accept that you heard it on (Nurse) Karen (Etc) first. The ink is still wet on the contract, but it is most definitely a done deal. Edwin had an exceptional 2008 Crop Over season winning his fourth Tune of the Crop title with Handle Yah Business, and a People's Monarch title in Nah Missing Me. So, if you weren't in Barbados for Crop Over 2008, you can look forward to seeing Edwin again, like never before.

You can liken the deal to Antigua's Tizzy of El-A-Kru taking the stage with Destra Garcia and Atlantik during C2k8 or Ricky T of St. Lucia performing in the Machel Montano HD set. It's temporary. It's business, and it's giving fans some extra bang for their carnival buck.

None the less, it's a pretty interesting development, considering the fact that Krosfyah, the homegrown Barbadian band responsible for making Edwin's name a Caribbean-wide gyal magnet is still very much alive and kicking. Fellow Krosfyah bandmate, Khiomal Nurse will be working the Trini circuit too. He won Barbados' Party Monarch competition in 2008, which automatically authorizes Nurse to "Unleash the Beast" at the Caribbean Prestige Foundation's Bmobile International Soca Monarch show come February. Great for Khiomal, but veteran Edwin has got to handle some business of his own!

I am definitely looking forward to seeing The Asylum/Yearwood collaboration. Now salty meets sweet, downtown meets uptown, and Trini meets Bim - all in one!

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The Rounds: Lavaman withdraws from Grenada Soca Monarch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was a real scene. See it for yourself.

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

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Booster Shot: 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!

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BOOSTER SHOT: 2008 SAO Soca Awards Nominees Announced

Copied below is a press release, just posted from the Soca Awards Organization. Congrats to all who are nominated! Before allyuh get vex with me for bad grammar and spelling and all dem odda ting dey...understand, all I did was cut and paste. I'm giving you my two cents before you read on. I respect the SAO for taking time out to recognize achievement in the genre of soca. However, I urge all persons involved in the business of Caribbean Entertainment to stand up and take some pride in what they do. The first step would be...making an effort to spell the names of the artistes correctly.

Tell me...who PROBLUM CHILD be? EDWIN YEREWOOD? MACHEL MOTANO???? Allyuh serious?

Dat nah mek it dread!

How do we expect the rest of the world to learn their names if we don't?

So many more comments...but I'd rather see yours...

Anyhoo....this was yours truly at the 2007 SAO Soca Awards in Queens, NY. The handsome dude next to me is Atlanta's DJ Tony Tempo ( Note: I can't find his name on the list)

The 2008 Soca Awards list of Honoree Recipients and Nominees

As promised here is the eagerly anticipated list of Honoree Recipients and Nominees for the 6th Annual International Soca Awards, this information was officially announced this morning at 10:00 am live on - ZIZ TV, ZIZ Radio, Win FM 98.9, Sugar City Roc 90.3 FM, Radio One 94.5FM - St. Kitts. Red Hot Radio 98.1FM - Antigua, thefrontlineradio.com, socaawards.com (iSA RADIO).


This year's awards will be held at the St. Kitts Marriott Center under the kind patronage of the Honorable Minister of State for Tourism, Sports and Culture, Senator Richard "Ricky" Skerritt. This red carpet, star studded gala will bring Soca entertainers and Soca lovers from all across the world together to pay accolade to those deserving of the honor.

Voting is scheduled to begin on Friday June 6th.
We encourage you to stay linked to http://www.socaawards.com/ for up to date information and more exciting news on the 2008 International Soca Awards.


Support for iSA6 is provided by St. Kitts Tourism Authority, St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, b Mobile, HYPE TV, Royal St. Kitts Hotel & Casino ZIZ TV, ZIZ Radio, socaawards.com, socatvonline.com, Win FM 98.9, Sugar City Roc 90.3 FM, Radio One 94.1FM, Red Hot Radio 98.5FM, sknvibes.com, Club Kactus, sknentertainment.com, Shabeau Magazine, Shabeau Style TV, Pour Moi – Cognac, JTE Spirits, W4 Tours & Promotions, tropicalfete.com, thefrontlineradio.com, toronto-lime.com and wukupnuff.com, http://www.socaordie.com/, caribbeanmecca.com, tswradio.com, Soca Mix, Turner Video Productions, V.I.P Connected.




SAO Lifetime/ Achievement Award McLean “King Short Shirt” Emmanuel
SAO Hall of Fame Ellie Matt
SAO Legend Award Winston “Gypsy” Peters
SAO Technical Award Eddie Grant and Leston Paul
SAO Trustees Award Ignatius "De Invader" Tisson




Best New Female Soca Artist

• SHEKERA

• JULIETTE MILLS

• MARIE ANNE

• KIMBERLY DOPSON

• ZOELAH

Best New Male Soca Artist

• Sizwe C

• KAMAU

• DON TRENT

• PROBLUM CHILD

• SKHI

Female Soca Vocalist of the Year

• GO DOWN BY LIMA CALBIO

• CHEATERS BY MARIE ANNE

• LOVE OF MY LIFE BY NADIA BATSON

• MO WUK BY PATRICE ROBERTS

• GO DOWN LOW BY ZOELAH

Male Soca Vocalist of the Year

• IT FEELS LIKE AM HOME AGAIN BY EDWIN YEREWOOD

• FIRE BY KEVIN LYTTLE

• NEVER LEAVE YA BY KERWIN DU BOIS

• CARNIVAL PLEASE STAY BY SHURWYNE WINCHESTER

• ME & YOU BY DON TRENT

Female Soca Performer of the Year

• NNIKI FRANCIS

• DESTRA

• FAYE-ANN LYONS

• TIZZY

• ZOELAH

Male Soca Performer of the Year

• BUNJI GARLIN

• EDWIN YEREWOOD

• MACHEL MONTANO

• RIKKY T

• LIL RICK

Soca Duo or Group of the Year

• 2NTRIGUE

• 3 CANAL

• 3 SUNS

• LUNI SPARKS & ELECTRIFY

Soca Song Writer of the Year

• KERNEL ROBERTS & MACHEL MONTANO - (UNCONDITIOAL LOVE, BLAZE D TRAIL, MAKE LOVE)

• KERWIN DU BOIS - (BREATHLESS, NEVER LEAVE YA, GYAL FARM)

• NADIA BATSON - (MIND YUH BUSINESS, LOVE OF MY LIFE, CONFUSION)

• FAYE-ANN LYONS - (GET ON, ROAD CALL, WHO STANDING)

• BERBICE - (TRAFFIC, WATER, CARIBBEAN GIRL)

Best Soca Collaboration Grove

• PROBLEM CHILD & JADINE - SECRET AGENT

• KERWIN DU BOIS & SHAL MACHEL - GYAL FARM

• JAMESY P. & CECILLE - DO ME BABY

• MR. VEGAS ft. DESTRA - ON THE FLOOR

• MACHEL MOTANO ft DAVID RUDDER - OIL & MUSIC

Best Soca Collaboration up Tempo

• SHURWAYNE WINCHESTER & JONNY KING - WHOLE DAY

• PATCH & DA MA$TAMIND - DE TAIL GONE

• MACHEL MOTANO & MIGHTY SPARROW - CONGO MAN

• DESTRA & SEAN PAUL - FREE IT UP

• LUNI SPARKS & ELECTRIFY

Over All Female Soca Artist of the Year

• DESTRA

• FAYE-ANN LYONS

• NADIA BATSON

• NNIKI FRANCIS

• ZOELAH

Over All Male Soca Artists of the Year

• KERWIN DU BOIS

• BERBICE

• MACHEL MONTANO

• RIKKY T.

• MR. DALE

International Soca DJ of the year

• BACK TO BASICS

• DJ SPICE

• MISS BOOMARANG

• DR. JAY

• SOCA TWINS

Best Soca Compilation Album/CD of the Year

• DE RED BOYZ PRESENTS - SOCA BONFIRE - VARIOUS

• BEST OF THE BEST - SOCA HITS 08

• SOCA .758.

• SOCA GOLD - VARIOUS ARTISTS 1 2008

• THE REAL DEAL - STRAIGHT FROM BIM

Best Soca Compilation Rhythm

• SLU RIDDIM

• BANJO RIDDIM

• BARBER SHOP RIDDIM

• GYAL TOUCH RIDDIM

• RESPONSE RIDDIM

Soca Humor of the Year

• PHONE CARD - (REPLY) BY SILVER

• DE TAIL GORN BY PATCH & DA MA$TAMIND

• STRANGE NAME BY BLACKIE

• PHONE CARD BY CRAZY

• RAMCONPONG BY PETER RAM, CONTONE & PONG

Favorite Groove Soca - Female

• GO DOWN LOW BY ZOELAH

• SADDLE BY DESTRA

• MO WUK BY PATRICE ROBERTS

• KICK IT OFF BY TIZZY

• WUKKING UP BY PATRICE ROBERTS

Favorite Groove Soca - Male

• WHINNING SEASON BY MACHEL MONTANO

• OUT ON DE ROAD BY ZAN

• SOKA JUNKIE BY MR. DALE

• NAUGHTY SHAUTY BY SMALL AXE BAND E.K

• PARTY ANIMAL BY PROBLEM CHILD

Favorite up Tempo Soca - Female

• GET ON BY FAYE-ANN LYONS

• LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION BY CLAUDETTE PETERS

• MAS BY NNIKI FRANCIS

• MY POSSE BY NADIA BATSON

• FLY AWAY BY ZOELAH

Favorite up Tempo Soca - Male

• BREATHLESS BY BLACXX

• PRESSURE BOOM BY RICKY T.

• TRAFFIC BY BERBICE

• BOOM BAM BAM BY GRAND MASTER FT. SMILEY

• FIREY BY BUNJI

Soca Artist Album/CD of the year

• WATER BY BERBICE

• UNSTOPPABLE BY CRAZY

• WORK OF ART BY JAMSEY P.

• CARIBBEAN GIRL BY NADIA BATSON

• FLAME ON BY MACHEL MONTANO

Soca Song of the Year

• GET ON BY FAYE-ANN LYONS

• SOKA JUNKIE BY MR. DALE

• PRESSURE BOOM BY RICKY T.

• GYAL FARM BY KERWIN DU BOIS & SHAL MACHEL

• PARTY ANIMAL BY PROBLEM CHILD

Favorite Soca Info Website

• www.tropicalfete.com

• www.toronto-lime.com

• www.bajanfuhlife.com

• www.socaordie.com

• http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/

Over All Soca Band of the Year

• RED HOT FLAMES

• EDWIN YEARWOOD & KROSFYAH

• SMALL AXE BAND

• NU VIBES BAND

• MACHEL MONTANO HD

SOCA PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

• RED BOYZ - (BAND ON FIRE, ME & YOU, CHIPPIN’)

• KASEY PILLIPS - (ROBOMAN, MY POSSE, MIND YUH BUSSINESS)

• PARRY JACK - (AH NOT GOING, BASHMENT FREAKS, DO ME BABY)

• NEIL BERNARD - (GET ON, HAVING AH TIME, PELE PELE PA)

• KERWIN DU BOIS - (BREATHLESS, 2 DAYS, GYAL FARM)

Best Soca Music Video

• ROLIN‘- BLAZIN' D TRAL MEDLEY BY MACHEL MONTANO & PATRICE ROBERTS

• SOKA JUNKIE BY MR. DALE

• DESIRE BY SKHI

• PUMPIN‘ BY PETER RAM

• CAN’T WAIT BY LIL RICK

• PASSA PASSA BY CASEY

• WINE DOWN LOW BY DEVON MATTHEWS

• STRANGE NAME BY BLACKIE

• MONIKA – SOCA ELVIS

• THINK IT OVER -TERRY SEALES

Best Soca Re-Mix Collaboration

• PATRICE ROBERTS ft MACKA DIAMOND - WUKKIN’ UP REMIX

• FARM P ft KERWIN DU BOIS - SEXY CHOCOLATE GIRLS - REMIX

• PETER RAM ft AIDNIA - PUMPIN REMIX

• FARMER NAPPY ft ANHONY B. - CHIPPIN’ REMIX

• RICKY T. ft. MR. VEGAS - PRESSURE BOOM (REMIX)

Best Dj Soca Mix CD of the Year

• DJ MIX BY THREEKS SOUND BERLIN

• SOCA FEEIN” 2008 pt2 BY DJ REE

• 2008 XPLOSION MIX 2 BY DJ STEPHEN

• WE GOT THE FLAVOR BY LeXXXus SOUND & CENSORED

• 2008 SOCA MIX VOLUME 1 BY DJ SPICE

• 2008 SOCA MIX BY DJ CHOICE-ONE MD

• UNITE DE SOCA 2008 MIX Pt 1 BY MISS BOOMARANG

• ADDICTED 2 SOCA BY SOCA TWINS

• 2008 GROOVY SOCA MIX EXCLUSIVE BY JESTER X-CALIBER SMASH SQUAD DJ's

Over All Soca Chutney Artist of the Year

• HUNTER

• RIKKI JAI

• DE HITMAN

• RAVI B

• RAYMOND RARNAIN

Over All Soca Chutney Band of the Year

• DIL E NADAAN

• GEMINI BAND

• JMC TRIVENI

• KRAMA BAND

• SUPER TONES BAND

Soca Chutney Song of the Year

• FIRE WATER BY DE HITMAN

• INTOXICATED BY RAYMOND RARNAIN

• BRING IT BY HUNTER

• AKLA RUM IS MEH LOVER BY RAVI B

• MONIKA – SOCA ELVIS

Favorite Soca Online Radio

• WWW.THEFRONTLINERADIO.COM

• WWW.RADIOBAJAN.COM

• WWW.SOCA919.COM

• http://www.wackradio901fm.com/

SOCA ROAD MIX OF THE YEAR

• FARMER NAPPY - CHIPPIN’ (ROAD MIX)

• KERWIN DUBIOS & SHAL - GAL FARM (ROAD MIX)

• LEHGO ME RIDDIM - RICKY T - PRESSURE BOOM (ROAD MIX)

• FAYE-ANN LYONS - GET ON ROAD MIX

• ROY CAPE ALL STARS FT. BLAXX – BREATHLESS (ROAD MIX)

Best Soca Chutney Collaboration of the year

• HUNTER & BUNJI GARLIN - I WANT MEH Rum (RE MIX

• D HITMAN & BUNJI GARLIN - BRING D RUM

• D'HITMAN & BLAZER DAN - BHANGRA PARTY

• DIL - E - NADAN Ft. BUNJI GARLIN - BAND ON FIRE

• RIKKI JAI & SHAWN NOEL - PAGAL

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