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, 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.
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 is among the nominees for the 29th International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA), getting the nod for his performances in 2009.Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy with Dr Jay de Soca Prince, Sunday, 21st February at 6:45 pm.
Good evening soca lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. We’re baaa-aack! I know Dr. Jay told you that I wouldn’t be in Trinidad for Carnival. But what can I say? Things change. The carnival bug ketch me and I found myself front and centre in the middle of the action.
If you’ve never been to carnival in the Caribbean, it’s definitely something you should try to make happen. If you want to see the artistry, camaraderie, ingenuity and style of our culture come alive, Carnival is one of the best ways to experience it. While in Trinidad, I hit a couple of fetes, checked out the Soca Monarch Finals...and naturally...I just had to hit the beach too. One of the first parties I got to take in was the PNM fete. The People’s National Movement is one of Trinidad’s major political parties...no pun intended! Each year, they sponsor a big soca show that is actually attended by T&T Prime Minister, Patrick Manning. Hear me...That would be kinda like, Steven Harper inviting the public wine and get on to the top bands at 24 Sussex Drive. Only in the West Indies, I tell yuh.
That night, it became pretty clear that two song written and produced by Machel’s musical director, Kernal Roberts were about to rule the Carnival. I’m talking about Palance by JW and Blaze, and Police in de Session by Shal Marshall and Screws.
Good evening soca lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jays rounds. Happy 2010! It’s a new year here at Soca Therapy and I look forward to bringing you the latest insider information from the soca world every Sunday...just like you’ve come to expect.
This year already proves to be a busy one for many soca artists with Carnivals wrapping up in the Bahamas, St. Kitts, Monserrat and St. Croix...and carnival bubbling to a boil in Trinidad, Dominica and Guyana.
BVI soca artist and producer Kamau brought his brand of music to St. Croix for New Years, performing jazz saxophone at one event and jamming with a traditional band at another.
Fay-Ann Lyons (soca artiste): ’My wish is for peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind. I also pray that my daughter grows up to be a loving and joyful little lady. For the nation, I pray that there will finally be a reduction in crime and for my family, I wish that we will all be happy and learn to truly love each other.’
Blaxx (soca artiste): ’Most importantly I wish that my fellow artistes will seek to have better lyrics in their songs and be more responsible. Some of them are not setting good examples for the younger ones wanting to come into the arena because of the sexual and violent lyrics. I also really want to see something serious done about the crime situation. All my other wishes have come true already. I got married and I have good music for the season.’
Blaxx and Nurse Karen in Toronto (August 2008)
Kees Dieffenthaller (artiste/musician): ’I always want the same thing every year and that is to really push the music of Trinidad and Tobago and achieve something on a global scale. This year we are working to get closer to that realisation. Also, for a developing Trinidad, things will be even tighter financially next year with the recession and I really hope we don’t lose our sense of community and spirit of giving because of these tough times. I pray that we would not forget our neighbours as we seek to get ours in those tough times and we will look out for each other. As for crime, as we work to that 20/20 vision, with growth come bigger problems such as crime. We are losing that village lifestyle where everyone raised the children. Listen to what the children and youth are saying.’
Iwer George (soca artiste/owner Soca 91.9FM): I pray for a miracle as far as crime is concerned, that the murder rate will read minus zero at the end of 2010. I would also like to see more young soca artistes get an opportunity to make it. For me, I am hoping that God will deliver what I have asked Him for, it’s a personal thing, in the coming year.
Originally prepared for "Soca Therapy" on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto, Sunday, November 15, 2009
- 2009 Soca Awards Cancelled (USA)
- Commentary on the results
- CEO of Caribbean Prestige Foundation quits! (Trinidad)
- Tempo Turns 4 (USVI)
Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. You have no idea how tired I am saying this, but I have some news about the Soca Awards. Last time I brought it up, it was to say that the event originally scheduled for October 30th, was being rescheduled for December 4th. And today, the story has changed yet again! The 2009 International Soca Awards has been cancelled due to what the organizers are citing as unforeseen circumstances.
The awards show has long been the target of heavy criticism in the industry due to often questionable judgments concerning nominations and the production quality of the events, as well as a general lack of transparency. So, the recent cancellation isn’t looking so hot. The results, HOWever, were published today. Winners are decided based on the results of online voting, which this year, SEEMS to have turned up a rather curious number of ties.
Originally aired on "Soca Therapy", Sunday, October 25th, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto
In this edition:
- Celebrating Soca Scorpios - Toronto / International
- LA Carnival / Jacksonville Carnival - USA
- Machel at Antillia Carnival - USA
- Sunshine Awards held on Saturday - USA
- Notting Hill Carnival Doc Screened - UK
- Soca Mix in Fader - USA
- Creole Day - Dominica, St. Lucia, Haiti
- St. Vincent Independence - St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Sometimes I feel like we’re speeding through the 2009 calendar. Coulda sworn it was Summer just the other day...and now...it’s Scorpio season. Soca or Die 10 goes down on Saturday celebrating the birthdays of Dr. Jay, Marxman and a few other soca scorpios including yours truly. But we’re not the only ones. This past week Trinidad’s Jadee, and St. Vincent’s Problem Child had birthdays too, and Lil Bitts has a birthday on Saturday.
If we’re not celebrating one thing, it’s another. West Indians in southern California enjoyed fetes and revelry last weekend for Los Angeles Carnival. This week, the fun moved back to Florida for Jacksonville Carnival yesterday.
Next on the docket is New York City’s Antillia Carnival which will launch in Manhattan on November 5th with a performance by Machel Montano HD. This year’s uber posh preview of Trinidad Carnival will be hosted by former miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam, and male supermodel Tyson Beckford.
Here in Canada, a well known Montreal club DJ was featured on a major music magazine’s website. Ghislain Poirier’s 25 minute soca mix was selected as this week’s Ghetto Palms feature on Fader dot com. Even through Poirier isn’t known exclusively for soca he has been touring extensively in 2009 promoting raising awareness of the genre and his Soca Sound System EP. We like that kinda thing!As you can tell, before I left for Miami, I anticipated long days and late nights. So I organized a few posts....just in case I didn't have the energy to give you daily updates. So here's a little footage from New York Carnival last month. Check out Fay-Ann partying on stage with about50% of the crowd. She's been pulling these kinda stunts all year! This party was tons of fun...although I dunno why Patrice wasn't a part of the HD set that night.
Large up DJ Spice and Dr. Jay for hosting a sweet lime by the DJ booth!
Love and Soca,
Nurse Karen
P.S. I've got some more "nurse's lounge" updates coming just now from Miami! Tings nice!!!!
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 h
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 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.
In this Edition:
What you think? Shall we book a little vacation? I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds. For more info on everything you’ve heard here, surf on to my blog at Nurse dash Karen dot com. Now, back to de Docta!We all know that hands down, 2009 is the most successful year thusfar n the career of Fay Ann Lyons. The accolades have been listed over and over again, but Fay's greatest success is her daughter. Take a look at this interview I did with Fay-Ann Lyons after Noize Productions' Caribbean Wet Fete bac in July.
Fay-Ann discusses how child rearing shapes a woman's identity.
Love and Soca,
Nurse Karen
In Canada
In Canada all products with a label containing the words pepper spray, mace, etc, or otherwise originally produced for use on humans are classified as a prohibited weapon[27]. Only Peace Officers, and individuals/corporations who have special government permits may legally carry or possess pepper spray. Any similar canister with the labels reading "dog spray" and/or "bear spray" is regulated under the Pest Control Products Act - while legal to be carried by anyone, it is against the law if its use causes 'a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person' or harming the environment and carries a penalty up to a fine of $500,000 and jail time of maximum 3 years[28]. Of course, the legality of using spray intended for animal deterent on a person would be determined in court on a case-by-case basis
Pepper spray in my eyes. of all the disrespect i've ever endured in this biz, this is the worst. dunno if being nurse karen is worth this.
Fay Ann was in fine form two weeks ago at Fire Fete in St. Vincent. Tonight the action moves to St. Lucia for Outrageous: Sexy In Black. Your girl Rochelle will be there to check out the vibes.
High off the music!!! That's how I'm feeling today. It's a wonder that I'm already chilling in the lobby with my laptop at 11 am. That party was maddddddddd!
This year, the Carnival Development Committee is trying something new. They've combined some of the official, more cultural carnival events with privately promoted fetes, so as to draw out bigger crowds. No surprise that Bunji Garlin and the Asylum
Band were coupled with National Panorama. So, Fire Fete is wey we a talk bout.
When I arrived in Victoria Park, the crowds were vibing off a performance from the Madd Symphony. Maddzart, D'Lanlord and Tamisha had the growing audience rocking and wining to some of their sweet ragga soca tunes for Vincy Mas 2009. I could already tell the party would be nice.
I found my way backstage, and checked out the stage set up. The bands came through in the early afternoon to soundcheck. The process went wayyyyyyyyy overtime, but eventually they got it right. But God loves a good practical joke now and then, eh. In the early evening high winds breezed right over the stage, and knocked over a set of equipment...which meant trouble and vexation for the stage crew and bands.
Still, the party came off without a hitch. By the time Hottsand got up to play, the audience was really in a party mood...myself included. Ran into Fitz, the marketing director for LIME in the VIP. He hooked me up with a light-up LIME champagne glass...which happens to be just as affective at holding Malibu and Pine! Sharlene Samuels, Syxx, and Johnny Rebel gave us a sweet combination of soca covers and their original tunes. Miss Sharlene has really grown as a performer. Her command of the crowd was exceptional for a vocalist whose name is still a mystery to most fete-goers. It is possible that after she drops "We Jamming" at Soca Monarch this Saturday all that could change.
Fire Empress had the ladies shadowing her hottness for "Fire Brigade". Then the HOTTSAND set sparked a full out blaze when Icon reminded St. Vincent they love him so much. Chune, chune and chune again from "Ready" on the 2005 Lava Slide Riddim , to "Get On"...his 2009 Soca Monarch contender. The energy was palpable!
Soca Dans inna de building. Jamesy P, Fireman and Luta. Let me be the first to say it. I LOVE Luta's Rumbo...and SHAKE! So did the crowd...all kinda new dance styles were brukkin out.
Yo!! Wassup everybody. You have no idea how busy this week was for the entire Nurse Karen Etc team. No worries! We still fixed you up with some great sights, sounds and info from the soca world! Here's one really worth checking out.
Dr. Jay de Soca Prince, Soca Therapy and KOS Entertainment Presents:
FAY-ANN LYONS, BUNJI GARLIN & BENJAI
IN THEIR FIRST PUBLIC PERFORMANCE FOLLOWING AN HISTORIC CARNIVAL SEASON
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009
KoolHaus - Toronto, ON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, ON (MUSTARD SEED MEDIA) – Trinidad and Tobago’s royal family of soca is gearing up to end their 3-month performance hiatus this week, thanks to Dr. Jay de Soca Prince, Soca Therapy and KOS Entertainment.
Fay-Ann Lyons shattered records and broke boundaries earlier this year when she became the first female in Trinidad and Tobago history to win the annual International Soca Monarch Competition (“Meet Superblue”). She walked away from the carnival season with a historic 4 competitive soca titles to her credit, winning; Groovy Soca Monarch (“Heavy T”), Peoples’ Choice and Road March as well – all while an incredible eight months pregnant!
Now the soca pioneer will dazzle audiences internationally for the first time since the birth of her daughter in Toronto, on Saturday, May 16 at the city’s premier concert venue, KoolHaus."To be honest with you, Toronto coming like a second home," says Fay-Ann. "Much love to New York, and everybody else, the Caribbean and everything, but when it come to Toronto, the kind of love you get from the people is something that you don’t get to get from even the few shows that you do in Trinidad and Tobago. So you must, must, must, make an effort to come and please your Toronto fans."
But she’s not coming alone. With her will be husband and four-time International Soca Monarch, Bunji Garlin whose own music career began in 1998 with title winning hits like, "Down in the Ghetto," "Warrior Cry," and "Blaze the Fire." Bunji Garlin has a cult like following internationally, for his signature ragga soca style, and dynamic freestyle performances.
The pair will be joined by Benjai and backed by Trinidad’s 15-piece soca band Asylum. Benjai himself was an active member of Bunji’s Godfather’s Asylum until 2005, when he left to pursue his solo career. There he made a huge impact on the soca world with the anthem, “By the Bar.” Benjai’s music pervaded Carnival 2009, placing third in the Groovy Soca Monarch competition with “Drunk Again.” Saturday’s event will be the first time the two have performed together internationally in four years.
Fans look forward to an exhilarating full length live music experience, featuring all the 2009 hits, plus countless favourites of years gone by. Then dance the night away to the sounds of DJs; Doors open at 10:00 p.m., 19+, Valid I.D. Required.
This exclusive post Trinidad Carnival, post-pregnancy debut is brought to you by Toronto’s premier soca music promoter, DJ and FLOW 93.5 FM on-air personality, Dr. Jay.
To purchase tickets - now available for only CAD $40 – log on to: http://www.ticketbreak.com/
In Toronto, tickets may be purchased in person from the following retail locations:
----DOWNTOWN/CENTRAL----
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For additional inquiries, you may also contact Dr. Jay at socaprince@gmail.com
Media Alert: Fay-Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin and Benjai will be available for interviews.
Please send your requests to c_management@mac.com
© Nurse Karen Etc Nurse Karen Etc by Mustard Seed Media 2005 - 2009
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