Booster Shot: 2009 International Soca Monarch Finalists announced

Ok, be honest!  How many of you were watching that choppy live stream of Trinidad soca semis online yesterday instead of the Grammy's? I did AND I've got the results!  Soca is MY music.  So, I could barely wait for today to reach to find out who the judges were feeling.  

Yesterday, the Arima Velodrome played host to the precursor for Trinidad Carnival's most hotly contested event.  It's the place where careers are made, and soca stars are truly born....the 2009 bMobile International Power Soca Monarch competition and Whe International Groovy Soca Monarch competition.  

Respect where respect is due.  Sunday's Semis began right on time, and stage management was clearly handled with style and finesse.  What seemed like a million and a half semi-finalists managed to take to the stage between 4pm and midnightish , all hoping for one of a handful of spots on Fantastic Friday.  In the power category, there were only six available spaces to fill thanks to what I like to call the Caribbean Prestige Foundation's "Lesser Antilles Affirmative Action Plan." De man dem wan call de show INTERNATIONAL, so they made sure of it this year by actually guaranteeing a slot in the finals to each of the  reigning 2008 Soca Monarchs/Party Monarchs/Power Soca Monarchs from the soca power house islands; Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

I didn't catch all, but I watched long enough to know that there are quite a few artistes who seriously mean business this year!  The problem is, there just aren't enough spots at the main event for everyone who feels they paid they dues to get there.  It's ONE MILLION TT DOLLARS at stake, so you better believe the gloves are off!

Who will reign victorious? Hell, if I know...but one thing is for sure, there is no place I would rather be on February 20, 2009!

Congrats to all who made it through.  For all my soca family who didn't make the final cut, we all love your music just the same.  Keep giving your all this season. Besides, the fans are the only judges you need to worry about!  

Love and soca..

(Nurse) Karen

I don't wanna kill you with long talking. So, these are the lucky stars who shone bright enough to make their dreams come true.

Power Soca Monarch Finalists:

Bunji Garlin - Trinidad and Tobago (defending)
Claudette Peters - Antigua and Barbuda(seeded)
Khiomal Nurse - Barbados (seeded)
Luni Sparks and Electrify - Grenada (seeded)
Ricky T - St. Lucia (seeded)
Skinny Fabulous - St. Vincent and the Grenadines (seeded)
Berbice - Grenada
Blaxx - Trinidad and Tobago
Fay-Ann Lyons - Trinidad and Tobago
Iwer George - Trinidad and Tobago
Patrice Roberts - Trinidad and Tobago
Shurwayne Winchester - Trinidad and Tobago


Groovy Soca Monarch finalists:

Shurwayne Winchester - Trinidad and Tobago (defending)
Benjai - Trinidad and Tobago
Biggie Irie - Barbados
Fay-Ann Lyons - Trinidad and Tobago
Hunter - Trinidad and Tobago
Kerwin Du Bois - Trinidad and Tobago
Nadia Batson - Trinidad and Tobago
Patch and Mastamind - Trinidad and Tobago
Tizzy and Richard Trumpet - Antigua and Barbuda / Trinidad and Tobago
Zan - Trinidad and Tobago
Zoelah - St. Vincent and the Grenadines


Check Up
Ok, I know some of your favourite artists are missing in this list. That's because they didn't score high enough! In case you need a refresher, view the original list of semi-finalists here. Comment below. I'll save my comments for later!

CLICK HERE 

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The Rounds: Nadia Batson opened a new boutique in Trinidad

Good Evening Soca Lovers,


I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Before I get started, I want to offer you my sincerest apologies for leaving you hanging last week. As I was making my rounds last Sunday, there was a family emergency that I had to come first. I really appreciate your understanding, ant the prayers and support of everyone who rallied around us, and I'm happy to say everything is cool and copacetic.

As we think of family, especially at this festive time of year, there are a couple of important anniversaries that the world-wide soca family is marking this week. Tuesday coming will make two years of marriage for Bunji Garlin and Faye-Ann Lyons.

Faye-Ann and Bunji in St. Vincent in July

This past Friday will made four years since the tragic passing of Burning Flames frontline vocalist Onika Peaches Bostic. Had she survived the tragic car accident that led to her untimely death, Onika would be celebrating her 29th birthday on December 23rd. Peaches, we still remember your spirit, your smile and your songs. You will be dearly missed.

Awesome news out of Trinidad for Miss Nadia Batson! The Caribbean Queen launched a business in the Trincity Mall last Tuesday. Her new boutique is called Fashion over Style, and in spite of hard economic times, it seems like the opening was even more successful than she anticipated with stock flying right off the shelves. I say, congratulations on the new business venture. Wishing Nadia prosperity in abundance for 2009!

With Nadia at Soca or Die in Toronto last month

As I speak, our Crucian friends are gearing up to kick off the second annual St. Croix Party Monarch Competition. The 2007 winner was Toby Dee. He's back to defend his crown against 13 Monarch hopefuls including Omari Ferrari. Check back with me soon. I'll tell yuh what happens.

So much to say...precious little time. But if you're curious, it's stuff to do with....Patrice Roberts and Mavado. Mm hmm! Machel Montano and Universal Music. Mm hmm! A video that's pure "Fyah" from Kevin Lyttle and a "Tight" one from Peter Ram.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. If you want to follow these and other interesting soca industry news and gossip, check me out online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And never miss the rounds. Download the podcast to go at socatherapy dot com slash podcast. Now back to de docta!

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Nurse's Lounge: Jingle Jam 4 (video)

Living in Canada, it's nearly impossible to excape the harsh reality of the elements. Thankfully, promoters up here realize that party-goers require some extra inspiration to leave their humble abodes when the mercury drops below zero.


To the rescue was CVR Entertainment with its fourth edition of Jingle Jam. November 29, 2008 KoolHaus was the place to be if you were looking for live soca acts doing their thing. I decided to check it out.


Toronto's own Slammer Cutter opened the show with "Hang Over," a song that's now getting a lot of love. This artist has paid his dues and continues to. So it's nice to see the spotlght flashing his direction.


Next was Shurwayne. No one doubts that Mr. Winchester knows how to warm up a crowd in a c-c-cold city. However, between you and me, Shurwayne had something to prove. The die-hard fans aren't sure what to make of him without Traffik, and Saturday night was all about holding his own. But check the clip...he did more than fine!! (Now just to get Y.O.U. up here so I can give allyuh my official stamp of approval.



Skinny Fabulous is no stranger to (Nurse) Karen (Etc), mostly because he's no stranger to Toronto. Ever since Head Bad (On the Spot) clinched the SVG Soca Monarch crown in July, he has been a staple at the city's major fetes. Skinny didn't disappoint. Taking the holiday theme one step further, Skinny Fabulous helped Santa Claus cross a few names off the Toronto list. Running through his cache of older hits, he emptied out two great big bags of ridiculous gifts for his fans. Never know what to expect. Toronto has seen him grace the stage in a Star Wars mask, empty a whole bottle of Hennessy in the mouths of the crowd. We even saw him jump into the audience for a midnight surf. Click below for the gift exchange....



Ever since I started blogging, one of my favourite habits is checking to see what search terms (Nurse) Karen (Etc) readers are using to find content on the site. For the last month everyone is searching FAYE-ANN LYONS and PREGNANT as if there's nothing else that happens under the sun. (in case you're into stats like me, about 200 people have googled that to end up right here in the last 30 days)

Well...under the moon, Bunji Garlin and Faye-Ann Lyons gave an energetic stage show backed by TC, the King of Swag. Somebody tell me, that boy really always wears white pants? I have seen these two give a different show maybe ten times for the year. Maybe more if I really count. Faye-Ann was peforming pregnant in Miami at 3 months. Now at nearly six months, my girl is really turning heads. It's impossible to hide the bump protruding from her infamous rock hard torso. No doubt you'll enjoy seeing her mash up the stage, like it's just another day at the office!







I enjoyed the Jingle Jam lime. The crowd was about 1100, 400 shy of what the promoter hoped for. However, I think we can blame the weather for that. That was some kinda gaseous ice sumting in the air. Shivering just thinking about it! Would have loved to see KMC perform. "I'm not drunk" would have complimented Slammer Cutters "Hangover" very nicely. Guess I'll have to wait for T&T

Merry Christmas!

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The Rounds: Here's the proof - Faye-Ann's Belly!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Last night was a real busy one here in Toronto. The action was spread across the city for Dr. Jay's Big People Comedy and Parang Show featuring music by Leon Coldero.

The Nurse and Leon Coldero at Broward Carnival in October

Mr. Playhouse threw his "November to Remember" birthday Party with an ALL STAR line up of selectors...AND lastly, CVR Jingle Jam. Santa was there, Frosty was there and I was there too. The cast was Bunji, Shurwayne and Skinny Fabulous ...but I have to admit I was mainly studying Faye-Ann Lyons and her 5 months pregnant belly. If you didn't believe me the first time around Mrs. Lyons-Alvarez is most definitely pregnant. She was jumping up and down barefoot with a big checkered scarf covering the protruding bump. And because my approach to journalism is extremely thorough, I even gave it a little rub. Belly still hard like rock. Just a different shape now.

Nurse Karen giving Faye-Ann's belly a rub for good luck!

Other news from Trinidad's hottest couple...while Faye-Ann has been busy building a baby in her workshop, husband Bunji has been building beats in his lab. By now, no doubt you have already heard the Bus Stop Riddim, new for Trini Carnival 2009. That is the result of Bunji Garlin's first go at music production. Not a bad effort at all.


Now to another more experienced PRODUCER, who happens to be an artist as well. Tortola-native Kamau Georges a.k.a Mr Network added a new credit to his resume last week. He co-producer a track for Ludacris' brand new album Theatre of the Mind with Clinton Sparks. That should mean something to you if you're into hip hop! The song is called "Calling up the homies!"...but look out for another chune that you won't find on the album. It features Ludacris and magician Chris Angel. The song is aptly named "Mind Freak!"

Nurse Karen with Kamau on Carnival Monday in Trinidad

Which brings to MIND, an artist whose voice is a FREAK of nature. So you know Teddyson John?...former St. Lucia Groovy Soca Monarch? He got married to his girlfriend of 6 years about 2 weeks ago. They are so hot. Word is Teddy was emotional at the sight of his gorgeous bride. They said their vows, then the happy couple cruised the Caribbean for their honeymoon.

A shot with Teddyson before he tied the knot at St. Lucia Power Soca Monarch Finals in July

Before I go...lemme just send my official happy birthday greetings to Lil Rick, and the lovely island that brought us the Hypa Dog....Barbados! Today is the nation's 42nd anniversary of independence.

Here I am at my birthday party last month with Bajan B-day boy Lil Rick!

Celebrations took place throughout the Diaspora last night, but at home in BIM the official event was held at Garrison Savannah. The show featured a re-enactment of the first independence complete with rain showers. But the stars were out in abundance to keep the spirits high. There were performances from Peter Ram, Nathalee Burke, Red Plastic Bag, Arturo Tappin and Adrian Clarke. Then to end the night with a bang...the sky lit up with a stunning display of fireworks. I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. To leave a comment, see photos and videos or just read more about your favourite artists...and don't forget to subscribe to The Rounds Podcast on itunes or 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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