The Rounds: Buju Banton dreaming of a White Christmas

riginally aired on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy on Sunday, December 13, 2009.

In this edition:
- CP to perform at Miss Caribbean Teen Pageant (Antigua /St. Kitts)
- All-Rounder changes his name for 2010 (Trinidad)
- DJ Jester releases Soca Certified Smash Mixtape (Canada)
- Dr Jay collects canned food for charity (Canada)
- International premiere of "Fetting" by Skinny Fabulous ft. Machel Montano (Canada)
- Birthdays: The Great Zeee (St. Vincent) Teddyson John (St. Lucia)
- Drug rumour about Bunji Garlin (Trinidad)
- Buju Banton jailed on drug charges (USA/Jamaica

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s a busy week. So...lewwe go!

The St. Kitts and Nevis Miss Caribbean Teen Pageant will be celebrating 30 years this season, and to celebrate, Antigua’s multiple-time Party Monarch Queen Claudette Peters has just been confirmed as the headline artist. That’ll teach those beauty queens a little something about style!

In Trinidad, one of the country’s most creative musical minds in the Calypso genre has decided to change his name. The artist formerly known as All-Rounder will from now on be called, “Dive”. You didn’t ask me, but that doesn’t sound like a man who plans to win any titles...but he’s back for another season of Humorous Calypso with the Klassic Russo Calypso Tent on January 15th.

This past week, Flow’s own mix show DJ Jester released the Soca Certified Smash Mixtape hosted by Mr. Vybe. You can download it for yourself on the Nurse Karen Etc blog, at Nurse dash Karen dot com.

The holiday season is all about peace on Earth and goodwill toward all. So what are you doing to help others? Next Saturday, join Dr. Jay for his annual appreciation fete, featuring visiting acts Fadda Fox and Skinny Fabulous! All you have to do is walk with 5 or more non-perishable food items for the less fortunate, and you will get in for only ten dollars!

Before then, Skinny Fabulous has a big bomb to drop for Trinidad Carnival this week. Dunno if you’ve heard about it. But the two-time Vincy Soca Monarch, has a brand new collaboration with Soca King Machel Montano ready to hit the airways everywhere this Wednesday.

But because you are a loyal Soca Therapy fans, you may as well start counting your blessings now. Tonight. Right here on Soca Therapy. Dr. Jay de Soca Prince will bring you the world premiere of “Fetting On” in the 8 o’clock hour. So stay tuned!!

This week Soca Therapy would like to extend warm and fuzzy birthday love to Vincentian artiste and producer, The Great Zeee on Monday the 14th, and to St. Lucian blues man and groovy artist, Teddyson John on Thursday the 17th.

Teddyson John and Superman HD aka Mr. Pringles in St. Lucia (July 2009)

The rumour mill in Trinidad and Tobago has been working overtime this weekend. Talk on the street was that Soca artist, Bunji Garlin is locked up in Miami for drugs. But hold your tongues people until you get the real story! Bunji Garlin isn’t even in Miami today....but you know who is? BUJU! Yep...Buju Banton is the one facing drug charges, related to...get this... “Conspiracy of possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilos of cocaine!” Looks like somebody was trying to have a white Christmas. Ho Ho Ho....

I’m Nurse Karen, and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on anything you heard here, please check me online at Nurse dash Karen dot com or follow me “nursekaren” on Twitter. Now back to de docta!

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Free Download: THISISJESTER.COM PRESENTS SOCA CERTIFIED SMASH (HOSTED BY MISTA VYBE)

It's mixtape season! ...and boy do I have something for you to get excited about.  Here is a brand new all soca mixtape featuring, 53 downloadable tracks for your listening pleasure.   Mixed by Toronto's own mix masterJester of the Smash Squad DJ's, X-caliber Entourage and FLOW 93.5 FM, "Soca Certified Smash" is hosted by one of Trinidad's most hard working and versatile soca acts, Mista Vybe.  Get ready for an international smörgåsbord of top quality contemporary soca anthems and rare carnival grooves!


Wanna hear for yourself?  That would be my pleasure.  Be among the first to download your very own copy, right here!

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

If you like it, let them know on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/thisisjester
http://twitter.com/mistavybe

...and of course, you can follow me too, so you never miss gems like this one!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Jester wins Stylus Soca DJ of the Year!

DJ Jester with Zoelah, Toronto 2008

Hey Allyuh!

Got a dose of some Canadian "On De Scene" news for you!! Jester is the 2009 Stylus Soca DJ of the Year! On Monday night, an elite group of Canadian DJs and Urban Music Artists assembled inside the Queen Elizabeth Centre on the Canadian National Exhibition grounds here in Toronto for the 4th Annual Stylus DJ Awards. It's a celebration of the true batteries powering Canada's Urban Music Scene, THE DJs.

There are categories for everything! You know that I concern myself with soca music!
Since the awards began in 2006, Dr. Jay de Soca Prince has won the soca category every year. The organizers retired him from the category in 2008. This year, the floor was opened for a new winner, and Jester took it! He scooped up College Radio DJ of the Year too, for the second year in a row.

The complete list of nominees and winners is available right here

He was up against pretty stiff competition. Toronto is a city where soca gets year-round love, so crowds have several favourites to choose from. Some play soca either exclusively or primarily! (I know that's like revolutionary for some of you reading)

Well Jes ain't THAT guy. With deep Kittitian roots, Jester has an even deeper respect for Caribbean music, but he prides himself for his versatility when behind the controls.

He'll mash up Hip Hop, R&B, Dancehall or whatever! Whether its out in the clubs repping X-Caliber International and the Smash Squad DJs, or acting as Toronto's morning Coffee with DJ Chief on the World Wide Wake Up Show - boyfriend knows his way around some turntables.

I asked him how he felt about the big win. Here's what he had to say...

"It was honor to be a 5x nominee for the 2009 Stylus DJ Awards, but actually winning really surprised me. The competition was very serious in all the categories I was nominated in (College Radio, Club DJ, Toronto DJ, Myspace DJ Page, Soca DJ Of The Year). I was shocked to win 'College Radio Show Of The Year' 2 years in a row (for the 'Worldwide Wake Up Show' CIUT 89.5fm Thursdays 5:30-8am http://ciut.fm). I have to thank all those who have supported 'Worldwide' over the years.

My goal with 'Worldwide' is to never make it sound cheap or unprofessional. I believe quality is important with whatever you do. Now to win 'Soca DJ Of The Year' was the real shocker. Definitely a competitive category (with Bandit, Soca Sweetness, MArXman, among others nominated in this category with me). I love calypso and soca a lot.

I do so many things outside of soca music, but I always make sure I do at least two soca mixtapes a year and try my best to connect with the artists. I truly believe it is important to expose soca to the masses and break music. I believe that in any genre of music, but more so for soca. When I was a member of the KOS Family I was able to build with all of the artists that I met over the years and now as a member of the X-Caliber Entourage I see how hard it is for a soca artist to get his/her music heard since working with Dawg (Mr. Slaughter).

My 2009 Stylus experience will defnitely be something to remember. Even if I don't win an award I truly believe having your name in a category with some of the country's best means alot. From DJ Wristpect, P-Plus, Ill Kids to Bandit, Soca Sweetness, & JUK, I am in good company and it shows my versatility even more."

--
Jester

X-Caliber International
Smash Squad DJs

Jester congrats on your successes this year. You definitely deserve it. You work so hard! I've learned much from witnessing your work ethic. I have also enjoyed the pleasure of working with you now and then at Flow. Keep setting a great example for kids getting into the biz! Must feel GREAT to get that boost from the fans.

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

P.S. For the rest of ya...never heard Jester spin? Why don't you download Jester X-Perience 2009 Groovy Soca Mix? Promise you won't regret it!

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Free Download: The Jester X-Perience 2009 Groovy Soca Mix

Nurse Karen and Jester in Trinidad, 2008

What can I say about Jester?  Since I was in high school, I developed a deep appreciation for this sound man's ability to identify hot tunes in many genres of music.  He loves the stuff; Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Danchehall, Soca...Jester knows the past, present and future.  So here, my soca babies, is yet another compilation of goodies from Trinidad C2K9.  However, this one is restricted to the groovy stuff (that's ragga for all you Bajans and Vincys).

You'll notice several tunes that weren't getting a crazy amount of airplayin Triniland...but knowing Jester, these are his favourites...and that's all that matters.  

Get it here.

then you can check his blog for more fun!

ZIGGY RANKING - BREAK UPS
KES THE BAND - TIL MORNING
ZAN - SLIP AWAY
MACHEL MONTANO & COLLIE BUDDZ - FLY AWAY
VERSE - DAT GIRL
IWER GEORGE & ZIGGY RANKING - WE LIKE IT
TC - FRONTLINE
PETER RAM - TIGHT
SKINNY FABULOUS - ON THE SPOT (SCRATCHMASTER RMX)
RAVI B, HUNTER, & KES THE BAND - JEP STING (RMX)
MACHEL MONTANO & BUSY SIGNAL - PUSH BUMPER (RMX)
SHAL MARSHALL - BOOM BOOM VILLE
PUPA LEENDI & BLAXX - RUM OH (RMX)
ZAN - HOLD U DOWN
KES THE BAND - THIS FEELING
UMI MARCANO & MACHEL MONTANO - BLOCK TO BLOCK
TIZZY & RICHARD TRUMPET - WUK MEH
ZIGGY RANKING & DEVON MATTHEWS - BUMPERS
KMC - I'M NOT DRUNK
NNIKA FRANCIS - WINE ON YOU
GAILANN - FEELING IT
KAMAU GEORGES - RIGHT HERE (XCALIBER DUB)
SHAYNE BAILEY - SWEETNESS 
BENJAI - DRUNK AGAIN
FAYANN LYONS-ALVAREZ - HEAVY T
BUNJI GARLIN - BANANA
KMC - YEAST
ZIGGY RANKING - THIS TIME 
NADIA BATSON - BUMPER'S RULE
BUNJI GARLIN & BEENIE MAN - PLENTY GAL 
BENJAI & SCARFACE - TANTY SAY
FAYANN LYONS-ALVAREZ & BEENIE MAN - WINE FASTER
BUNJI GARLIN - WE DONE DEY
ZOELAH - WINE UP ON ME (JES RMX)
BUSY SIGNAL - UP IN HER BELLY (RMX)
KES THE BAND - THUNDER
DESTRA, ALISON HINDS & DENISE BELFON - OBSESSIVE WINERS
SLAMMER CUTTER - HANGOVER
PATRICE ROBERTS - BUBBLIN GAL
KENNETH SALICK - RADICA

Enjoy!

Love and Soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

Follow me!

P.S. I'm excited that Verse made the cut.  I met the USVI youth down in Miami, and I'm still waiting for him to call.  Dunno if I'm the girl he's looking for, but I'm definitely trying to find him!!! Call me, yo!

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The Rounds: Dominica, Trinidad, Guyana Soca Monarch. Oh My!!!

Good evening soca lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Being the day after Valentine's Day, I'd like to take a moment to share one thing I truly love. (I'm sure Marxman could echo the same sentiment)  We love that Trini Carnival falls in February, while this city is frozen over. That means if you miss me next Sunday, it's because we joined Dr. Jay in Trinidad's lovably hot sun.

In Dominica, soca lovers celebrated Valentine's Day watching 12 competitors do battle for the Soca Monarch Crown. In the end, it was the 2008 defending Soca Monarch Daddy Chess who managed to capture the title once again with a tune called "Ready or Not". Congrats to Daddy Chess! Love that you got love from the fans and judges at home. Last Sunday, he was one of the many artists hoping to impress the international soca monarch judges in Trinidad. But he didn't make it through.

In case you haven't heard, the 23 finalists who will be performing in the International Soca Monarch show in Trinidad were announced early last week. The main event will happen on Friday, February 20 at the Hasley Crawford National Stadium. I have no idea why, but the evening will feature a panel of celebrities who have no expertise in soca music whatsoever, including American film stars Danny Glover and Chris Tucker, plus Trinis: Olympic sprinter Ato Bolden and former Miss Universe, Wendy Fitzwilliam.

Ok, so you wanna know who's in? Fay-Ann and Shurwayne made it to the finals in both groovy and power - while Nadia Batson is in groovy only, although she was a power soca SEMI-finalist too. Toronto's own Kerwin Du Bois will be in the groovy mix come Fantastic Friday, but unfortunately Peter Ram, Red Plastic Bag and Mr. Slaughter will not. For the complete, albeit economical list of 2009 Soca Monarch finalists, visit Nurse Karen Etc at Mustard Seeds dot net.  

Click Here

Over in Guyana, their Mashramani Carnival celebrations are off to a slow start due to the economic crisis. So far, carnival related events have suffered poor attendance thanks  low promotion. Organizers are blaming that on fading corporate interest. None the less, the show must go on. The Carib Soca Monarch competition was last night. Check my blog this week for the results!

Now, up to Jamaica for some suprising news. Jamaica Carnival is around the corner on Easter long weekend. However, soca lovers in that country have recently come under attack after the government's recent decision to ban explicit dancehall from the airwaves. Many Jamaicans feel that dancehall was unfairly singled out, while soca music is just as bad if not worse in it's sexual messages. Hey, don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger!

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. If you want to voice out about something you heard me mention. Join me online on the Nurse Karen Etc Blog at Mustard Seeds dot Net. Check back regularly for daily coverage of Trini Carnival 2009! Now back to Jester!

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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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The Rounds: Caribana Results

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Caribana in full effect…yo! If you are one of those stay home and avoid the crowd kinda people, you picked the wrong weekend for that. Thursday and Friday Lamport Stadium was THE place to be for the King and Queen show and Pan Alive.

Too many results to announce them all…but here are a select few: Congrats to Joella Crichton and Toronto Caribbean Connection on their Queen of the Bands win for the portrayal – Rhapsody. Ronald Alleyne from Callaloo won best King for The Mystical Dragon.

At Pan Alive, dem Montreal people from Salah's Steelpan Academy caused major bacchanal in Toronto for the 2nd year in a row. The two-time pan alive champions have Afropan, and Silhouettes settling for 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

Now to the road. Yesterday's Caribana Parade of the bands was a sight to behold. Beautiful Mas on the Lakeshore. Thousands of revellers. Music and food and competion for so. No more long talk... Here are your unofficial results for Band of the Year.

In third place, I took a small wine on one of their 3 trucks alongside Flow's own Jester, and Soca Sweetness from KOS after my feet already had their fill of the pavement in the Stingray section of Tribal Knights (yes Marxman, big up).

If you haven't clued in yet, I'm talking about Carnival Nationz. They walked the plank straight to 3rd place for their presentation of Pirates.

In the number 2 spot this year is historically Toronto's winning-ist band Louis Saldenah Mas K Club with THE DEEP.

Congratulations to Jamaal and Marion MaGloire, all the masqueraders and the top notch entertainment like Dr. Jay the Soca Prince for defending their 2007 Band of the Year title with a vengeance. Their presentation of Alkebulan dazzled onlookers with the colours, patterns and textiles of Africa to win 2008 Category A Band of the Year. If you're like to keep score...those are the same bands in the same spots as last year.

Yours Truly with Toronto Revellers' Band Leader Jamaal Magloire earlier this Summer

Before I go, a lil gossip for de maccos and dem: St. Vincent's Shaunelle McKenzie has been liming in Toronto for about a week on business. My girl decline a few carnival gigs so she could work her WAISTLINE at fetes instead.

Nurse Karen and Shaunelle Back Stage at SVG Soca Monarch Semis 2008

Earlier today, I heard St. Lucia Soca Monarch and Road March King Ricky T was detained in the US customs area at Pearson International Airport here in Toronto.

SLU Records Family, Me n Ricky T in St. Lucia

I think his passport was a little too colourful for them, and somebody prolly wanted to get his autograph. I would too, after all he mashed up the dutty side of KOS J'ouvert on Friday. He was travelling with fellow Lucian Teddyson John, who was allowed to board his flight as scheduled.

Nurse Karen with Teddyson John at St. Lucia Soca Monarch 2008

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's rounds. Check me online this week for more info on Caribana as well as lots of news from BIM, GREENZ, Tortola and Antigua Carnival at the Nurse Karen ETC blog at triple w dot mustardseeds dot net. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Big Fetes, Big Fun!

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's rounds. It's one hot weekend here in Toronto and that makes me think about Car-ni-val! Over at Queen's Park the Muhtadi International Drumming Festival is wrapping up its 2008 Year of the Steel Drum. There's only about two hours to go, so if you missed it, you missed two days of amazing performance from Afropan, Silhouettes, Pan Fantasy , Symphonyx and the Toronto All Stars…plus individual performances from some of the city's top pan men and women!

Drum Roll Please! last week the nominees were announced for the SAO Soca Awards. The event will take place in picturesque St. Kitts on October 18th. Congrats to our own Dr. Jay for his 5th straight nomination…and big up to Ms. Boomerang for being the first female to make the international DJ category. Jester, I see you too.

Nurse Karen with Jester at Tribe Ignite (Trinidad 2K8)

He earned X-caliber International a nod for his 2008 groovy soca mix. Voting is open…Log on to socaawards dot com, and make your mark, then hit me up online and let me know what you think.

Last night, "X" marked the Spot on the Palazzo patio for the KOS official start to the soca summer. This is we time soca people, so get out and enjoy it.

Down in Bermuda there was an all out Bajan Invasion last night with a big show featuring the likes of Mr. Dale, Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Biggie Irie and Krosfyah. Very big show for a nation of 65 thousand people.

Nurse Karen with Mr. Dale at Soca or Die 7, (Toronto 2007)

Meanwhile over in the big fog -- London, England got its turn to experience de Gyal Farm Fete. The UK version featured Patrice Roberts, Problem Child (Yes dahlin...I can see you blushing from here), Rupee…and of course Shal Marshall & Kerwin Du Bois.

Problem Child and Nurse Karen out for pizza (St. Vincent, 2006)

Speaking of Kerwin Du Bois….be sure to pick up the June issue of WE magazine. Kerwin's between the covers…and your Nurse Karen wrote the article. I got you lots of juicy info about the artiste-producer, both inside and outside of the music.

Nurse Karen and Kerwin Du Bois at the Return Fete (Toronto, 2008)

If you're planning to make a trip to Barbados for Crop Over, you'll be happy to hear that top Kadooment Band, Baje International FINALLY launched their 2008 presentation on Friday. The costumes are looking lovely…but the prices have soared this year…starting at more than $210 US, which is an increase of about 50 bucks.

In Trindad there's a little talk about a new mas band for 2009. The presentation is called Spice! I can't tell you much, as the identities of the collaborators are being kept quiet…but I can tell you one this: This band is entirely headed and managed by woman: 8 sisters in mas who will be revealed in a local REALITY TV SHOW.

Interesting...! I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please drop me a line at the Nurse Karen Etc blog @ Triple W Dot Mustard Seeds Dot Net. Check out the recap of my interview yesterday on Barbados' Mix 96.9 and of course, grab the rounds podcast for yourself. Now, back to de docta!

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