Musician's View: HD's Dwain Antrobus on UCLA Jazz Reggae Fest

Shot from Cable and Wireless "Pork Lime" Barbados 2008

Left to Right: Kernal Roberts, bMobile Promo Girl, Dwaingerous, Zan and 

(Nurse Karen Etc's) Corey Graham 2.0 

Branching out!!! I Love it. Last weekend while there were three Caribbean Carnivals going on across the US of A, one of the top soca acts took their show west. Machel Montano and 4 members of his HD crew headed to sunny California to nice up the Caribbean entertainment content at UCLA's Jazz/Reggae Festival.

Hotta-fyah Bajan music producer and HD keyboardist, Dwain Antrobus aka Dwaingerous made the trip. He brought home this exclusive personal review of the UCLA experience.

If ya don't know Dwaingerous, hmmmm. I'm pretty sure you know his music! This is the man who solidified Machel and Patrice's heavy impact on Barbados Crop Over in recent years with riddims like; "Feel Nas", "Bad Boy", and plenty more! He's been around way longer than that though.

The 30 year old producer/musician has been touring with Xtatik (now HD) since 2002. He's a self taught pianist who picked it up watching is papa tap those keys as a child in Barbados.

As a youth, he attended Cobermere School, the same institution that turned out other Bajan celebs like pop star, Robin "Rihanna" Fenty and Bajan international saxophonist, Arturo Tappin. Now Dwain splits his time between Barbados and Trinidad, working on his various projects.

Fans:  link up with Dwaingerous on MySpace and Twitter.

Back to LA:

UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival 09 "A Culture of Change"
This was a two day festival, May 24th and 25th.
The 24th (JAM DAY) featured Erykah Badu, De La Soul, Leela James and other local acts.
The 25th (REGGAE DAY) featured Mavado, Peter and Mojo Morgan of Morgan Heritage, Machel Montano, Assassin, Cherine Anderson, Tanto Metro & Devonte.

Here's what Dwain had to say!

HD was well recieved as there was a strong Caribbean support among the 8000 that came out. We did a 30 min performance of the latest hits like "No War", "Unconditional Love", "Higher Than High", "One More Time", "Dance With You", "La Vida", "Bumpers", "Survivors", "It's Carnival".

Place was in total frenzy when HD hit the stage. Those who where sitting in their camp tents and blankets rushed towards the stage when the music started. It was officially party time. 

HD was the most energetic and one of the best performances of that day. Besides Mavado, this was the only time people actually pushed and gathered front stage to take in the perfomance.

Promoters were pleased with Machel's performance and was impressed with the 4 piece band (Darien Bailey, Shawn "Roots" Mitchell, Kernal Roberts and myself) and want to book for next year's event.

We nailed it! The crowd was lovely, the vibe was lovely. We just wanted to give the West Coast something different, and we did. They love us. We made some new fans. I love LA!"

- Dwain

Thanks Dwain!  It's very exciting.  I love to see soca music beginnin to till new soil.  Must be exciting to be a part of that.  Best wishes for another successful Crop Over season.  I know you've been hard at work.  Personally,  I love your new release from The Infamous Frank White, "Wine fuh me Gal".  Also, I'm waiting for you to confirm the rumors that HD's coming real hard this summer.  Will Zan be the new star boy?  We shall wait and see...

Me dear...thanks again for getting this to us!  Keep grindin'.

Love and Soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

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The Rounds: Machel to release a steelpan tune

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.

If you are a fan of this radio show, you probably agree that soca is not just for Summer or even Carnival time.  It's music, so it's great for a workout, and even better for having a good time.  Barbados' Soca Duo, the Fraud Squad recently found themselves very pleased to learn that people in Toronto actually know how to respect soca music beyond the Caribana Season. Toronto's own locally produced TV sitcom, Da Kink in My Hair, just signed a licensing deal to use two Fraud Squad chunes in season 2 of the program.  Keep your ears open for the songs Haunted and Bring Drinks the next time you're watching those wacky gals at the salon.

    Looks like the TV world knows what's up, and the hip hop world does too.  The Ying Yang twins needed a hot remix for their song Dangerous featuring the likes of Wyclef Jean.  And what could be hotter than soca?  The twins reached out to St. Lucia's top production duo, Penn and Ace to give the song that festive island flavour and the rest as they say is….Dangerous! 

            With so many people beginning to realize the value of our beloved soca music, it's no surprise that the soca community is coming together to fight for its due respect on the internet.  There's a new initiative called Bring Soca to MySpace that is working to get MySpace dot com to create a soca category in its music section, and to develop  a sub-site for the English-speaking Caribbean.  For more information, log on to groups.myspace.com/socanow. 

At Broward Carnival 2008, with Trini Chutney Soca star Rikki Jai

            Who's ready for mas? Trinidad carnival has now begun!  The official launch of Carnival took place in Port of Spain on Friday...and officials say they are not concerned about the economic downturn.   Be that as it may, many artists in the chutney soca genre were a little disappointed to learn that the prize structure alotted for the Chutney Soca Monarch competition on February 7th have been reduced for 2009.  Rooplal Girdharrie won $200,000 TT last year, plus a car and other prizes.  This year, it's just the cash. That's basically cutting the value of the top prize in half.

In Toronto with Machel Montano, December 2007

           One never knows what to expect at Carnival.  And the guy who's most likely to keep us guessing is Machel Montano.  The soca star recently had a video shoot for a commercial for his signature event Alternative Concept.  This year's theme will be "Heavenly Drums".  Machel is seen playing steelpan while accompanied on keyboard by Phase 2 bandleader, Len Boogsie Sharp.  The image is out of the ordinary, but understandable when you find out that the defending champions of Panorama 2008 will be competing this year with a pan tune recorded by Machel himself.  The song is called Magic Drums, it was written by Kernal Roberts, arranged by Sharp and by all accounts, it's a real contender.

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The Rounds: Kevin Lyttle's New Song with Flo Rida

Good Evening Soca Lovers,



Season's Greetings. It may be cold outside, but wherever soca music is pumping…it's hot, hot, hot! St. Kitt's and Nevis is especially steamy this time of year as they celebrate their annual Carnival. This year's festival is aptly themed "Nuff Riddim, Plenty Lime."Local favourites like d'Vybz Band International, are now starting to release their music for the carnival season that official reaches it's climax on New Year's day. Vybz will dropping it's '08/'09 carnival album next week. So be sure and check for it.

Speaking of albums… Kes the Band will have a new offering for 2009. The first release is a song called "The Feeling". It's a tribute to Trinidad's musical heritage of Calypso. It has a bit of an 80's retro feel in its construction, all mellowed out with the silky vocals of lead singer, Kees. The new album drops in January.

Nurse Karen and Kees in Toronto

The first lady of Kees the band is none other than the stunningly talented, Miss Nadia Batson. Today is her 32nd b-day and were sending out positive vibes to Nadie as she rings it in. Happy Birthday Girl!

With Nadia Batson in Toronto last month

You've heard me talking a little bit here and there about Kevin Lyttle's Japanese album. Well he's been working on projects for this side of the Pacific Ocean too. A track called Anywhere surfaced on the internet about two weeks ago. It features Flo Rida and Po Boyz…and it's definitely more R&B than soca or anything else. Kevin says the song was originally scheduled to hit airwaves come January, but there is some talk about pushing out sooner because of the leak.

Nurse Karen and Kevin Lyttle in St. Vincent last June.

Over in Trinidad, Kernal Roberts has taken a new step to revive the memory of his legendary father, the late, great Grandmaster Lord Kitchener. Angustura made the controversial decision to cast Roberts in a modern remake of a well-known local television commercial in which Kitch strums the first few bars of "Drink Ah Rum". The original commercial first aired in the early nineties, but in 2008, Kernal who is an accomplished song-writer and musician in his own right, plays his father. A task which comes pretty naturally considering the amazing resemblance. The new ad campaign was lauched last week Friday at a White Oak Staff Lime in Trinidad. Adesh Samaroo and Machel Montano were also present.

With Kernal Roberts in Miami

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Look for me online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog, at www.mustardseeds.net. And download the Rounds podcast to go at http://socatherapy.com/podcast. Now, back to de docta!

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Trinidad's COTT Music Awards are slated for November 6th, and I've got a selected list of nominees for you below. The Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago is a membership organization that is set up to ensure that songwriters, composers, lyricists and publishers get their fair due from the music they have a hand in creating. It acknowledges all music pruduced for public consumption so to speak, so I've taken the liberty of highlighting the categories relating to Soca, Calypso and Pan. Enjoy!

COTT Musick Week kicks of on Thursday, October 30th. The nine days leading up to the awards gala will feature music performances across Trinidad and Tobago, public meet-and-greets for the nominees, and the Creative Minds Workshop.

Category


1. Songwriter of the Year

- Kernal Roberts

- Machel Montano

- Shurwayne Winchester

2. Female Songwriter of the Year

- Destra Garcia

- Fay Ann Lyons

- Nadia Batson

3. Song of the Year

- Breathless – Kerwin Du Bois – Performed by Blaxx

- Chippin – Darryl Henry « Farmer Nappy » & Margaret Alexis « Ginga »

Performed by Farmer Nappy

3. Get On – Fay Ann Lyons

5. New Male Songwriter of the Year

1. Dwain O’Brien Antrobus « Dwaingerous » - Wukking Up (Co-written with Kernal Roberts)

Performed by Patrice Roberts

2. Olatunji Yearwood – Having Ah Time

3. Stephenson « Shal » Marshall -

Gyal Farm (Co-written with Kerwin Du Bois)

Performed by Shal Marshall & Kerwin Du Bois

6. New Female Songwriter of the Year

Annmarie Marilyn Windsor "A.B. Windsor" – Happy Go Lucky Woman

AugustaSt. Louis "Augusta" – Nice Vibes

Latchmin Dass "Devi" – Good Health is Wealth

7. International Achievement Award

1. David Rudder

2. Slinger Francisco "The Mighty Sparrow"

3. Machel Montano

8. Soca of the Year

1. Blazin D Trail – Machel Montano & Kernal Roberts Performed by Machel Montano

2. Breathless - Kerwin Du Bois

(Performed by Blaxx)

3. Get On – Fay Ann Lyons

9. Groovy Soca of the Year

Chippin – Darryl Henry "Farmer Nappy" & Margaret Alexis "Ginga" Performed by Farmer Nappy

Gyal Farm – Stephenson Marshall "Shal" & Kerwin Du Bois
Performed by Shal Marshall & Kerwin Du Bois

3. Wukking Up - Kernal Roberts & Dwain O’Brien Antrobus "Dwaingerous"

Performed by Patrice Roberts

10. Chutney Soca of the Year

1. Bring It – Lalchan Babwah "Hunter"

2. Intoxicated – Vivekanand "Raymond" Ramnarine & Derrick Seales Performed by Dil E Nadan

3. Rum & Dhal – Robin Jagdip Performed by Robin Jagdip


11. Rapso of the Year

1. Clear Up – Sharlan Bailey

2. Live Good – Pascall Roberts "Masaca"

3. Never Give Up – Wendell Manwarren, Stanton Kewley, Roger Roberts & Sheldon Benjamin "Shel Shok" Performed by 3Canal

12. Reggae/ Dancehall of the Year

1. Life – David Nieves "King David" , Roberito Angelo Pantin, Kwasi Robinson & Sherron Charles Performed by King David

2. Shorty – Marlon Sobers "Marlon Asher" & Sherwin Jackie (co written with Anton Chase - non member)

3. Who Do You Want– Troydon Cruickshank "Blazer" & Ray Roopnarine

Performed by Ziggy Rankin & Blazer

13. Soca Parang of the Year

1. Cash for Christmas – Adrian Hackshaw "Third Bass" & Shawn Noel "Da Mastamind"

Performed by Third Bass

2. De Sweetest Christmas Lime – Jason Seecharan "Fridge" & Richard Ahong "Charsu" Performed by H2O Phlo

3. Season It – Jerrod Johnson "Bongo Spear" & Gideon Quashie "EQ" Performed by Bongo Spear

16. Johnny Walker Pioneer Award
Timothy Watkins "Baron"


Awards to be given at the COTT Foundation Gala Awards Benefit Dinner – (October 30, 2008)

Golden Achievement Award

Clifton Ryan "The Mighty Bomber"

Treasured Licensee

Francis Fashions/Shoe Locker

Calypso of the Year

1. Reasons – Steve Rabathaly &

Carlos James "Skatie" Performed by Skatie

2. Reflections – Michael Osouna "Sugar Aloes"

3. Voices from the Van – Dexter Parsons "The Stinger"

Chutney of the Year

1. Aye Sajanee Peeya Moray – Rooplal Girdharie "Rooplal G"

2. Old Man – Shakti Rampartap

Performed by Heerala Rampartap

3. Poowa Lagaweh Kajar – Samraj Jaimungal "Rikki Jai"

Classic of the Year

1. Dingolay – Winston Bailey "Shadow"

2. Feeling to Party – Leroy Calliste "Black Stalin"

3. The Paint Brush – Kenwrick Joseph "Kenny J"

Pan Song of the Year

1. Heat – Amrit Samaroo

Performed by Crazy

2. The Ten Commandments of Pan – Jason George Isaac "Peanut" &

Ingrid Bernadette De Peiza

Performed by Tony Prescott

3. Thunder Coming - Alvin Daniell (co written with Edwin Pouchet - non-member)

Performed by Chucky

Parang of the Year

1. Abreme La Puerta – Francisca Allard &

Philip Allard

Performed by Los Dinamicos Trintarios

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The Rounds: Machel on the cover of Billboard this week!

Grenada crowned its first ever road march Queen this past week. Miney ruled the road with her reveller's anthem 10,000 masqueraders. The song was produced by grenada's Shawn "Mr. Roots" Mitchell…who also plays bass for Machel Montano HD. The song was co-written by Wayne Green of Homebase Ent, who worked with Kasey Phillips from Trinidad's Precision Productions to create the roadmix that had the Carenage jumping on Tuesday.

In the ongoing saga of who-beat-up-who outside Zen Night Club in Port of Spain in April 2007…the names oftwo of the accused have been cleared. Victim Russell Pollonais told the magistrate that Zan was not involved in the beating, and that Kernal Roberts did not assault him. He emphasized that his memory did not need jogging.

Here I am in Trinidad with Kernal Roberts, drummer/musical director/producer extraordinaire

So that leaves two soca celebs yet on the hot seat: Machel Montano and Benjai. Here's an upate on what those guys are doing, instead of worrying their heads over the charges. Machel Montano continues to blaze the trail to international soca stardom. Look out for your favourite Winer Boy on the cover of Billboard Magazine on shelves now.

Liming with Machel

Machel is the first ever soca artiste to grace the cover page, however, fellow Trinidadian calypso greats the Mighty Sparrow and David Rudder shared that honour in 1993. Machel was interviewed by Veteran writer Pat Moschino while in Barbados for Crop Over.

As for Benjai - He's getting ready to head to Berlin for the first time for a couple of shows on September 6th and 7th alongside Germany's Soca Twins.

Hanging with the Soca Twins

That's all fine and dandy, but the real news is this. Benjai's management is looking to launch a new band for the artist…and all of the musicians will be female. So, if you're a GIRL and you play keyboards, drums, guitar, bass, or violin. There might be a job out there for you!

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The Rounds: Machel Mania...

Good Evening Soca Lovers,



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



As the countdown to Caribana continues, a delegation of Toronto’s Carnival Elite are packing their bags to represent our city at Chicago’s Sister Cities Festival, tomorrow through Wednesday. In the crew you’ll find the likes of Steel Panist Earl La Pierre Jr, Calypsonian Macoomeh Fifi and Tribal Knights Bandleader Dexter Seusahai. They will be taking to the stage for three days hoping to urge our friends to make the trip north for North America’s Largest Outdoor Festival.




Trinidad’s Mr. Slaughter celebrated his 31st birthday last Wednesday after a memorable weekend at the best of the best show in Miami. The DJ turned soca artiste has also been trying his hand at reggae in recent months, lending his voice to the Devil’s Angel rhythm on a track called Highest Grade. Sticking to his original DJ roots, you can look forward to hearing DAWG-E on the 1’s and 2’s in Toronto on June 14th at the next edition of Soca Sweetness’ signature party – THE BUZZ.

In Toronto, we're wishing a happy belated b-day to soca artiste Slammer Cutter, whose big day was yesterday. Also celebrating a birthday TODAY, is the lovely and talented Alison Hinds. Now 38, she’s showing no signs of slowing down as she prepares for the Square One Reunion Concert in Barbados on July 26th.

Farm P, Nurse Karen and Slammer Cutter at the Flow 93.5 studios in Toronto.

For those of you Machel fans out there. He seems to be focused on Barbados these days too. Mr. Montano was heard on a popular bajan radio station announcing his plans to perform on the road with the Kadooment Band - Cable and Wireless Contact for the next 3 years. Most likely, that means there’s pretty much no chance that HD will be gracing any stages for Caribana any time soon. Speaking of HD...time for a new lingo. Caribbean Planet! You heard it here first, High Definition is soon to be a thing of the past. The Xtatik family are setting their sights on world domination with a brand new theme for 2009.

Still didn’t get your Machel Montano fix? Well last week, the trial finally began for that alleged assault incident at Zen night club involving Machel, Zan, Benjai and Kernal Roberts. It was delayed a few days due to his engagements in Miami. And boy were the courts unhappy about that, even though Montano’s lawyer says that a letter was issued on March 5th saying that he would not be available for the scheduled date. So, it finally kicked off on Thursday and continues throughout this week. I’ll be keeping an ear to the ground as until we can finally lay this thing to rest.




I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Please send me your comments at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And don’t forget to grab the Rounds podcast at soca therapy dot com. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Rihanna says she might sing soca

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.

Is it just me, or is everybody and the brother talking about Barack Obama? If you think it's just Hollywood actors and pop stars, think again! At the beginning of the month, Calypso's living legend Slinger Francisco aka The Mighty Sparrow added his name to the list of Barack supporters. He released a song called "Barack the Magnificent". It's a glowing reference letter for the Democrat's leading candidate. PERSONALLY, I have plenty respect for anyone who want to take a stance against war and genocide. But how I'm not an American, I would let dem Yankees sort theyselves out. So you could consider THIS to be your antiviolence edition of the Rounds.

Guyana's Mashramani Carnival came to an end yesterday with the annual float parade. Mashramani is an Amerindian word that means "Celebration of a job well done." The parade happens each year on Guyana's Republic Day of February 23rd. But this year the occasion was overshadowed by recent tragic killing sprees in the communities of Lusignan and Bartica. While some chose to boycott the event due to the atmosphere of mourning, several churches, government ministries, mas bands and citizens came out to enjoy a moment of levity in celebration of the nation's 38th year of independence.

Last night the island of Jamaica hosted the Smile Jamaica – Africa Unite concert and Rihanna performed there for the first time. Now, we all know the world renowned good-girl-gone-bad doesn't sing soca….but while in Jam Down she did tell a journalist that she is open to trying new things and will probably try her hand a singing soca music one day.

Still high off her first Grammy win, Bajan pop icon Rihanna is enjoying all the attention it brings. This past week, she dipped home to Barbados for a national celebration of her success. The government honoured the 20 year old singer by naming her the county's Cultural Ambassador. And just to be sure she doesn't forget where she came from, they actually gave her a plot of land in St. James parrish.

Finally a date has been set to hear the assault case of Machel, Kernal, Zan and Benjai. That's right…I AM STILL talking about the fight that took place at Zen night club last April that left two men injured. In your last update, I told you the magistrate was going to wait until after carnival to get this thing started. And so it goes. The four will appear in court on assault charges May 26th, 29th and June 2nd. They better get it all sorted out, cuz I hoping they go be here for Caribana! Just say no to violence!

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 or post them on Nurse Karen Etc at Triple W dot Mustard Seeds dot Net. Now, back to de Docta!

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Booster Shot: Fantastic Friday at Girl Power

So, let me start with and apology. All year long you hear me on air talking about soca monarch and party monarch competitions from all over the globe. Any kind of monarch really, Chutney, Calypso...what can I say? I'm obsessed with the monarchy.

Well I here in Trinidad for Carnival 2k8, and guess where I didn't go tonight? Don't actually guess...that's what they call a rhetorical question. Instead, de ladies and me niced up ourselves to party with Island People at Girl Power.



Parking was a headache and a half. Alas, we made it to the VIP gate and got in. I immediately spotted D'Bandit and a big crew from Toronto...and ruined their perfectly good picture. Then, I was all alone. I lost all 6 of the other girls I came with. You know what that means? I had to go for my first Bailey's alone.

Saucy Wow was on stage, singing her rude girl anthem. She picked the smallest lil man from the crown to kill him with de wine. Ah fine she killing me these days too. Denise, what to say, really? I love your big smile, your big voice, your big bam bam...I ain't mad. I especially love your "don't care" attitude. So, I hope you don't care when I say tight does not = sexy.

Destra and Atlantik had next. She have some really eye candy in that band. Num num. At this point, I met up with the girls and we had a premium spot to the right of the stage. I looked up and I saw gold sequined hot pants reflect all manner of light. She sang the old favourites...as her secret weapon writing buddy Kernal Roberts looked on from back stage.



He and Machel greeted me with smiles and kisses to welcome me to Trinidad. Sean Paul and Ms. Garcia did they wine up thing again. And the Rider girls really crushed a very happy man...bouncing in the sky and ting. All of that makes for a nice lil presentation..but the real highlight of the show was a petite Antiguan ball of fire by the name of Tizzy. When she ran on stage, it was all style, class, elegance and talent. She's got a command of the crowd that is intensifying each time I see her perform. I feel like her performance of Expose was the first one to really get that crowd away from the bar and the food tents for a few minutes. Congrats Tizzy! She must have come straight from the Groovy Soca Monarch Show. I have no idea why Atlantik didn't use "Show Dem What You Have" in their shows. It's a big tune on the radio...and it's the one that got baby girl into the finals. But none the less, she worked the hell out of her 5 minutes!

Content on some stew beef, mashed potatos and salad...I decided to check out the General Admission side to find a few friends. Much to my surprise...the other side was more spacious, and had a better view. So, that's where I parked it till the sun came up. Kes the Band, gave a wonderful show. Nadia was cool and relaxed in her black tee and jeans. Kees stripped down, just to remind the girls why he's such a hottie...and finally...I relaxed and took a wine.

The last band of the night was Machel Montano HD. They still on that HD ting for 2K8? At once the liquor must have kicked in...cuz the crowd was finally ready to party. I'm sure this was about 4 am. Farmer Nappy, Patrice, Machel...and even Ricky T got exactly one minute to bring de pressure before the fete shut down. It was rags and flags and glow sticks...and jamishness. As the sun began to rise over Jenny's car park, I turned around and saw two family-ar faces wining like they on vacation! Marxman and Soca Sweetness from the Kingdom of Soca and Soca Therapy took a break from DJ duties that night to enjoy Girl Power. (Now why they calling it that again?)



Police tell Machel to stop..and de party stop. Ran into Lil Bitts on the way out...visited all the performers to share some kudos. If you see how hard they work during this season. And to think those boys were still looking to lime. Not me. time for bed.



I'm Nurse Karen and that's your Booster Shot! Next stop Maracas Bay...

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The Rounds - November 4, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. So, in case yuh just late, Last night was the biggest fete on Toronto’s Fall Soca Calendar. Soca or Die 7, rocked the Kool Haus until early this morning showcasing the explosive talents of Tizzy, Ricky T, Nadia Batson and Problem Child. Krosfyah blessed the party, bringing their signature sound to the performances of Edwin Yearwood, Khiomal, Adrian Dutchin, Mr. Dale and Little Rick. Can you say PRESSURE?
Dr. Jay’s annual birthday party proved, that he’s not getting older…just better. And by the way, same goes for me!
Speaking of Birthdays…Nookie Man Jamesy P now has some evidence that he knows a little something about the subject matter of his songs. He’s the proud father of bouncing baby boy. Treshawn Morgan is the youngest soca scorpio, just born to Jamesy P and his wife last week in Tortola.
On the Carnival Circuit, the Caymen Islands are celebrating “Pirates Week” November 8th to 18th. It’s the national festival of that Caribbean
Territory, although dey big masquerade thing is called Batabano Carnival. That happens each year in May. St. Kitts and Nevis is getting geared up to launch Carnival as well. But that action really heats up over the Christmas Holidays. On Tuesday, Digicel Inferno Carnival launched their new presentation “ The People Who Came,” paying tribute to the ethno-cultural history of SKN.

Thursday night was the annual Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago Awards. COTT governs music publishing in the twin island republic. Machel was a big winner, taking home three major awards. The newly crowned Songwriter of the Year, also took home song of the year, and soca of the year for his road march win “Jumbie”, which was created collaboratively with Kernal Roberts, and Courtney Lewis, who is St. Lucian.
The event was held at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, and featured a gold carpet for arriving music celebrities. There were special performances from Calypso veteran Lord Nelson and Trinidad’s Own Grammy Award Winner. Billy Ocean lent his voice to the Grand Finale – A rendition of his smash hit Caribbean Queen, performed by three ladies worthy of that title; Sanell Dempster, Nadia Batson and Destra Garcia.
COTT is currently looking into a complaint from Blazer, regarding a portion of his groovy hit “Be Mine to Night” that was illegally used by the UNC political party in their election campaign ads. The singer believes that he was dropped from the bill of 3 upcoming shows, because of what appears to be his public political affiliation. However, he claims that he is not directly connected to ANY party, and dem boys didn’t even have his permission to use the song.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Please text me your comments at 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now, back to de docta.

Check out scenes from Soca or Die 7 and this day in studio. Login, and leave me a comment!

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The Rounds - October 28, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s time for your weekly dose of the latest soca scoop, and what a week it has been.
The music is coming fast and furious for Trinidad carnival, and from all accounts 2008 will be another big year for Traffik’s frontline vocalist Shurwayne Winchester. He’s got 2 big releases steadily rotating their way to the top, and he just made it three. It was Mommie Winchester’s birthday Saturday, and her famous son gave her the gift of music. The new song is called “Whole Day” and it made it’s debut on Trini airwaves yesterday.
If you find yourself asking whas-goin-on with Kevin Lyttle, ask no more. Currently the Vincy artiste is hob-nobbing south of the border. Now based in New York, Kevin has been busy in studio preparing for the release of a second album. The sophomore effort was slated to hit store shelves in August of this year, but fans will have to wait till 2008. He’s keeping busy anyway. On Wednesday Kevin Lyttle joined Busta Rhymes and Trick Daddy to perform at Michael Madd’s all-red all-star birthday bash on South Beach. The exclusive event was MC’d by Doug-E-Fresh and hosted a variety of celebrity guests including, Christina Milian, JT money and Cool and Dre. Apparently, the party broke club Santo’s record for most bottles of champagne sold in one night! Something like all the Vincy posse celebrating independence day last night!
Another Party you’ve got to see to believe is none other than T&T carnival. BET J finally aired their 2007 coverage yesterday, the half-hour special featured interviews with soca artists and pan men, plus sights and sounds from the road parades and parties. Repeat broadcasts will air on November 10th and December 15th.
The carnival is over for the family of the late Great Grand master, Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts. On Friday, a high court judge ruled that Kitch’s wife and kids have to hand over their Diego Martin home to Daddy’s mistress. Miss Sugar Bum Bum…she-self. The woman who inspired the lyrics of Trinidad’s 1978 roadmarch…is literally home-wrecking years after both hers and her lover’s death.
Kitch got married the Flag woman, Valerie Green in the 70’s. She bought them a house and named it Rainorama, after the 1973 roadmarch. And the house wasn’t all she gave. Working as his back up dancer, and selling his records, Green gave birth to four children including Xtatik’s award-winning songwriter and musical director, Kernal Roberts. In 88, she transferred ownership of the home to her husband for unspecified “business purposes”.
Darling, I don't want to lose you
Honey, like you give me voodoo
Give way me land, give way me car
But let no man touch my sugar
Little did she know that her husband would soon offer the house as a gift to his lover, causing the wife and kids to be evicted one year later.
The woman known wordwide as “Audrey” died 1998…and the family moved back in, where they have lived ever since. Sadly, the mistress willed “Rainorama” to HER family…and Valerie , Kernal and de rest of de gyang have to find somewhere ELSE to live by December 31st.
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now…back to de doctor.

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The Rounds - September 23, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s rounds. Did I ever tell you how much I LOVE SOCA. Well, if you pay attention to the way WE music getting popular right here in Toronto, it’s clear that I not the only one!
Alison Hinds is now Rolling it all over Much Music. Zoelah Going Down Low, right here on Flow…and anywhere you find Caribbean people, you can find carnival. And DAT is a thing of beauty, ah tell yuh. For all you who thinking that de parties and dem done, now that school is back in session, remember that Fall is a season full of fete!
It’s Caribbean Week in Toronto from September 26th to 30th in Toronto. Head over to Yonge-Dundas Square on Wednesday for a FREE live performance from Nookieman Jamesy P. For other details check out triple W dot Caribbean Week dot C.A.


Down in New Orleans, Cultural Diversity Day has returned to Marconi meadows park after a two year hiatus. The city was robbed of nearly all of it’s cultural celebrations when Hurricane Katrina caused thousands of residents to leave their homes behind. So this year, they ready to party it up again with the help of Montserrat’s Soca King Arrow.
Most of you know that Miami Carnival is in just 3 weeks. Right in line with our Thanksgiving weekend So, if school is really getting your goat. You might want to treat yourself to a hot weekend getaway. The 23rd annual Caribbean festival hits the road on October 7th, featuring Shadow, Iwer George, Biggie Irie, and many more.

From (Nurse) Karen (Etc)

California’s got next. They’re celebrating 10 years of Carnival in Los Angeles…and I bet most of you didn’t even know they had one at all. It’s called Caricabela. It celebrates the carnival cultures of both the English and Spanish speaking Caribbean. Not a bad mix at all! So that’s what’s up on October 14th.
So, I went easy on Machel all Summer. I figured if the Trinidad government and them wanted to leave him be for his hectic performance season, then who am I to do any different. But it’s Autumn now, and it’s time to get serious. Trinidad’s rat pack went back to Court this week to get on with the proceedings in regards to assault of two men outside of Zen night club in Port of Spain. They all showed up Machel, Benjai, Kernal and Zan….all in long sleeves looking like they going church. As is turns out, they had no reason to worry. The trial has been delayed once again. This time because Jerron Joseph, the newly appointed State attorney doesn’t think he’s quite ready to DO HIS JOB. He says, he only received the case on Monday…so the court has adjourned the proceedings until October 12th, when the y will begin to discuss a start date for the trial.
Now, I wasn’t there. So I can’t say who DO what…but I can say Machel is one LUCKY son of a gun. And I suspect that news just bought him a few more performance dates. So Autumn is looking like the real Wining Season across the board.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s Rounds. If you’re still looking for a good wine right here in Toronto, don’t forget to get your tickets to Soca or Die 7. on November 3rd.!
Please text any comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now, back to de doctor

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The Rounds - November 12, 2006

Good Evening Soca Lovers, you’re listening to Soca Therapy and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds for November 12th, 2006.

Bunji Garlin is taking his brand of soca music to a higher level. Last week the former Trinidadian soca monarch signed a production and distribution deal with VP Records. VP is known throughout the Caribbean as the most consistent local music label, producing reggae stars like Sizzla, Luciano, Beres Hammond and this year’s mega-success story Gyptian.

The artist has begun working on new music for this project, including an updated duet version of “Hot Hot Hot” with Arrow, a song with Freddie MacGregor and a pan song with Kernal Roberts.

Bunji’s new agreement guarantees worldwide distribution, ensuring that fans can purchase his upcoming soca album on the shelves of their favourite record stores everywhere.

Bajan Calypsonians are outraged at the lack of support for their music on local radio stations. With the 40th anniversary of Barbados’ independence on the horizon, the United Artistes of Barbados are making their voices heard. Association president and reigning Calypso Monarch David “Kid Site” Piggott tells the media he is disgusted that so little Bajan music can be heard on air during independence time.
A major concert in celebration of the Nation’s anniversary featured Damian Marley, Cocoa Tea and Baby Cham…all of whom are Jamaican artists with no direct linkage to the island of Barbados. The national radio station Voice of Barbados, claims that the UAB’s charges are completely unfounded. As of November 1st, bajan songs comprised 100% of the station’s music programming as they counted down to independence weekend. The rest of the year, Barbadian tunes account for 2 out of every three songs played.

Meanwhile in Trinidad, Pan Trinbago is celebrating the twin island republic’s indigenous instrument. On November 19th, the organization will be hosting an Awards ceremony called “Honouring the Panguard.” The celebration is a tribute to a group of people who introduced the sweet music of the steelpan to the world fifty-five years ago. The list of recipients is extensive, however, notable honorees include the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra, and the First National Steelband. The Honorable Joan Yuille-Williams, Minister of Community Development, Culture & Gender Affairs will be present representing the government.

You’re listening to Soca Therapy on Flow 935 and those have been doctor jay’s rounds. Please email your comments to soca (S-O-C-A) at FLOW 935 dot com. Now, back to Doctor Jay.

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