The Rounds: Naki is "Always On Time", etc

Originally aired on FLOW 93.5 FM's "Soca Therapy" with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince,on Sunday, December 6th, 2009. Tune in every Sundays from 6 to 9 pm.

In this edition:
- Rate Kes the Band for the Independent Music Awards (Trinidad and Tobago / USA)
- First TEMPEST CD is released! ( St. Lucia)
- Naki transitions to soca (Trinidad and Tobago / Canada)
- FREE Iphone / Ipod Touch Steel Drum App (England)
- Birthdays:  Nadia Batson (Trinidad and Tobago), Black Roots (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Sedale (St. Lucia)
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Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Trinidad’s Kes the Band is waiting with baited breath to find out if they will be the 2009 Winners in the World Beat Category of the Independent Music awards. A panel of industry professionals is in the process of choosing a winner right now, but the public can still play a part in helping them to possibly win Peoples’ Choice. They’re up against four other acts. Just surf over to Musicians Atlas dot com, and do your part to support soca.

A couple of St. Lucians who have been working tirelessly to support the development of music on their island, have just launched a brand new compilation CD showing off some of the hottest up and coming talent on the island in various genres including soca. Francis "Leebo" De Lima and Christopher Hunte  are behind a project called "The best of TEMPEST Volume One". Tempest is an acronym that stands for “Televised Event Marketing and Promoting Emerging Sound Talent”. The organization has promoted four live concerts in St. Lucia since 2006, and also participated in the internationally known , St. Lucia Jazz Festival.

On the home front, one of Toronto’s own female Calypsonians, Naki Tuitt has made the transition into singing soca for Trinidad Carnival 2k10. If you’re not sure where you’ve heard the name before, Naki was the 1995 Junior Calypso Monarch in South Trinidad. Years later she moved here to Toronto where she has been competing in the Caribana Calypso Monarch for the last three years. Now, she’s got a groovy soca tune out called "Always on Time", produced by Jimmy Nutron...the same guy who did "Ramajay" for Machel Montano. If you’d like to support your hometown girl. You can grab copies of A Caribbean Soul Christmas and A Mastamind Christmas 4, where you can hear her take on soul music and and soca parang too!

For all the Iphone and Ipod touch users out there, I found an app that you can use to play along with your favourite soca tunes. Carnival Village UK released a free download called “Carnival Steel Drum”, which...no lie...is and electronic tenor pan that you play with your finger tips. Just tap different parts of the screen, and you can rehearse for pan alive! Surf on into the itunes App Store and download it for FREE!

This weeks birthday greetings go out to Trinidad’s Nadia Batson on Monday. St. Vincent’s Black Roots and St. Lucia’s Sedale on Saturday! I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more up to date information on everything to do with soca, check me out online at triple w dot nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me “Nurse Karen” on Twitter. Now back to de Docta!

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Eye Unit: Boom Boom Boom by Tabia and Nathy (Video)

Love to see good quality videos for soca artistes. If that kinda thing gives you sweet dreams, you should enjoy this one. Here's "Boom Boom Boom", the remix.

It's an international collaboration of talent, the likes of which St. Lucian producers have been facilitating for a while (especially with European artists).
You'll enjoy a beautiful montage featuring two hot artistes, and the gorgeous scenery of St. Lucia! Enjoy!

Song Title: Boom Boom Boom
Artists: Tabia (St. Vincent) and Nathy (France)
Riddim: Boom Boom Riddim
Composer/Songwriter: Courtney "Curty" Louis (St. Lucia)
Producer: Courtney "Curty" Louis (St. Lucia)
Engineer: Francis "Leebo" De Lima
Director: Emanuelle Bruch (France)



Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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On De Scene : Alpha "What you Waiting for " (Free Download)

Soca Preliminary was the first time hearing this tune. Now, Rankin sent me the tune hours before the show but I decided to savour it differently so waited to hear it and see it delivered. And there was NO disappointment; the delivery was impeckable and the crowd quickly vibed with the song, singing the hook“What you waiting for” ! Power Soca King 2009??

Alpha and Myself

Alpha was the three time back to back Soca Monarch King who has been bringing a different flavor to the St.Lucia Soca Arena. Many say 2009 is his "COMEBACK" referring to an article I read plus the talk around town. Due to the fact he has made it into both Groovy and Power Soca Monarch as one of the strongest competitors. And gaining for the first time the Groovy Monarch Title 2009 on Saturday Night! But I will reiterate what I read in that article , "In essence, we had gotten use to accepting mediocrity and general criticized and yes ostracised others, like Alpha, who strive to raise their game and take us to another level. Comeback, what comeback, this is and will always be Alpha..."

Here is his Power Soca Single for St.Lucia Carnival 2009! Produced by Rankin Morgan & Adam Gilmor and Masterd by Leebo .Enjoy !!

Download!

Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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On De Scene: Nicole David - Release de Tiger ! (Free Download)

Nicole David, deemed as the Queen of St.Lucia Soca, is making her mark as usual. But before I go into that, I must highlight that 2009 is turning out to be a fruitful year for this soca artist and Carnival isn’t even “officially” out de gate. I am talking about her making the line up of the St.Lucia Jazz festival with likes of Chaka Khan , Estelle, Beres Hammond, Teddyson John just to name of few. At the festival Nicole was able to show her versatility and adding her own flavour, surprising the crowd with her R&B renditions .

Nicole David at the 18th Annual St.Lucia Jazz (Sunday)

(Much Love to www.scruffyimages.com for this amazing shot )

Now back to de soca news, on Tuesday Nicole “Nikki” David's second single for Carnival was released and no disappointment there, de tune sounding real good. The first being "I eh Taking Dat", which is slowly becoming one of the women’s anthem for the season.

Rankin Morgan, one of the producers of Nicole’s “Release de Tiger” came on The Wave where he did a premiere of that track and from de first airplay, one thing I can say is “Roar”. Hope you all ready for de commotion that tune go make on de road and parties. This single was co produced by talented Leebo along with Rankin from the duo Rankin and Smokes In't. Today being only Thursday the tune has been getting great airplay and I am excited to see how it does beyond St.Lucia’s shores not only because it is the first official soca single from Rankin, but because Nicole for de past few years has not backed down and keep being consistent every single year .

As to whether she will be competing this year, it has not been disclosed nonetheless Niki has started 2009 great and no doubt the momentum will continue.

Here is de link to download this tune. And there is a special treat , I know sum DJ’s will enjoy this one . This file also has the instrumental, so guys enjoy!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Much Love!
Peace & Soca
Rochelle
www.twitter.com/rochellenoel

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The Rounds: Tragic crash claims the life of Trini songwriter

In this edition:
- RIM and Toronto-Lime.com to sponsor Caribana 2009
- Disgruntled artiste makes a scene at Sint Maarten soca competition
- Akim Ahjahmoo Farmer dies in tragic car trash
- Farmer Nappy confusion
- Mavado rides a soca riddim
- Destra's returns to NY


Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Lots of news this week around the soca world, so buckle up and get ready for the ride.

On Tuesday, I zipped over to the Scotia Bank Caribana press conference at the Royal Ontario Museum. Those of you out there who love your crackberry almost as much as you love soca, will be happy to hear that Research in Motion has signed on as an official sponsor of the festival...so has Toronto-Lime.com, so you can look forward to some great coverage online!

Before carnival heats up in Toronto, there are plenty of Caribbean festivals happening right now. Both St. Thomas carnival, and Cayman Batabano come to a climax next weekend. This week there was some pretty dramatic action in Sint Maarten, after the Senior Soca Competition. This year marks 40 years of carnival in the Dutch territory, but the first year that a sore loser decided to tell off the judges once the results were announced. First, lemme congratulate King T-Mo for winning the competition, since Ricky the Phox stole a little bit of the spotlight by grabbing a mic to sound off about his frustrations. Tisk tisk! Police rushed the stage to restrain him, but he removed himself after announcing that he won’t be participating in carnival in the years to come. It’s reported that he was disqualified for breaking the rules.

The music community in Trinidad and Tobago is mourning the loss of one of it’s bright young talents. Yesterday afternoon Karim Ahjahmoo Farmer died tragically in a car collision in La Romaine. The 28 year-old singer / songwriter has collaborated with the likes of Machel Montano (Won't Stop), Len Boogsie Sharpe and Collie Budz on various projects. His friends say that he never drank or smoked.

A rumour was circulating that Farmer Nappy was the victim of the crash, but let me set the record straight. I contacted Farmer’s manager this morning. She assured me that he’s fine. In fact, he’s currently in Barbados, hanging out for a while. Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Akim Farmer, may he rest in peace.

A couple of producers in St. Lucia are patting themselves on the back for being the first to get dancehall star Mavado to sing on a Soca Riddim. The tune is called My Life. It’s a collabo with a new artist called Baby Blue. But if you expect the gangsta for life to blow a whistle, jump up and wave tune, let’s be realistic. Mavado sounds just like... mavado. He brought his signature sing-songy dancehall vibe to Courtney Louis and Francis De Lima’s boom boom riddim, and compared to the other tracks on it, the sound is more hybrid that soca.

When it comes to people who been singing soca for a minute, people the world over know the name Destra. Ms. Garcia did her first show in New York city after about a 2 year absence. She launched the HOTT album at Manhattan’s SOBs, to a crowd that enjoyed every minute of it.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds. Check out Nure Karen Etc, now at Nurse dash Karen dot com, for more information on all the stories you heard today, including an official statement from Farmer Nappy.(coming soon) Now, back to de docta!

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Booster Shot: Mavado releases his first soca collaboration

So this past weekend in St.Lucia, Courtney aka "Curty" Louis and co-producer Francis "Leebo" released their much anticipated "Boom Boom" riddim for Carnival 2kwine! 

Nurse Karen in St. Lucia with co-producer, Leebo

Perhaps much of the aniticpation was the result of this: one of dancehall's brightest young stars made his soca debut on it! Jamaica's self-described "Gangsta for Life", lends his voice to the caribbean's happiest genre, soca! I'll be the first to tell you, on the track "My Life", Mavado sounds just like his signature style...bringing a dancehall flavour to a riddim that is otherwise authentic groovy soca.

"After creating the riddim, I wrote lyrics for the song, "My Life,"...with Mavado in mind offcourse. I then sent the riddim and lyrics to Mavado and his team by email, who then sent me the vocals for his part of the song. Right after I contacted Baby Blue and he and I worked on his parts, and the rest is history..",

Three songs premeried on MC Scady's program on Radio Caribbean on Saturday afternoon.


- Whole Day (Wuk) - Qpid (St. Lucia)
- Boom Boom Boom - Tabia (St. Vincent)
- My Life - Baby Blue (St. Lucia) and Mavado (Jamaica)

My Life - Baby Blue & Mavado

Nurse Karen with artiste, Qpid

A few more titles entered St. Lucian circulation on Tuesday of this week:

- Hot Gal List - Boone Chatta (Germany), one half of the internationally acclaimed Soca Twins sound crew.
- Who are You - Zionomi (St. Lucia) ft. Bobby Bling (Jamaica)

In Toronto with Soca Twins (Boone is the cutie on the left)

I always try to give a little shine to the producers. So it's time to big up the puppetmaster behind this peculiar assembly of talent - the one Courtney Louis. He's a St. Lucian who is well known and respected in Trinidad's music community, especially since he helped to slap together the track that would earn Machel Montano a roadmarch win for Jumbie. In 2007, he shared the accolaides for Soca of the Year and Song of the Year. However, it was the Song Writer of the Year Award that really turned heads.

In fact, the Boom Boom riddim was so named after the title track, which was written by Louis and performed by Tabia. Songwriting is definitely his strong suit, having either written or co-written all of the tunes on the riddim.

In St. Vincent with artiste, Tabia

Curty says he's got a lot more surprises this carnival: " The season hasn’t even started yet. We have at least two other riddims working on that will include power and groovy vibes. I have plans to work with a number of Saint Lucian and regional artistes. A few to mention are, Mr Killa ( Grenada ), KMC ( Trinidad ), Beenie Man ( Jamaica ), and Marie Anne ( St. Lucia )."

That's all folks!

Love and soca,

(Nurse) Karen

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On de Scene: Tabia on de "Boom Boom" Riddim

Last Weekend, I caught up with Vincy artist Tabia inside the Club as she came into St.Lucia to record another of her 2009 Carnival tracks with two of St. Lucia's finest producers. Many may recall Tabia last year with her notable track "Feeling It" featuring Luta from the Lime Vincy Soca Dans (which she is also part of).

Tabia and I, back in February inside International Soca Monarch 2009

Tabia's single entilted "Boom Boom Boom" is produced by power team Courtney “Curty” Lewis and Francis “Leebo” De Lima on their "Boom Boom" riddim set to release in Mid April.

Tabia and Curty before hitting the Studio.

As she states, " My involvement in St Lucia, doesn't stop here as I am planning on making a return for the carnival; so keep posted to know when I'll be touching the stage in St. Lucia."

Photo Up of Courtney "Curty" Lewis and Francis "Leebo" De Lima

This riddim will feature a host of local and regional artists such as Q-pid with her track entitled "Whole Day Wuk" . Newcomer to the St.Lucia Soca arena Baby Blue will voice the riddim with an explosive duo featuring Jamacian artist Mavado. Yes, Mavado!

Now that's enough , keep ya ears open on who else rides de "Boom Boom" riddim and the others set to release!

Peace & Soca,
Rochelle

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The Rounds: Byron Lee is alive and fighting for every breath!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

Boy, what a big week for Caribbean Entertainment! First let's go to Dominica For the Festival Musique Creole Dominique. Each year festival organizers work hard to ensure that the best international talent is represented to provide the ultimate entertainment experience. But last night, many Dominicans were left disappointed after a lack-luster performance by Sean Paul. Sucks for them, cause here in Toronto, it was all about Soca or Die 9! And it was saw-weet!....I digress.

Right. So, the real local stars mashing up Dominica this season are a young group called the MFR Band. The acronym stands for Music For Real. They have a song called Sticks and Stones that is on EVERYONE'S tongues even though the tune hasn't been recorded in studio yet for radio play.

Here's a video of MFR Band performing Sticks and Stones

"I see you runnin' ya mouth, but you ain't saying nothin. Blah, blah, blah!"

St. Lucia is taking an leap forward to recognize the potential of THEIR local entertainment hopefuls. Wednesday, a new television program was launched called Guinness Undisputed. It's a talent contest seeking the top vocalists, dancehall dancers and freestylers from Lucia. What's cool about the program is that the contest judges are some pretty reputable local soca personalities. You have Francis "Leebo" De Lima, a reggae artist and soca producer, Nigel Nicholas and Patrice Regis from Slaughter Arts Media Entertainment...the duo who brought you the soca blutooth riddim last year. And Lastly, Mr. Courtney Lewis...he's best known as the 2007 COTT Award Winner for best new male songwriter for Trinidad's Roadmarch that year....Jumbie!

Speaking of the COTT Awards. The action starts now. The 2008 awards gala takes place on November 6th, but a few awards were doled out early. I'd like to big up Noel La Pierre, a member of the Kingdom of Soca extended family. He just won the COTT award for Jazz World Music Composition of the Year, for the song One and Only. Noel made that steelpan sing, and recorded the magic right here in Toronto.

The biggest news of the week is of a somewhat sombre nature. I say somewhat, because the bad news everyone is talking about turned out be a little LESS "bad" than we first thought. I am talking about Byron Lee, the legendary bandleader behind one of Jamaica's foremost musical exports, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. The 73 year old music veteran has been suffering from cancer for two years. He was undergoing treatment in Miami.

This past week a crazy rumour was circulating internationally that Mr. Lee had passed away. Sadly I must admit, I got caught in it myself. Lemme explain. Recently, Lee's conditioned worsened and he suddenly returned home to Jamaica by air ambulance. The next day the governor general paid him a visit in the hospital to bestow upon him one of Jamaica's highest civilian honours - the Order of Jamaica.

Naturally this sparked speculation among news watchers that a tragic end was close in view. So, heres what your Nurse found out. On Monday, there WAS a death in the Dragonaires camp. Former lead vocalist, Vic Taylor who performed as part of the band throughout the 70s and 80s died at the age of 56. See where I'm going? Byron Lee is not dead. Rather, lines got crossed with persons coupling the gravity of Lee's illness with the untimely death of his old colleague Vic Taylor. I have been communicating with a longtime friend of the Lee family who is receiving updates from Byron's daughter Deanna. Lee is alive and fighting for every breath. This morning her email informed me that he does have his good day and his bad. So join me in continuing to keep both the Lee and Taylor families your thoughts and prayers.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more information about anything I've mentioned, check me out online at the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) Blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And as always, you can download The Rounds Podcast for yourself at Soca Therapy dot com.
Now Back to De Docta!

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Booster Shot: St. Lucia launches Guiness Undisputed

I love it when Caribbean countries step up to recognise the talent ripe for picking on their very own shores.

St. Lucia took a big step forward last night when a press conference was held to announce the launch of "Guinness Undisputed"

...you could compare it to American Idol, or Digicel Rising Star, or one-a-dem. Fact is it's homegrown...and it's about time. Truthfully, it's a very different concept. It's a competition that will incorporate four main events; The Original Song Competition, a Dancehall Dance Competition, a Freestyle Battle and some kinda final showdown. Contestants will be vying for a shot at EC $25 000 worth of prizes.

There will be no Simon Cowell (THANK GOD). However the critique will come from an impressive cast of St. Lucian music personalities who have experience working in the music biz locally, regionally and internationally. We talking all genres: soca, dancehall, zouk, hip hop, reggae and r&b.

So let me introduce the judges to you:

Francis "Leebo" De Lima, is probably best known at home for being a reggae artiste. A trained sound engineer, Leebo and partner Adam Gillmor are the brains and muscle behind Heights Music Production, where they work with many of St. Lucia's up-and-coming vocalists.

Posing with Leebo and St. Lucia Power Soca Monarch, 2008

Courtney Lewis, a St. Lucian based in Trinidad. He is one of the unsung heroes behind Machel Montano's "Jumbie" 2007 Roadmarch. Lewis copped the 2007 COTT Award for New Male Songwriter of the Year for that effort. He also shared the accolades for Best New Soca, and Best New Song with Machel Montano and Kernal Roberts.

Sharing a moment with Nigel Nicholas

Nigel Nicholas, is a hard-working musical jack of all trades. The artiste/producer thinks globally when it comes to music. As a business man he knows all about the hustle of networking. As an artiste, he brings a sexy hip hop style to tracks that gives his music a palatable crossover feel.

Together with dynamic music producer, Patrice Regis, Slaughter Arts Media Entertainment has made an impact on the airwaves of both the English Caribbean and the entire creole-speaking world. You probably know Pato's sound from the Soca Blutooth Riddim.

Enjoying the lime with Patrice Regis in beautiful St. Lucia

Lucians, check your local papers...and get involved!

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