The Rounds: Olatunji's mother found dead. RIP Mairoon Ali

Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince. (Sunday, December 20, 2009, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm)

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. With Christmas just one week away, I decided to do something special just for you. I went into the trenches to ask a few soca artists what they’ve got planned for the holidays. Here’s what I found out.

Skinny Fabulous just wrapped up his university exams last week. Fans who went to Dr. Jay’s appreciation party last night can attest that the Fabulous One was in an extra festive mood, giving Toronto a memorably wild performance of hits, freestyles and new releases.

But before Skinny returns to St. Vincent to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, he’ll be shooting a music video for “De Beast Leggo” with director Jay Will, tomorrow in Jamaica.

But in his home country Christmas time is traditionally celebrated with a festival called Nine Mornings. Luta says he’s already been spending his time performing at school Christmas concerts around the island. Yesterday, he and the Soca Dans performed on the road in Chateaubelair for their Nine Mornings jump up. Then Tuesday he will be a guest artist at the National Carolling competition.

Nurse Karen and Luta in Toronto (September 2009)

Edwin Yearwood and a host of other artists will be working through the holidays in the Virgin Islands..and boy do they love HIM down there. This will be his 5th year in a row spending Christmas in the VI. But then again everybody loves Edwin! On Friday, a fan at a show in Antigua demonstrated it the best way she knew how, by holding onto his legs and kissing his feet while he was on stage performing! I bet I know what she asked Santa to bring her for Christmas!!!

Nurse Karen and Edwin Yearwood in Toronto (November 2009)

Dominica’s Mr. Benji from the Triple K Band will be travelling to St. Croix for the Cruzian Christmas Festival. Problem Child will be performing there too.
Antigua’s Tizzy will be spending Christmas Eve at another Carnival in Montserrat, and on Boxing Day she will join her band and El A Kru in St. Thomas. But she’s reserving Christmas Day just for the family.

Nurse Karen and Tizzy in Miami (October 2009)

Closer to home, Toronto’s Slammer Cutter is hard at work preparing for Trinidad Carnival amidst his festive time with family and friends. Then when the calendar switches to 2010, he’s headed straight to Trinidad to shoot the video for Hangover 2 (aka Bad Weather)

Unfortunately, the hoIidays can be a difficult time for many people. And this year, It’s going to be a very hard Christmas for one of the lead vocalists of Roy Cape All-Stars. One of Trinidad and Tobago’s best loved entertainers passed away mysteriously about 8 hours ago.Actress, comedienne and radio personality  Mairoon Ali, the Mother of Soca singer Olatunji Yearwood was found dead in her bathroom early this afternoon by her son. She was not known to be ill. Mairoon Ali was 51.

Super Jigga TC is also quite shaken as a result. He tells me that he saw her just last night in fine form. She was in the front row cheering him on during the episode taping of Synergy Soca Star. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Olatunji, his family and friends at this very painful time.

Olatunji Yearwood and Nurse Karen in St. Vincent (June 2009)

The holiday season is full of all sorts of emotions. So no matter what you happen to be going through at this time, please accept my gift of joy, peace and love... I’m Nurse Karen, and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information about anything you’ve heard here, feel free to connect with me online at Nurse dash Karen dot com...or follow my Christmas activities on Twitter . Twitter dot com slash “NurseKaren”.   Now back to de docta!

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Nurse's Lounge: Vincy & Grenadian Hype - Toronto!

Nurse Karen and Pupa Leendi

Few people realize that in spite of my public persona as veritable Queen of the Soca Dancehall (LOL), I like to stay in. My Toronto crew can attest. I do go out, but I'm noticeably absent at a lot or great events too. I dunno, I just like my bed or something.

Last Friday, even though every ounce of my being ached for the familiar conforst of home, I partied. I partied kinda hard too! (Jumping and ting, what a site)

For me the hot spot was a show called Vincy and Grenadian Hype, held up at Fusion Lounge, near Jane and Wilson. I live pretty much in the downtown core, so it takes a special push to get me to pump enough gas in the ride to make it to them parts. Special push came from DJ Tarrus of the Vincy Soca Dans. He popped up on my MSN, right around the time I was starting to kiss all my "tweeters" goodnight. I got a stern reminder that I missed their big show in NY the weekend before, and I'd better not flake out on the Toronto appearance. Point taken.

The event featured a cast of artists Toronto seldoms sees together. From Grenada it was veteran artiste, Inspector and multiple-time Carriacou Road March champ, Pupa Leendi. From St. Vincent and the Grenadines, there was the nookieman Jamesy, six time soca monarch Fireman Hooper, and "D'Crowd Motivator" Luta.

I got up to Fusion about 1 am-ish. I dolled up, cuz it wasn't supposed to be heavy fete night for me. Just wanted to suss the show, say hello to the artistes and go on my merry way (back to sleep). That's not the way it went down.

When I arrived, a steady flow of patrons queued up at the entrance. A couple of Toronto Police were hanging around making easy dough. I ran into Andy Lavia outside. We had a great chat about all things soca. Dunno if it was planned, but he ended up being the MC for the night. I need to get those kind of jobs!

I'm pretty sure our lime continued outside until after 2. When I got inside, the crowd barely even seemed to notice that the artistes weren't even in the building as yet. The action on the dance floor was the kind of wildness that you would expect from Spice Mas J'ouvert of Vincy Carnival events like "Slippery When Wet". For some the stage doubled as a King-sized mattress, for others the floor was good enough. Never seen that kind of behaviour in Toronto before....EVER!

DJs Fusion and Tarrus juggled from Jamaican Dancehall to soca from the two featured islands plus a healthy dose of ditties from Barbados, Trinidad, and Antigua too.

Finally it was show time. Grenada was up first! Pupa Leendi...who most of you know from "Rum ooooooooooye, wey you dey?!!!" got all the roots coloured flags waving high and proud. A couple of lyrical improvisations gave the man's songs a parental advisory warning much higher than that required for liquor references, if you know what I mean. Eh hem... Sometimes I wonder if I'm old enough for this stuff.

Next was Inspector. It was great to see him command the crowd. I really appreciate witnessing performances by persons who've been in the game for a while. I remember seeing him at a Carifiesta show in Montreal. That could have been 10 years ago. WOW!
He performed is set to an ecstatic audience. For obvious reasons, the Grenadian crowd was loving it a little more than the Vincies...until, he did something no one expected. Inspector got the DJ to give him a one drop...to which he performed classic Vincy soca songs from the like so Poorsah and Becket. If you see exitement!

Nurse Karen with Inspector

Why can't I remember who was next? I believe it was Jamesy P. Boyfriend came dolled up looking like somebody's groomsman. He had everybody singing along from start to finish.

Luta! Love him or hate him, you can't deny that the man knows how to hold a crowd's attention. From the girls rushing the stage to test the wine, or the freestyle verses of "Busy Tone". Luta shows the Greenz crew some love by dropping some Lavaman verses in his set. Lava was advertised, but I haven't got the story on that. In my opinion, Luta was a true show stopper.

Nurse Karen, (pit stain), and Luta

Time was running out at Fireman hit the stage. I was already privy to some of his outrageous antics in the VIP, so one could expect nothing less as the dreadlocked mad man approached the stage shirtless. I can't lie, I lost all my poise and composure when he did "Anaconda". I didn't expect that. So, I had a little more jump left for "Spirtual" and "Rags Invasion". He brought back a few great Vincy Mas memories for me.

Towards the end of the set, the security team just didn't look like they were having fun anymore. It was getting awful close to 3:30 am...so by the time Tarrus took the mic to do his song, the lights were on.


But you know what happened next.... PARKING LOT LIME. Thanks for getting me out gents. It was a real fun show, keep doing your thing!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

P.S. The same night there was a huge b-day bash for DJ Jester. I'm very sorry I wasn't able to make it. He's a buddy of mine, that I appreciate in so many ways..and have the utmost respect for. I know the party was amazing, and so would have loved to be there for the fun. Lots of continued blessings! K.

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Nurse's Lounge: Junior Calypso and Soca Lime in VIncy (video)

Tuesday, June 30 - Junior Calypso and Soca

I’ve decided that Junior Calypso is my all-time favourite event on the Vincy Mas calendar. Maybe I’m secretly wishing I was still a hot blooded 13 year old. Maybe it’s cause they don’t sell popcorn and sno cones at Soca Monarch. I’m not sure why, but hands down, it’s my favourite midday lime on the calendar.

This time around my hankering for sea water caused me to arrive much later than I had planned. (see here)

I was so late! Missed all the Kaiso. I find the kiddies always bring throught provoking entries about matters that affect youth. It’s better than the newspaper. Good kaiso is the peoples’ voice. By the time we arrived at Victoria Park there were only a few more Junior Soca acts. I even missed my boy Hance, three time Jr Soca champ, who’s now singing with Hottsand!

3-time Junior Soca Monarch Hance, playing mas on Carnival Tuesday

I did, however, have time to see young Deneisha Simmonds who placed for her performance of Soca Body. Then there was soca bad boy Wetty B from Union Island, pushing the envelope straight into disqualification zone with a performance of his Steelpan song(PUM PUM). The Vincy Soca Dans shut down the show, with Luta, Fireman and Jamesy P performing their latest hits.

The future of Vincy Calypso and Soca

Here are a few clips of the late action at SVG Junior Calypso and Soca Monarch:

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Nurse's Lounge: C-Lightning Bashment Wedding!

Saturday, June 27 – C-Lightening Wedding

When you hear the word ‘wedding’, certain items usually come to mind; church, a white dress, respectful guests on their best behaviour. Well, perhaps you’ve never been to the union of two

soca freaks! On Saturday, June 27, Rachel and Noel of C-Lightening dot com exchanged vows

around the pool at the Canash Beach Apartments in Calliaqua, St. Vincent.

I met Rachael maybe 18 months ago on the video set for “Sexy Chocolate Girls” by Farm P. Rachael was fronting like she was playing in the Rhythm section, and I was totally dressed wrong for the shoot on the Palazzo patio in the cold spring air. She introduced herself...and since then the bond has grown immensely.

Rachael is a born Vincy who fell madly in love with her Trini knight in shining armour nearly 15 years ago. They have two handsome twin boys and a relationship that makes you believe in that good stuff all over again. It was such an honour to be invited to be a part of their special day!

Whenever I post a “Nurse’s Lounge”, I try to give readers a glimpse of my personal

whereabouts and involvements in this crazy world of Caribbean Entertainment. A wedding is a

private family function most of the time...but this one couldn’t have been more different.

As webmasters of a site that promotes the businesses and music of their homelands in St. Vincent and Trinidad, Rachie and Noel's wedding could be nothing short of a total bashment. It just HAD to be! The wedding was meant to start at noon, but our bride didn’t appear till close to 2 pm. Guests were entertained by the open bar...something you don’t normally get to enjoy at the ceremony! Rachel was escorted by her father to the stage ahead of her groom. That’s fitting, since as the Vincy in the couple...this is her turf. She ought to be waiting for HIM!

He walked the ‘aisle’ too...and by aisle, I meet the deck of the pool. The wedding party was a

good 20 people, dressed in Hawaiian style clothing, with leis around their necks. The guests were all made to dress in pure white. Must say, Caribbean people know how to rock that style very well!

The MC, Andy is a Toronto-based Vincy who Rachael has known all her life. He’s a big joker, which kept everything jovial and fun. After the priest pronounced them man and wife, out came the jello shots in every colour of the rainbow. Sandwiches were served to tie us over till the enormous spread of Trini cuisine was unveiled for dinner.

The evening was truly a joyous occasion. Half wedding. Half fete. Eventually the MC would have to share his mic with an impressive cast soca artistes, all who agreed to impromptu

performances out of good natured generosity. So who performed? Coyaba

, Black Roots, Jamesy P, Shaunelle McKenzie, Luta, Blaxx and more! Yes...it was a big show!

When Luta began to sing Rumbo, the fun really began. The wedding party formed a conga line around the pool and encouraged guests to join in. Next thing I see...Noel dove in..and so did the rest of the bridal party. No one cared about their newly tailored outfits. No one worried about the transparency of their white and/or pink outfits. It became a pool party. Sadly, I wasn’t quite so confident. My eyelit lace dress would not have forgiven me for that type of abuse.

As the sun began to set, the dancing continued, both in and out of the pool. Everyone was having a beautiful time, especially the happy couple.

Congrats Rachael and Noel. You deserve every happiness! May you be blessed...just

as you continue to bless me and others.

Special thanks to Kathy for the pcitures. My camera was on vacation for a few days!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Nurse's Lounge: LIME-ing at Gideon James' Album Launch

Now that I've returned from the Caribbean, I've decided to post my daily journals. "Nurse's Lounge" is your window into my world. So, don't forget to visit Nurse Karen Etc often, I've got stories and reviews from about 3 weeks of travel! Enjoy!

Friday, June 26 – Gideon James Album Launch

One thing I love about Vincy Carnival is the music. I suppose that’s no surprise. I’m a big fan of soca, and an even bigger fan of creativity and culture. Gideon James is a Veteran on the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soca scene. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s, he performed as a frontline vocalist with St. Vincent’s top band Touch. In recent years he has made his mark on Vincy Mas celebrations with Ragga soca love songs enjoyed by the old and young alike.

When I landed in SVG on June 27th, I was pleased to learn that LIME was hosting a midday album launch event for Gideon James right in front of their offices on Halifax Street. Shortly after checking in to my room at Grenadine house. I was able to hitch a ride into town with hotel manager Delroy, and the assistant Manager Laela.
As far as Caribbean cities go, the business centre of Kingstown, St. Vincent is pretty small. So, if you feel like being under the radar...you should probably stay indoors. In the 3 minute walk from the parked car to the venue, news quickly spread that I was back in town.

“Nurse Kareeeeeeeeeen!” a voice shouted from a passing car. “You in Vincy how long and you couldn’t call me?” It was Luta. I smiled and assured him, I had only just arrived. Then I felt a casual nudge at my right hand side. “So Karen for the TV webpage, you basically want a template to match your blog with a frame for the player, “ confirmed Devon of NSS Studio design. He’s currently hard at work designing www.Nurse-Karen.com . From the way he approached me, you’d never guess we hadn’t seen eachother in person for about a year.

Just like that, carnival had begun for me! As we approached LIME, we could hear live music performed by Hottsand pumping around street corners. Syxx and Sharlene were on backups as Gideon took centre stage. The growing crowd of onlookers seemed happy to start the weekend early. The lime continued for another hour or so. I touched base with the presenting sponsors of Vincy Carnival 360 for Toronto-Lime dot com. I said hello to a bunch of local artistes who were around to support the show...man like...Jamesy P, Black Roots, Philly Dilly, and Ras X. Then I goofed around with some media buddies, all while watching Gideon James deliver those flawless notes in fine style.

Check out this clip of Gideon in action!



When the show ended, Gideon and I were interviewed briefly by SVG TV news. LOL...I know right!?! The sponsors thought it would be a good idea for me to inform the public about my work advocating for soca music and the upcoming Toronto-Lime coverage of Carnival. So, I did as I was told! Then I bounced in a flash. I had been in Vincy for nearly 4 hours, and I hadn’t seen my family.

I scurried down to Tokyo (the bus terminal...of sorts) and caught a van to the Valley. De nurse gone HOME!

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Nurse's Lounge: Fire Fete in St. Vincent!!!! part one

High off the music!!! That's how I'm feeling today. It's a wonder that I'm already chilling in the lobby with my laptop at 11 am. That party was maddddddddd!

This year, the Carnival Development Committee is trying something new. They've combined some of the official, more cultural carnival events with privately promoted fetes, so as to draw out bigger crowds. No surprise that Bunji Garlin and the Asylum
Band were coupled with National Panorama. So, Fire Fete is wey we a talk bout.

When I arrived in Victoria Park, the crowds were vibing off a performance from the Madd Symphony. Maddzart, D'Lanlord and Tamisha had the growing audience rocking and wining to some of their sweet ragga soca tunes for Vincy Mas 2009. I could already tell the party would be nice.

I found my way backstage, and checked out the stage set up. The bands came through in the early afternoon to soundcheck. The process went wayyyyyyyyy overtime, but eventually they got it right. But God loves a good practical joke now and then, eh. In the early evening high winds breezed right over the stage, and knocked over a set of equipment...which meant trouble and vexation for the stage crew and bands.

Still, the party came off without a hitch. By the time Hottsand got up to play, the audience was really in a party mood...myself included. Ran into Fitz, the marketing director for LIME in the VIP. He hooked me up with a light-up LIME champagne glass...which happens to be just as affective at holding Malibu and Pine! Sharlene Samuels, Syxx, and Johnny Rebel gave us a sweet combination of soca covers and their original tunes. Miss Sharlene has really grown as a performer. Her command of the crowd was exceptional for a vocalist whose name is still a mystery to most fete-goers. It is possible that after she drops "We Jamming" at Soca Monarch this Saturday all that could change.


Fire Empress had the ladies shadowing her hottness for "Fire Brigade". Then the HOTTSAND set sparked a full out blaze when Icon reminded St. Vincent they love him so much. Chune, chune and chune again from "Ready" on the 2005 Lava Slide Riddim , to "Get On"...his 2009 Soca Monarch contender. The energy was palpable!



Soca Dans inna de building. Jamesy P, Fireman and Luta. Let me be the first to say it. I LOVE Luta's Rumbo...and SHAKE! So did the crowd...all kinda new dance styles were brukkin out.

Nurse Karen and Skinny Fabulous at Fire Fete

I popped backstage just before Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child did their thing. As expected "Maddhouse" mashed up the thousands in attendance, but hear what...Skinny still has a chance. De Beast Letgo shook up Victoria Park, more than I've seen in previous shows. Soca Monarch is still anyone's game...Can't wait for Saturday.

So, did I mention that Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons and the Asylum Band were the featured acts? St. Vincent's wild soca posse come out in their numbers for Bunji..and in 2009 it's clear that their love for Fay-Ann is now in full bloom.

Nurse Karen and Fay Ann at Fire Fete

Was nice to see Benjai join them on stage. It was a redemptive performance of sorts. He was at Glow the night before, performing after a list of artists long like my arm. Most of the crowd left while he was singing, through no fault of his own. Even though Benjai has a Vincy Grandpa, and he was up in de fete with his Uncle and Cousin, St. Vincent isn't super familiar with his 2009 selections. Well, that was THEN!

Benjai, Bunji and Fay-Ann performing at Fire Fete

I'll come back with more on this show. Doh worreee, It will be a glooooooooooooooowing review. Good work Bing!

So, gimme a chance to put up some vidz and pics. But rest assured de ting was pure FFFFFFIIIIIIIIIIIIIIREEEEEEEEE!!!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Shake Video by Luta

Well well well....D Corwd motivator has released his first official video, and you're getting it HERE first! Many of you know the name from a track called Busy Tone featuring Skinny Fabulous (yes, that was Skinny!) several years ago. Well, Luta is an artiste that definitely had his own kinda style! Love him or hate him, Vincentians respect the fact that he can get a party started with his cache of hits and his crazy lil wine.

Thumbs up on this tune!

With no further ado...here's Shake!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Artist's View: Luta on the LIME Vincy Soca Dans Launch

Luta and Nurse Karen in St. Vincent, 2008

Oh goooooooooosh carnival come again! I love carnival in all its forms. Love it best when it's something that everyone can enjoy; old and young, rich and poor, black and white and every colour in between. So, I was totally excited to here that the Vincy Soca Dans and their big sponsor LIME threw a big FREE party for the public on Friday in Heritage Square, Kingstown.

Lucky for YOU, one of the stars of the show was kind enough to let us know what went down! LUTA de crowd motivator was there to lead his posse into the hearts of the fans just as the season heats from a simmer to a boil.

Formerly of the band Signal, Luta was a dub artiste turned Vincy soca star whose career began in the 1990's. Since then he's boasted hits like "Busy Tone" featuring Skinny Fabulous, and you may remember seeing him in the 2008 Soca Monarch finals in Trinidad, singing "Hey" with Tony Prescott.

If you stilllllll don't know Luta, look him up! He's making a lot of buzz this year for a tune called "Rumbo". It bad still. But to me, I will also think of his crazy signature wine. Presssshhhaaa!

Here's what Luta had to say about the LIME Vincy Soca Dans Launch!

Enjoy!

Karen me girl!

Heritage square was packed like never before as soca lovers anxiously awaited the launch of the LIME Vincy Soca Dans package for carnival 2K9.

The square was transformed into an atmosphere of euphoria as LIME left no stones unturned in the branding of the square, this certainly set the pace for great thinks to come later in the evening.

The entertainment segment got started when Adrian Bailey's Hottsand hit the stage with Johnnie Rebel as their lead vocalist, the band went through a repertoire of hits from the past and present, they had people dancing and singing the sweet refrain of the well known old school songs. The session got even sweeter when Gideon James took the stage with his usual silky voice, serenading the ladies in the audience.

The atmosphere was about to take a turn for the hype and exhilaration of the much anticipated LIME Vincy Soca Dans. Jamesy P was the first of the Soca Dans to hit the stage and he did so in fine style singing the unofficial theme song of the Soca Dans "We Will Survive", this was followed by a string of hits from the Nookie Man like "Bashment" & "Rogaltic". At this point, the people went into a "Tipsy" frenzy and I, Luta "D Crowd Motivator" entered the stage alongside Jamesy P doing the "Tipsy" song from last year. I then went into his popular 2009 hit RUMBO which had everyone singing to the chorus "They calling me RUMBO", "Shake" was next on my repertoire and the ladies really enjoyed this one as they showed how to shake their posterior meat!

I used my usual magic in introducing Tabia on stage as she showed that she has developed as one of St. Vincent's finest female artist. Her petit structure and powerfully sounding, sweet voice makes Tabia an artist to look out for in the near future.

Making a guest appearance with the Soca Dans was Katalyst out of Barbados. Katalyst is a former lead vocalist with the band Square One. She delivered her 2K9 hit "Make Me Go Off" which I am featured on. The large crowd was very appreciative and give her a big round of applause as she left the stage.

The live concert was about to catapult into high gear as Jamesy P re-entered the stage to do his #1 hit song for 2K9 "Ants In Yo Sugarpan". The place went into a frenzy, and it was pandemonium when Jamesy P and me started free-styling on the Sugarpan rhythm. I then went into my up-tempo songs which had the large crowd jumping and waving.

Heritage square was about to be jolted into chaos when I introduced the 6 time soca monarch Fireman Hooper on stage, it was mayhem on the square as people went literally crazy to the mad performance of the Fireman. He left the stage and had scores of people asking for his return. Fireman returned to give the large crown a taste of his 2K9 hit "Finders Keepers".

The evening climaxed with the entire LIME Vincy Soca Dans on stage at the same time as we thanked our many fans, well wishers and all present for their continued support. The icing was placed on the cake when the Soca Dans gave a surprise acapella rendition of "We Will Survive", much to the delight of the large crowd.

Thanks Luta. You write real well King!

Sounds like a great show! Big up to LIME for streaming the entire launch LIVE on the internet. Hundreds tuned in. So, I'm sure that as the season unfolds we will see so much more of you. Can't wait!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Soca Now: Tabia endorses the campaign to get soca on MySpace!

I've got to big up a young Vincy soca artiste with a big heart.  Tabia just added her voice and face to the list of people actively supporting the SOCA NOW MOVEMENT! For those of you who thought this was over...think again! We need YOU to keep writing emails to myspace to demand a category for soca.

If you don't know Tabia, she's a young artiste who is actively preparing to make a splash for Vincy Mas 2K9. One of the LIME Soca Dans, Tabia performs and works alongside some of St. Vincent's top artistes including, Fireman Hooper, Jamesy P, Luta and DJ Twenty.

Here's a shot of Tabia and me grabbing a bite at X-cape in St. Vincent 2008

She's just returned from NYC where she completed a series of studio sessions with top producers; The Great Zeee (Juk Up Riddim 2008), and Parry Jack (Zoelah's "Wine Up On Me" 2008)

I've heard an early demo of one of her Ragga Socas (Groovy), and I'm already sold.

Please, show your support for Tabia and the SOCA NOW Movement by listening to her special

 message and getting involved!




Where to connect with SOCA NOW

MySpace Group
MySpace Page
Twitter
Facebook Group

(Please repost and "retweet" Stay connected and do your part!

http://myspace.com/socanow1

... add it now!



Love and Soca,

(Nurse) Karen

P.S. Soca Artists...we can use every one of you to champion this cause! Connect with soca now on myspace and send in your own message to the fans. THANX!

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The Rounds: Herb Black is new Lucian Calypso Monarch

Good Evening Soca Lovers,




I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. It’s a been a couple of weeks since I’ve had the pleasure of being here in the flow studios, and let me tell you, I couldn’t wait to get back to tell you what’s going on in the Sunny Caribbean.


My three week Caribbean tour took me through Trinidad, St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Barbados. You know me, I had to connect with as many of your favourite artistes, producers and media outlet as I could just be sure, you’re always getting the most up-to-date news from the soca world. If you want journals, pics and tons of video, check out Nurse Karen Etc at Mustardseeds dot net. And be sure to visit Vincy Carnival 360 at Toronto-Lime.com

Here's the crew that made it possible working hard in Trinidad (Jan/Feb 2008), Jef (Camera and Editing)

Mr. Playhouse, the crazy host!!!




But listen, I ’m glad to be back. It’s not wise to stay away from Toronto too long in the Summer. After all, Caribana kicked off this past week. Yesterday was Kiddies carnival up at Yorkgate Mall. I’ve got your UNOFFICIAL results right here. Congrats goes out to Louis Saldenah Mas K club for taking Junior Band of the Year, with second place honours going to Carnival Nationz, and Toronto Revellers in with a third place finish.


Over in Barbados the list of Party Monarch finalists was released on Friday. 19 soca artistes will go head-to-head on Sunday, July 27th to see who can defeat reigning monarch Lil Rick. You wah know who? Kimberley Inniss, Miguel White, Khiomal Nurse, Justin King, Donella, Rameses, Peter Ram, Nathalee Burke, Red Plastic Bag, TC, Buggy, Jafar, Mikey, Blood, Mr. Dale, Hee Haw, Dragon Slayer and Jay – B.

Nurse Karen with reigning Bajan Party Monarch, Lil Rick in Toronto

In St. Lucia, Calypso finals were last night and a tune I really love managed to snatch first place. It’s called Suzette and it’s sung by a Lucian Calypso veteran called Herb Black. I’m not sure if there’s another island where same song could be entered in both Groovy Soca Monarch and Calypso Monarch and win de both of them. But such is the case in S.L.U. and once nobody breaking the rules. There’ll be no complaints from me.

Herb Black performing at Party in the Yard, St. Lucia

Tonight is when the eyes of the entire Caribbean will focus on St. Lucia. In a few hours the annual Caribbean Soca Monarch Show will kick off. Competitors from 11 nations will vie for the international title. It’s a little confusing to me. In years gone by, you could only compete if you were the reigning soca monarch of an Eastern Caribbean State. Now that it’s open to the entire region, it’s obvious that some countries don’t bother asking their actual monarch to compete. For example, Fireball and Denise Belfon will be representing Trinidad. Adrian Dutchin should have been repping Guyana, but he’s not.

Nurse Karen and Adrian Dutchin in Toronto

St. Lucia entered ALL of the top 3 finalists from last week’s awesome show. Ricky T, Mr. Pringles and Ilah Man.

Mr. Pringles/ Superman with Nurse Karen in St. Lucia

Luta managed to sneak in there for SVG alongside last year’s soca monarch Fireman . Plus there’s a mix of groovy and uptempo songs! Me eh know. Some things aren’t meant to be understood. But you better believe, this is a show to be enjoyed!

Fireman Hooper, Luta and Nurse Karen in SVG

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. As always, leave me your comments online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at Mustard Seeds dot Net, and be sure to grab the podcast from Soca Therapy dot com. Now, back to de Docta!

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Nurse's Lounge: Jr Carnival and Vincy Insomnia

SVG Day Two, here's what's in store!

Ok, so my partner in crime has landed on the island. Let’s call her Slimmy. As for me, now Carnival is officially ON! We went up to this lil bar for Roti’s and Hairoun. At the bar, we met a sweet smallie who was very interested in learning about Canada. Turns out he was about to have lunch with the father he hasn’t seen since he was a baby. Big Poppa must of thought one of us was cute, cuz he ended up buying lunch for us and offering to take us out to Chappy’s that night. Mmmm….nice gesture and stuff, but Sir, spend some time with your offspring. I hope you didn’t wait 22 years to return home, just to holler at girls less than half your age. Well, I’m not sure. But I hope so. Thanks for lunch anyway.

Nelson Bloc Junior King

Kiddie’s Carnival…check! The crowd wasn’t the largest I’ve seen, but the costumes were CRAZY. My favourites were the fish and humming bird sections SVG players. Bounced up an old friend from the days when I used to write for The Vincentian (Duh, that’s a Vincy Newspaper). He was up in the VIP section video taping the event. Can I tell you that was the sweetest lime in a long time? Slimmy and I got caught up on the latest soca, we learned the 2 Knee dance, and we gave our livers a taste of better things to come. Um, Dragons placed 2nd at Junior Carnival…and my Junior King – bad man dat!

Insomnia: Well there’s good news and there’s bad news. I’ll give you the bad news first. The fete ended at 4 am. WTF? You know what I mean? That’s regular ending time, the sun was barely in the sky. Well, I was there long after sunrise, but the music done lock off.

Vincy people know how to make their own fun. Clips from Insomnia, Check it out!

Ready for the good news? That was a fete man. I had so much fun. Touching down in SVG is always a home coming for me. The performances were energetic and spirited, the drinks were too strong as usual, and bacchanal was the order of the day back stage and in the general crowd. Big up Hy Rollerz crew. Nothing better than fit men pelting waist! Yum yum.

So, I slipped back stage and ALL the characters were there. We are now entering the name dropping portion of the blog:

Skinny Fabulous

Blakie

Danielle Veira

Icon and his lady love, Tempress

Problem Child

Vyrus

Vincy Soca Dans:
Jamesy P

Fireman Hooper and Luta

Jalena

Hot 97 DJ’s:

Too Cool Chris

Scratch Master and Top Notch Swift. Swift... you real cool.

I like “chippin" by the way. The jury is still out on We Don't Care. LOL

Plus there was Bomani...(ever protecting his head from the rain)

Landlord

Maddzart

Kevin Sardine. He used to be called Shady in years gone by.

So Many artistes and industry types, I failed to mention Zoelah, Tabia, DJ Tarrus, Scratch Master from Hot 97, Afterdark, Kubiyashi. Oh, and I spotted Kevin Lyttle. He wasn’t peforming, but I caught him wining up in the crowd.

So Destra, I have to hand it to you lady...

To me, that was your best performance I’ve seen this year. So that includes 3 times in Trinidad and once in Toronto. I loved seeing you join in with your dancers. You looked and sounded great!

Tizzy, hope you know that the only reason no one moved during your first song is cuz de man dem were mesmerized by your outfit. WOW! And with that, I’m gone….

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The Rounds: Bring your Mas and come! Vincy Mas 2K8 is officially on!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. I'm finding new respect for the month of May! How can you not love a month that's going to be jam packed with amazing fetes, band launches, and carnival kick-offs? How can you not love a month that has all those things packed into one day?!

Saturday, May 3, marked the birthday of former Xtatik percussionist and vocalist Farmer Nappy. He's busy working on new releases for Barbados' Crop Over Festival.

Last night also marked the first ever Toronto edition of Shal Marshall's signature fete…Gyal Farm…and the girls came out in country and western costume, Daisy Dukes and all. Everybody knows where the ladies go, the gents will follow. So Callaloo mas camp can look forward to several masculine masqueraders in their hot new Gyal Farm section for Caribana 2K8. The section will be headed by Kerwin Du Bois and Shal Marshall, and was designed by Marlon Singh. It features peachy beads and feathers for the girls and straw hats in a matching motif for the boys.

Batabano Carnival wrapped up yesterday in Grand Caymen. Dexter Seusahai from Toronto's Tribal Knights Mas Band made the annual trip to see his beautiful designs hit the road with Swanky International. He'll be back in Toronto soon to launch his presentation of Deep Rising at Soca or Die. The Saturday night portion of the first-ever two-day long fete will feature performances by Destra and Atlantik, Tizzy, Maximus Dan and Kerwin Du Bois.

Yesterday was also the official launch of Vincy Mas. This year's theme is "Bring Yuh MAS And Come!" and all of Kingstown took it to heart. The crowd spilled out of the Chamber of Commerce Car Park for 6 hours as they were treated to all the elements of carnival; pan, calypso, mas and soca. Zoelah reigned supreme at the best new song competition for the second year in a row. She beat out Danielle Veira with her uptempo double entendre, Zoom In. Kevin Lyttle made a brief appearance to premiere his new ragga track "Come See Me" featuring Lexxus. Later, Shaunelle McKenzie brought the house down with her performance of Don't Let Go, a smooth one produced by Mark Cyrus and written by Luta. Dr. Jay gave it a spin last week. The night closed out with performances by Luta, Jalena, Tabia and Fireman Hooper, all backed by the Akcess Band. Don't you just love May?

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please leave your comments at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net. Now back to de docta!

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