Booster Shot: 2010 International Reggae and World Music Award winners announced

The event went down last Sunday in Jamaica Queens, New York. You wanna know who won, and I wanna tell you! For those of you care ONLY about matters relating to Soca, I've taken the liberty to highlight the categories where soca reigns victorious. Yeah, you're welcome.

Congrats to all winners and nominees.

WINNER LIST, CHECK OUT THE WINNER LIST
1. Entertainer of the Year – Machel Montano
2. Recording Artist of the Year – Queen Ifrika
3. Best Male Vocalist – Tarrus Riley
4. Best Female Vocalist - Alison Hinds
5. Best Song –Wash Away the Tears”- Gramps Morgan
6. Best CD – “Awake”- Julian Marley
7. Best Crossover Song – “Theraphy” – Gramps Morgan
8. Best Gospel Song – “Help” Omari
9. Best Female D.J./Rapper – Queen Ifrica
10. Best Male D.J./Rapper – Elephant Man
11. Best New Entertainer – Gramps Morgan
12. Best Calyso/Soca Entertainer- Machel Montano
13. Best Reggaeton Ent. – Pit Bull
14. Best Latin Entertainer- Enrique Iglesias
15. Best Compas Ent. – Kryol La
16. Best African Ent. – Samini
17. Best Soukous Ent.- Awilo Longomba
18. Best Hip Hop/R&B Ent.- Jamie Foxx
19. Outstanding Contribution to World Music – Mamadou Diabte
20. Most Outstanding Stage Personality – Beenie Man
21. Best Music Video– “So Fine”- Sean Paul
22. Best Poet- Mutabaruka
23. Most Educational Entertainer – Queen Ifrika
24. Most Outstanding Show Band– Machel Montano  HD
25. Most Consistent Ent. – Freddie McGregor
26. Most Promising Entertainer – Barbee
27. Most Improved Entertainer – Winsome Benjamin
28. Best Instrumentalist –Dean Fraser
29. Best Backing Band – New Kingston
30. Most Popular Selector/Sound – One Love Hi Powa
31. Concert of the Year –- Rebel Salute
32. Promoter of the Year – Sumfest
33. Producer of the Year – Donovan Bennett
34. Songwriter of the Year – Queen Ifrika
35. Award for Spiritual Service Through Music – Capleton
36. Community Service Award – Shaggy & Friends
37. Most Outstanding Dance Group- Dancerz Blvd
38. Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award: Wyclef Jean, Rev Al Sharpton
39. Int’l Reggae & World Music Hall of Fame/Lifetime Inductee: Tony Ryan, Jack Scorpio, Noel Williams (King Sporty), Tony Green
40. Martin’s International/Inter-Culture Award of Honor: India.Arie, Matisyahu
41. Special Producer’s “Respect” Award: Rennie Cogle
42. Awards of Appreciation for Contributions to the Music Industry: Trevor Forde, Ron Muschette, Donovan Longmore, Ricot Dupuy


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Booster Shot: Machel Montano for US Immigration reform?

The fans know Machel Montano for the oil in his waist.  The media is well aware of the complex and active brain in his head.  However, not too many would think of the Soca superstar as a political activist.

No worries, Machel is not changing his night job, but it seems he created a bit of a stir on a New York radio program on Saturday when he indicated he would be "open to speaking to politicians or joining in at picket lines on behalf of the West Indian community in need of immigration reform in the U.S."


In a radio interview that discussed US immigration policies, and racial profiling, Montano spoke to "Caribbean Corner" host Felicia Persaud the same day protesters marched to speak out on the issues


So all of you reading this at home with visions of green cards dancing in your heads, don't you fear, Winer Boy is here!


MORE ON THIS




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The Rounds: Was a soca nominated for a "Canadian Grammy"?

Originally aired on "Soca Therapy"
Flow 93.5 FM Toronto (Sunday, April 18, 2010)
with Dr. Jay, Marxman and Nurse Karen

- Montreal Soca DJ gets nominated for a Juno Award (Canada)
- Machel gets 5 IRAWMA nods (Trinidad / USA)
- Happy Birthday 5Star Akil (Trinidad), and Jalena (BVI)
- BVI Music Fest line up announced (BVI)
- Kerwin Du Bois and Farmer Nappy to perform in Toronto (Canada / Trinidad)

Good evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Tonight the Canadian Music industry is gathered to distribute the Juno Awards in St John’s, Newfoundland. We will all the nominees the best of luck. It’s exciting to see the international appeal of Canadian music growing each and every year.

Now, we all know there’s no soca category at the Juno’s, but this year there happens to be one song nominated in the Best Reggae Recording Category that the producer himself considers to be a variation of soca. If you get a chance, get online and look for “Wha-la-la-leng” by Face-T, produced by Montreal touring DJ Ghislain Poirier.

Ghislain Poirier and Nurse Karen in Toronto 2009

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The tune was originally recorded for Poirier’s 2009 Running High EP, for which the whole team gave a live performance right here in Toronto two Thursdays ago. A win tonight would be highly unlikely for such a hard to categorize song, but none the less, 3 snaps for soca!!!

So if half of a song in the wrong category doesn’t exactly satisfy your craving for soca music at an awards show, might I remind you that the International Reggae and World Music Awards are set for May in New York. Not only are Fay-Ann, Skinny, Alison, Machel and others nominated for top honours, (Machel leading the race with 5 nods), but a few of them will be performing live....AND... you can still vote online to support your favourites. Check them out at I. R. A. W. M. A. Dot com.

Nurse Karen with Machel Montano, Toronto 2007

Today’s happy birthday greeting go out to DJ Five star Akil’s in Trinidad. You heard me mention his unfortunate multiple gunshot wound incident last week. I’m sure like never before, he’s celebrating life. On Wednesday, BVI songstress Jelena will ring in her special day.

Knowing Jalena, the celebrations probably started this weekend, since it was officially announced that she will join a cast including the likes of WCK, Gyptian, Nina Sky, Fantasia Barrino and Harella to perform at the 2010 BVI music festival at the end of May. The weekend long festival draws talents from across the Caribbean, and the United States to the British Virgin Islands.

Nurse Karen with Birthday Day Girl Jalena in St. Vincent, 2009

If you’re looking for something to do this Friday, why don’t you come and join de Doctor at Best Fete Forver aka BFF, with special guests Kerwin Du Bois and Farmer Nappy. It’s a party with a purpose, so be sure to attend with lots of canned food in tow, to help the Daily Bread Food Bank and to get in for a special discounted price.

Kerwin Du Bois and Nurse Karen in Washington, D.C, 2009

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more info on everything shared tonight. Check me online at Nurse Dash Karen dot com, or follow me “Nurse Karen” on Twitter. Now, back to de Docta...


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The Rounds: Fay Ann is a no-show at Soca Monarch prize giving

Originally aired on Sunday, March 21, 2010 on Soca Therapy with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince (Flow 93.5 FM Toronto)

In this edition:
- International Reggae and World Music Awards Soca Nominees (USA)
- Tizzy goes to France (France / Antigua)
- International Soca Monarch prizes distributed (Trinidad)
- Shal Marshall rocks Mas Camp (Jamaica)
- Birthdays: Private 6 (St. Lucia) Harella (Dominica)


Good evening soca lovers. I’m Nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.

The International Reggae and World Music Award nominations are out. 2010 makes it 29 years, and this time around several soca artists are among the nominees in six different categories. But the biggest award for the genre would “Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer which pits the likes of Alison Hinds, Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous, Edwin Yearwood and Fay Ann Lyons against each other. No matter who wins, you can certainly count on great performances from Machel and Alison at the IRAWMA’s in Queens New York for May 2nd. Vote online at triple W dot I R A W M A dot com.

Nurse Karen shares a laugh with Skinny Fabulous (Trinidad, February 2010)

El A Kru’s Tizzy is enjoying the benefits of a blossoming career. Recently, the bouncy Antiguan lead singer returned to her sunny island from headlining the Caribbean Bounce Festival in Bordeaux France. Do you understand what I’m telling you here? A West Indian woman travels all the way to a town known for a certain grapety beverage to teach the people about wine. Kinda ironic don’t you think?

Trinidad’s Caribbean Prestige Foundation distributed the Soca Monarch prizes on Thursday at the Cascadia Hotel. JW and Blaze were there to collect their $600 Thousand TT and a Brand New Toyota Hilux. Shurwayne who earned top prize in Groovy Soca was in person to collect his winnings, but Fay-Ann Lyons did not show up even though she scored a second place in both categories.

 Nurse Karen with Fay Ann Lyons in Miami (October 2009)

During the festivities, Vice President Tony Lee announced that come 2011, the winner will alos receive the “William Munro Soca Monarch Challenge Trophy” along with the cash. The new trophy, named after the event’s co-founder has been created to continue to honour the contribution of William Munro long after he moves on from involvement with the organization. Although, no actual announcement indicating such a move was actually made.

The Friday Night fetes at Bacchanal Jamaica Mas Camp continued this week. It was Shal Marshall’s turn to mash up the session, following Alison Hind’s big show last week. The action continues until just after Easter.

Nurse Karen and Shal Marshall (Toronto, March 2010 - photo by Soca Dread)

Before  I hand it back to Dr. Jay we gotta wish a happy birthday to St. Lucia’s Private Six on Friday and Dominica’s Harella on Saturday.

And there you have it, I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more news from throughout the soca universe, check out the Nurse Karen Etc blog at nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me “Nurse Karen” on Twitter. Now Back to De Docta.

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Booster Shot: Skinny, Machel, Fay Ann, Alison, and Edwin nominated for 2010 IRAWMA

Congrats goes out to a handful of soca artists who have been nominated for this year's International Reggae and World Music Awards.  Kudos to the IRAWMA committee for getting it right this year.  In the past the soca category hasn't always reflected top achievers in the genre for the period considered.

Check out this press release from Pyramid Entertainment.  Keep in mind, we're talking about Skinny Fabulous' management. So, I don't want anyone trying to say I'm trying to influence your vote.  Vote with your ears and your heart!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Skinny Fabulous Earns IRAWMA Nomination

CAST YOUR VOTE FOR SKINNY 

Skinny Fabulous is among the nominees for the 29^th International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA), getting the nod for his performances in 2009.

Announced on February 27, Skinny Fabulous is joined by fellow nominees Fay Ann Lyons, Edwin Yearwood, Machel Montano and Alison Hinds in the category for Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer. You can go tohttp://www.irawma.com/vote-2010-irawma.html  to cast your vote for Skinny Fabulous.

This year's Awards show is dedicated to the People of Haiti and Health Awareness. It will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 6 pm at the York College of Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York. Visit  www.IRAWMA.com for more info about the Awards and to vote for Skinny Fabulous. 

IRAWMA produced by Martin’s International & Associates promotes reggae and world beat music as an art form. Each year it honors entertainers and others associated with world music for their contributions to the industry and to humanity internationally. IRAWMA is vehicle of expression for the voiceless peoples of the world. More than 20 million fans viewed the 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th IRAWMA on television.

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The Rounds: Shelly G is a no show at Carib Soca Monarch

The Rounds: Originally aired on "Soca Therapy" Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto on Sunday, February 28, 2010

In this edition:

- Bonesman is Guyana's Carib Soca Monarch (Guyana)
- Shelly G fails to defend her title (Guyana)
- Sye wins Mas Domnik Road March title (Domnica)

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Now that we’re all back from Trinidad, it’s time to catch you up on some of the news from the rest of the Caribbean. This week: Guyana. Mashramani Carnival just ended this past week. Vanilla retained her Road March title. Her second consecutive win is brought to you by the song “High”. It was played more often than Jumo’s “In the Air”, “Fan Me” by Slingshot and “Is We Own” by Bonesman.
Guyana crowned a new Soca Monarch last weekend! Last year’s winner Shelly G was a total no-show for the Carib Mashramani Soca Monarch last weekend. While it was a big surprise to all her fans and supporters, the organizers saw it coming, considering she never even bothered to rehearse her presentation beforehand with the band.

In fact, before Mashramani Shelly G spent two weeks in Trinidad where she took in Carnival and recorded new collaborations with an Antiguan artist and three Trinis….one of whom is Miss Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon.

It would probably take a bit too long to explain her reasons for bailing on the event, but it has to do with a fellow competitor who produced a song with derogatory lyrics aimed at her…and some other drama surrounding her being banned from a local tv station.

So, she wasn’t there. But instead, the 29-year old Forest Ranger who goes by the name of “Bonesman” celebrated all that his nation and carnival have to offer with “Is we Own”, the tune that earned him one million Guayana Dollars.
His winning performance featured a costume display and the X factor Dance Troupe, but he says his highlight for the night came in the form of a compliment. Bonesman nearly fainted when he came off stage and Machel Montano told him his performance was excellent! Awwww….how schweeet!

A few weeks ago, I let you know that Dominica would not be holding it’s Soca Monarch show during the Carnival Calendar this year. So no news there, but there is a new Mas Domnik Road March King. Congrats goes out to Sye, a calypsonian from the Salisbury Calypso Tent. His controversial song “Dr. Finger” is the new Dominica Road March, even though it was banned by a popular radio station for it’s lyrical content.
I’m Nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more info on anything you heard today, look me up on line at Nurse dash Karen dot com…or follow nursekaren on Twitter. Now, back to de Docta!

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The Rounds: Buju Banton dreaming of a White Christmas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Booster Shot: Soca reach! Unauthorized version of new Machel and Skinny Fabulous tune leaked online...

I can't imagine why anyone who understands how hard it is to make a buck singing soca would leak a song for illegal download, but alas...it happened. None the less, the real deal premieres tonight in Toronto with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince on "Soca Therapy". And of course yours truly will tell you more about it in The Rounds.

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

FETTING ON:  Skinny Fabulous and Machel Montano TEASER...3 Days Till Official Release!

The buzz around this song is growing daily, so much so that an unauthorized version of the new collabo has been circulating online this weekend!  We got all your anxious emails demanding copies of  the official version of “Fetting On” right away! But unfortunately, we can't do that!


We can, however, tell you a little more about the collaboration everyone is talking about.

Skinny Fabulous
and Machel Montano present: 

“Fetting On”, a euphoric adrenaline rush for
the 2010 Trinidad Carnival season and beyond. 

Produced by Alex "Kubiyashi" Barnwell of Non-Fiction Recordings, the beat-maker who gave us "Head Bad (On The Spot),  "Fetting On" pays homage to all the reasons we love carnival, and does so in
true HD and Fabulous style.  It promises you bass and brass, and an infectious hook that stays
with you from the first listen. But don’t be
surprised, you wouldn’t expect anything less when you combine the playful lyrical
creativity of Skinny Fabulous with the charismatic in-studio energy of Machel
Montano!  

No doubt, you're ready for a taste!  Click the image below for your chance to sample the bomb that is set to drop on December 16th

 

This much anticipated first ever collaboration between
two-time St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soca Monarch, and the world's biggest soca star hits the airwaves everywhere:

Wednesday,
December 16, 2009.

...It’s coming!

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The Rounds: Happy Independence Day Barbados, etc!

Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy. (Sundays from 6pm - 9pm ET)

In this Edition:

Machel Montano's recent and upcoming music releases - Trinidad and Tobago

Supa Jigga TC presents "The Template" soca mixtape - Trinidad and Tobago

Barbados 43rd Anniversary of Independence - Barbados

Lil Rick's Birthday - Barbados

Qpid's Birthday - St. Lucia

Ms Alysha and Michelle Sylvester's Birthday - Trinidad and Tobago

Good evening soca lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.  The true soca junkies on the outside know we're in that special little calm before the storm.  Since summer, isolated showers of soca releases have been whetting your appetite for carnival.  But when the Calendars change from november to December, the heaven's open and down comes and outpouring of blessings from every studio in T&T.  It's all about new music babies.....right in time for the holidays.  I mentioned last week, that Machel Montano  turned 35 on the 24th.  To celebrate his big day, he released a wee sample of what he's working on, now that the performance pressure is off his back for the upcoming carnival season.  There's a new tune out called "Hot Like Pepper" featuring Serani.  The reviews have been mixed.  Maybe because it's a dancehall tune or maybe because Serani sounds like a creaky door.  I dunno...das what de people saying!

          Anyhoooo....Machel is saying he's got a couple other tracks coming soon.  One is a collabo with Vincy Soca Monarch, Skinny Fabulous and there's a next one with Krystal Kane from  Trinidad. I'll keep you posted.

         When it comes to new  music, there's nobody better than Dr. Jay to fix you up with the hottest releases to flood our inboxes this week.  Stay tuned to Soca Therapy and that's just what you'll get.

            But I personally have been waiting with baited breath for a new soca mixtape that Super Jigga TC has been hyping up to me for the past few months. The term mixtape has long been a vital part of every hip hop head's vocabulary.  But for the rest of you, allow me to take you to school.      A mixtape is not an audio cassette, and generally speaking the music need not even be mixed together by a DJ.  Simply put - it's a promotional compilation of songs to be released to the public free of charge.  It's all about getting people to feel a vibe, and hopefully support those artists with that CASH MONEY when it's showtime. TC released the title track, THE TEMPLATE on Thursday in Trinidad, but you can also look forward to releases from  Shurwayne Winchester, Tony Matterhorn, Iwer George, Skinny Fabulous and Terri Lyons.  In a couple weeks, fans in Trinidad will be able to pick up free copies at local hot spots.

          This Monday,  Barbados is celebrating 43 years of independence from British rule. The London soca massive celebrated with a big show featuring; Peter Ram, Biggie Irie, UK act, Miss Desire and veteran Grynner.  

          Before I go, I wanna send belated birthday greetings to some November  soca babies I missed last week. Another proud Barbadian, Hypa Dog Lil Rick rang in his new year with a pool party in Barbados last weekend.  How inviting does that sound?
           B-day big ups also go out to Ragga Soca Diva Miss Alysha and former Groovy Soca Monarch of T&T, Michelle Sylvester. 

As if that wasn't a long enough round up of celebrating Sag's, today we are celebrating the birthday of one of St. Lucia's leading ladies of soca, Qpid!
      I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  For more up to date soca news, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me “NurseKaren” on Twitter.  Now, back to de docta!

Photos:
* Machel Montano and me in Miami (October 2008)
* TC and me in Toronto (February 2009)
* Lil Rick and me in Barbados (July 2009)
* Qpid and me in St. Lucia (July 2008)

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Booster Shot: Machel Drops new single today on his birthday!

Today Machel Montano turns 35 years old!  In celebration of the occasion, he's released a brand new song featuring Serani.  In my opinion it weighs more heavily on the dancehall side than soca.  But who's asking, right?  Machel gave YOU a birthday gift.  The least you could do is say thank you!

Happy Birthday Machel!





STREAMING LINK DOWN, PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR UPDATE

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The Rounds: Scrappy's new album, Bitts and the roadkill, etc

Originally aired on Soca Therapy on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto (Sunday, November 22, 2009)

In this edition:
- Tobago will have a rep at International Soca Monarch (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Still no venue for ISM (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Caribana dates set (Canada)
- Scrappy releases compilation album (Montserrat)
- Lil Bitts' and the dead dog (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Happy Birthday Saucy Wow and Boy Boy (Trinidad and Tobago)



Good evening soca lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds!

Great news hit the beautiful shores of Tobago last weekend. The soca artists based there recently found out that the winner of their local Soca Monarch competition on January 17th will get an automatic bypass to the finals of the International Soca Monarch competition in Trinidad. Tobago joins the ranks of islands such as Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent who all enjoy seeded positions for their reigning monarchs. That means one less spot is open for Trinidad-based artists in the finals.

But all this soca monarch talk is probably still premature, considering the Caribbean Prestige Foundation still has not settled on a suitable venue for the 2K10 competition.

While we’re on the topic of Soca royalty, the 2005-2006 Montserrat Soca Monarch, Scrappy recently released a new album just in time for his island’s upcoming carnival season. Welcome to Montserrat Volumes 1 and 2 is a two disc compilation album showcasing STRAT’s top talents in both soca and reggae. But if you’re a big Scrappy Fan, he’s got a solo album set to drop any day now. It’s called “The Caribbean Dream”. Be sure to check it out.

Fast forward to Toronto Carnival 2010. Plans for next year’s Caribana are already beginning to take shape. Festival dates have been set for July 13 through August 1. Tell your family and friends!
Here’s something else you might want to tell your friends. Be sure to lock up your pets around Lil Bitts. I know I’m going to get in trouble for reporting this one. But today the artiste who is ironically promoting a single called “Careful” rolled over a dog with a car in Trinidad around 7 o’clock this morning. Lemme vouch for the girl and tell you, the accident was completely unintentional. After all, Miss Lady is barely big enough to hurt a fly let alone a dog. But sadly, the pooch did not make it.

As we approach the end of November, there’s no shortage of birthdays to celebrate. Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon turns 41 on the 23rd, and on Tuesday, the 24th Machel Montano turns 35. Happy Birthday Soca Babies...we love you!

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on any of the things I mentioned tonight, please visit me online at triple w dot nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow all the news, commentary and my personal daily shenanigans on Twitter dot com slash nurse Karen. Now, back to de Docta.

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Booster Shot: HD Family ready to tour without Machel

I've posted the following to provide some more information on the "restructuring" I that is taking place in the HD camp, that I informed you of in September.  The names and faces are the same, but the roles have grown for Machel's performing team mates.  I think it's wonderful that some emphasis will be placed on developing their careers.  This is a far cry from what seemed to be the camp's mandate when I interviewed Machel for WE magazine in 2007.  At that time, he adopted the "HD" title and stopped referring to his band as Xtatik in an effort to focus more attention as himself as the star.

Do take a look at this article from last Thursday's Trinidad Guardian to see what is in store:

Soca shakedown
HD Family: No Machel, No Problem!

ABA A LUKE
Published: 12 Nov 2009

FROM TOP LEFT: Farmer Nappy, Patrice Roberts,
Zan and Umi Marcano.

Patrice Roberts is the boss, Farmer Nappy, the veteran, Zan, the cool operator and Umi Marcano is definitely the dancer-boy. The foursome are the HD Family—not HD mind you, as that title’s reserved for Machel Montano, the man who’s ruled the soca game for more than ten years. Going into 2010, Montano has opted to focus on other things, leaving his team to travel their own journey, even amid whispers of doubt and uncertainty. “This is an opportunity for us to showcase our talent and we’re taking every minute of it,” says Roberts. They’re a close-knit bunch.
READ MORE HERE 

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Soca Awards Cancellation, Results, Etc

Originally prepared for "Soca Therapy" on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto, Sunday, November 15, 2009

- 2009 Soca Awards Cancelled (USA)
- Commentary on the results
- CEO of Caribbean Prestige Foundation quits! (Trinidad)
- Tempo Turns 4 (USVI)

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. You have no idea how tired I am saying this, but I have some news about the Soca Awards. Last time I brought it up, it was to say that the event originally scheduled for October 30th, was being rescheduled for December 4th. And today, the story has changed yet again! The 2009 International Soca Awards has been cancelled due to what the organizers are citing as unforeseen circumstances.

The awards show has long been the target of heavy criticism in the industry due to often questionable judgments concerning nominations and the production quality of the events, as well as a general lack of transparency. So, the recent cancellation isn’t looking so hot. The results, HOWever, were published today. Winners are decided based on the results of online voting, which this year, SEEMS to have turned up a rather curious number of ties.

Nurse Karen and Fay-Ann Lyons (Toronto: May, 2008)

None the less, big congratulations goes out Machel Montano for his wins in six categories, and Fay-Ann Lyons and Skinny Fabulous who earned 5 awards each. A record number of Toronto’s own hometown stars, ought to be thankful to you the fans for your votes and support. Toronto-Lime.com, Shy-Ann Bailey, Slammer Cutter and Kerwin Du Bois are all winners today.

Kerwin Du Bois and Nurse Karen in Washingon, D.C. (January 2009)

...And just because I like to make trouble, I want to big up Madmen Productions for their Best Soca Compilation Rhythm award. LOL.  It must feel amazing to find out that you are winning awards for the Bus Stop Riddim, even though Bunji Garlin and Daryl Braxton produced it.WTF?!?  Maybe it was just a typo, but nice one guys! Maybe if I’m really lucky, I could win Best Actress at the Academy Awards next year.

It has been a wild week for soca. No one can deny that. Down in Trinidad the Caribbean Prestige foundation CEO quit this week. That’s the group that produces the International Soca Monarch Competition. It’s believed that a problematic press release is responsible for that one too. Gregory Fernandes, the CEO, held a press conference on Tuesday criticizing a Trini government policy that prohibits the hosting of cultural events, like Soca Monarch, in major sports arenas during the carnival season. The next day, the CPF told the media that his conference not only had nothing to do with them, but they also praised recent government initiatives in regards to cultural activities. Needless to say, Fernandes didn’t appreciate being made to look like a fool. So he’s gone, and it’s still unknown what venue will play host to Soca’s biggest competitive event in February 2010.

Nurse Karen and Iwer George in Toronto (February, 2009)

Speaking of big ticket events. MTV Tempo celebrated it’s 4th anniversary last night on the island of St. Croix. Representing the soca massive was De Boss, Iwer George, Ziggy Ranking, and local Road March Winners, the UMB Solidiers. Other than that it was full line up of Caribbean Stars in Salsa, Dancehall and Reggae.
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on any of the items mentioned today, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com or follow me, NurseKaren on Twitter. Now back to de Docta!

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Booster Shot: Machel Montano's Driver victim of a shooting

I just received confirmation that the driver for Trinidadian Soca artist Machel Montano was shot in the foot. Based on the information that is currently available, the injuries sustained from the gunshot are non-life threatening.

This is a breaking story. Will update periodically with details as they become available.

Peace and Soca,

Nurse Karen
P.S. for updates, click my name to follow me on Twitter.

Update 1: According to sources, the incident took place at a KFC restaurant in Trinidad. There was a scuffle where police became involved. The commotion escalated resulting in two men shot. At this time, it is unknown who is responsible for the shots fired. The driver mentioned earlier was shot in the foot and is at home recovering. However, another man remains in hospital seeking treatment for two gunshot wounds.

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Eye Unit: Demarco ft. Machel Montano - Love a Come Down Remix

Hey soca-buddies...

Nurse Karen Etc's own Corey Graham 2.0 broke the news to you a couple weeks ago. Demarco's huge soca-inspired dancehall smash was due to be remixed featuring Machel Montano.

Well, it has since been released,...and in case you haven't heard it, now is your chance. Here is the original Demarco video directed by Jay Will, with Machel's vocals added on top.

Please note, some footage at the end of the video is probably not appropriate for viewing at the office.



I love the soundbites at the beginning about soca. It's true isn't it? Most people don't have a clue! We're gonna change that though!


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Celebrating carnival, Scorpio B-days, Creole Day and Independence!

Originally aired on "Soca Therapy", Sunday, October 25th, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto

In this edition:
- Celebrating Soca Scorpios - Toronto / International
- LA Carnival / Jacksonville Carnival - USA
- Machel at Antillia Carnival - USA
- Sunshine Awards held on Saturday - USA
- Notting Hill Carnival Doc Screened - UK
- Soca Mix in Fader - USA
- Creole Day - Dominica, St. Lucia, Haiti
- St. Vincent Independence - St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Sometimes I feel like we’re speeding through the 2009 calendar. Coulda sworn it was Summer just the other day...and now...it’s Scorpio season. Soca or Die 10 goes down on Saturday celebrating the birthdays of Dr. Jay, Marxman and a few other soca scorpios including yours truly. But we’re not the only ones. This past week Trinidad’s Jadee, and St. Vincent’s Problem Child had birthdays too, and Lil Bitts has a birthday on Saturday.

If we’re not celebrating one thing, it’s another. West Indians in southern California enjoyed fetes and revelry last weekend for Los Angeles Carnival. This week, the fun moved back to Florida for Jacksonville Carnival yesterday.

Next on the docket is New York City’s Antillia Carnival which will launch in Manhattan on November 5th with a performance by Machel Montano HD. This year’s uber posh preview of Trinidad Carnival will be hosted by former miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam, and male supermodel Tyson Beckford.

Last night, New York City also playee host to the 21st annual Sunshine Awards, which recognizes Caribbean achievement in the performing arts. Nominees were chosen from many islands and many creative fields. Where soca is concerned, Shurwayne, Bunji and Fay-Ann all were nominated for best new song, while Alston Beckett Cyrus was honoured for his lifetime contribution to the artform.

As Black History Month in the UK comes to a close this week, a new documentary that showing off the beauty and artistry of Nottinghill Carnival will be screened this week. It’s called "Sequins, Soca and Sweat," and it follows six mas bands through their hectic carnival preparations.

Here in Canada, a well known Montreal club DJ was featured on a major music magazine’s website. Ghislain Poirier’s 25 minute soca mix was selected as this week’s Ghetto Palms feature on Fader dot com. Even through Poirier isn’t known exclusively for soca he has been touring extensively in 2009 promoting raising awareness of the genre and his Soca Sound System EP. We like that kinda thing!

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Before I go, I’d like to wish a happy Creole Day to all my Lucian, Haitian and Dominicans on the outside. And to my Vincy Massive Happy 30th anniversary of Independence.

For more info on anything I mentioned here, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me, Nurse Karen on twitter. Now, back to de docta!

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Booster Shot: Tyson Beckford and Wendy Fitzwilliam to host Antilia Carnival 2009

New York City's high society preview of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is back for 2009.  This year the event will be hosted by Trinidad's former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam and male super model Tyson Beckford, who is of Jamaican descent.  

Here's a little more info on what is planned:

A Taste Of Trini Carnival Returns To New York City

International Soca King Machel Montano to appear at Big Apple Carnival launch

NEW YORK - The spirit of Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival returns to New York on Thursday, November 5, 2009 when the New York-based Caribbean-owned special events company, Antilia, Inc. hosts an evening of entertainment and elegance. The event will feature international soca king, Machel Montano at the penthouse of Tribeca Rooftop (2 Desbrosses Street between Hudson & Greenwich Streets) in New York City. 

For the rest of the story click here 


Love and Carnival,

Nurse Karen

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Nurse's Lounge: Girl Power...No AC Power

So, I dunno what it is about promoters in Miami, why they feel a fete is not a fete unless it's named after some major party in Trinidad.  That's just my personal gripe, considering the fact that neither the all the artistes or the patrons are even from Trinidad in the first place.  It seems a bit odd, but they've been doing it for soooo long, that I'm probably the only one who notices.  Anyhoo..whatever works.

Girl Power has long been THE THURSDAY NIGHT fete of Miami Carnival.  Behind it is IslandsUnited or something so.  The Trini Carnival fete is put on by Island People Mas...so I take it there's a connection. Anyhoo, much like in Trinidad, it's kind where everybody is supposed to be the night it goes down. The only competition I had heard of this year was supposed to come in the form of a fete called Contagious aka Glow, that got shut down at the last minute.  Want to hear bacchanal?  The entire Krosfyah band, and Lil Rick were flown in just for that ONE night to perform at Contagious, only to discover that not enough tickets were sold to warrant opening the doors.  My bajan boys left the city the next day.  Luckily, deposits were paid up in advance..but it can't be cheap flying that many musicians in for NO REASON.

Well, my experience with Miami Girl Power 2009 was memorable to say the least, but probably not for the right reasons. The cast was great.  I didn't get to see Tizzy and a few earlier acts, but I caught the tail end of Alison Hinds (no pun intended). Yet again, I allowed the "soca queen" to escape my grasp without taking a photo, but this time not for a lack of trying.   Girl Power was hot.  Dreadfully hot.  Hot like no air conditioning-sticky-nasty-sweaty-locker-room-meets-sauna-inside-the-mouth-of-a-hairy-dog HOT.  So when Ally came off stage, and I wanted pictures, Miss Lady wanted agua...and I don't really blame her.

During the inexplicable heatwave, I experience one of my highlights...Benjai took the stage and brought out Gailann, who we haven't seen on a major soca stage for a couple years.  Girlfriend was cool and in control, looking well funky in her little square specs.

Nurse Karen and former 1st Lady of the Godfather's Asylum, Gailann

I was backstage searching in vain for Dr. Jay who was one of the DJ's at the fete.  Little did I know the DJ Booth was in the middle of the dancefloor.  I was intercepted by a photographer who mentioned something to be about living in Buffalo.  Next thing I know, he took out two picture of me that were on constant rotation on the big screens on either side of the stage for the rest of the night. Would love to know who he was shooting for.  He caught me before the humid air did, and all other photos from that night looked like I went head to head with a tsunami...and lost. While wandering backstage I bumped into Peter C. Lewis from Trinidad's Synergy TV.  You read my blog, so you know how many times I have planned to meet this dude as his actual office with no luck! Well, we finally got our brief meeting after all.  (Sort of)

Good Old Peter C!

After Benjai, Machel Montano HD took the stage to do their thing. Patrice was first to do battle with the "weather".  Under the lights, and intense heat of the non-airconditioned Mahi Temple, Ms. Roberts sang and danced like it was nobody's business.  She shed a layer or two of clothing and ended up performing in her bra top.  I say this, not to cause alarm, but to illustrate just how steamy it got.  Those of us who watch Patrice know how modest she is when it comes to dressing.  I still remember seeing her perform at the 2009 Groovy Soca Monarch Finals in a one-piece mas costumer, reinforced with bicycle shorts.  She's not the type to peel her clothes on stage.

So highlight number two: Did anyone else see Machel fall when he was taking the stage?  Lemme put out a disclaimer.  I not badminding Boy Boy, but that ish was funny.  Patrice introduced the man of the hour, to come and sing his song on the riddim.  He runs out with a burst of energy and....kerrrrrrrrplop!  Don't worry Machel fans, he didn't buss his @$$ or vocal chords or anything that matters...and I don't think it bruised his ego for more than 10 seconds.  None the less, it made for a a hearty gaassssssssssssppp from all onlookers who were sober enough to notice.  (Naturally, followed by some real ugly belly laughing...mostly from me..and a lil from the rest of the crew liming by the DJ booth...which I finally found in the middle of the room)

People had fun...and I learned a few very important lessons.
1.  Fun is really what it's all about
2.  My new flat iron really fried all the kink out of my hair...cuz that humidity didn't mash me up at all!

All in all, a very informative night!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

P.S.  Big up Richard and Shawn, I appreci-love the support.

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Booster Shot: Demarco to Remix "She Can't Wait" with Machel Montano HD

CG 2.0 interviewing Machel Montano in Barbados

Girl Karen, you know what i just hear? 

Yes, yes I saw you had a blast in Miami. Next year someone should take me to Miami!

Its been a while since my last post. Crop Over 2009 feels a bit like a distant memory now, and I'm looking forward to Christmas with all the goodwill in the air and without a shortage of food and alcohol. lol.

After christmas there is Trinidad Carnival 2010 - need I say more?

People I have come across some very interesting information along the way. Demarco is going to be remixing his "soca influenced" dancehall  tune "She Can't Wait", featuring Machel Montano HD. We have 'Hot Wuk', "Bend Ova' and 'Dutty Wined' till our hearts content on several soca influenced dancehall tracks. It's interesting that we are actually going to see a major hit remixed featuring a top soca act. Demarco's "She Can't Wait" debuted last week at #4 on the BoomTribe Caribbean Top 10 Countdown, here in Barbados.  Who knows what it can do for this track to have Machel Montano jump on just a few months before Trinidad. Time will tell.

So far that is all I've got. I am told that the track is being mixed and mastered and will hit the streets of the Caribbean Next week!

I wonder now if Soca and Dancehall have officially signed a peace treaty and we can move beyond some of our differences and maybe start to label a new genre of music ingenious to the Caribbean.

Corey Graham 2.0

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The Rounds: New structure for Machel Montano HD

In this edition:

-Counting down to Trinidad Carnival (Trinidad and Tobago)

-HD restructing means less of Machel (Trinidad and Tobago)

- UK Soca Music Awards Voting ( United Kingdom)

- New Album for Adrian Dutchin (Guyana)

- Ninja Dan's Hearing (St. Lucia)
- SLU records personnel changes (St. Lucia)

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. There’s lots important stuff going on inside and outside of the music right now. I know thousands of soca fans are overjoyed that the soca floodgates of Trinidad are beginning to open for 2010. Now that Summer is pretty much behind us, you can look forward to an increasing onslaught of releases from your favourite artists in T and T.

For 2010, fans can expect a reconfiguration of Machel Montano’s HD oufit. According to his Mama, Boy Boy will be stepping away from the spotlight to focus on things like music production and song writing. The idea is to make way for the rising stars in his band. You do know who I’m talking about? Right? People like Zan, Patrice Roberts, Farmer, and Umi Marcano!

Nurse Karen and Zan in Toronto, February 2009

So, don’t be shocked if you start seeing advertized performances that do NOT include an appearance from Machel himself. Last Wednesday at Zen in Trinidad, the camp presented a show called “HD Revealed” which showed off the mettle of Machel’s supporting cast as they performed collaborations with artistes such as Cathy Ella, Biggie Irie, General Grant, Tian Winter and Nnika Francis.

The very democratic UK Soca Massive is in the process of honouring top soca talent as we speak. Voting is still open for all 20 Categories in England’s second annual Soca Music Awards. Fans get to vote on both UK based and international talent, best event, DJ, Radio Station and even mas band. If you want in on the action, head over to www.socamusicawards.co.uk . The awards show takes place next Sunday.

It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned Guyanese pretty boy Adrian Dutchin in The Rounds. He gets a little big up this week for releasing a new album entitled: Finally! Between putting out music with Times Two in Guyana, winning Mash Soca Monarch a couple of times, and performing as a frontline vocalist in Krosfyah, he’s been a very busy guy. The album features songs like "Impossible", "Rum Drinkaz" with Terry Gajraj and Hitman, plus his Crop Over release with Peter Ram, FOR ME!!! Congrats Adrian! Glad you got the album done...FINALLY!

Nurse Karen and Adrian Dutchin in New York, September 2008

Speaking of other things that are long overdue, Thursday was the scheduled court date for St. Lucia’s Former OECS Soca Monarch Ninja Dan. He was FINALLY supposed to have a sufficiency hearing in connection to a murder for which he and two others are accused that happened on Valentine’s Day this year. The purpose of the hearing was to decide if there’s enough evidence to support a trial and whether or not the accused would be held until such trial date. Well, I’d love to tell you the answers to those BURNING questions but questions, but sources in St. Lucia simply say that it was adjourned until another date. Ah the joys of the legal system...

Other than that Lucians are still talking about all the changes at SLU Records /Studio 758. Since Ricky T’s departure from the label, former Managing director Dwayne Mendes also stepped down. Now the sole man in charge is producer Irvin “Ace” Loctar who recently announced his vision to diversify the music offering of his company beyond soca. Ilah Man is no longer signed to SLU, but Teddyson John remains with the team. As RPB would say “Something’s Happening!”

Nurse Karen and Ace in St. Lucia, July 2009

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more detail on these and other soca news stories visit Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me ---- Nurse Karen on Twitter. Now...back to de docta!

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