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: Welcome Destra to Motherhood!

Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM "Soca Therapy" with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince (Sunday, January 17, 2010)

In this edition:

-  Chutney artists donate to Haiti (Trinidad and Tobago)

-  Nicole David to star in "Island Secrets" TV show (St. Lucia)

-  Shaunelle McKenzie's is expecting (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

-  Destra welcomes her baby girl (Trinidad and Tobago)

-  Fire Empress to defend her title at Tobago Soca Monarch (Trinidad and Tobago)

- 12 advance to Mashramani Soca Monarch (Guyana)

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Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s five days after the tragic earthquake in the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The fiercely proud republic is scrambling to put the pieces back together as international aid begins to trickle in, and I just wanted to take a moment to make my humble appeal to you the listeners to help in any way you can. To start, why not follow the example of Trinidad’s Chutney Artists who together have already donated $20,000 from the organizers of Chutney Soca Monarch to the Haiti Disaster fund set up by the T&T Red Cross Society. They even set up an account at the Republic Bank for those wishing to donate. More than $100,000 dollars was raised on the first day of collections. Great to see Caribbean people assisting their brothers and sisters in need. Please join in and do the same.

Down in St. Lucia the island is abuzz over a new television drama series called Island Secrets. The small screen soap opera is written by soca artist Jose Torso and stars former Road March queen, Nicole David as a wealthy house wife that secretly manages the mythical island’s illegal drug trade.

Nurse Karen and Nicole David in St. Lucia (2009)

            I’ve got an island secret to share, that takes place on St. Vincent. HS Phaktor lead vocalist, Shaunelle McKenzie is celebrating a birthday today. This birthday is particularly special as it’s the last one she will celebrate before she becomes a mother in a few short weeks. For those who didn’t know, the veteran artist who performs alongside Bomani is pregnant with her first child.

Speaking of babies!!! A certain somebody isn’t pregnant anymore!!! Destra Garcia gave birth to a bouncing bay girl on Thursday, January 14th in Trinidad on day before her scheduled due date. Not sure of the correct pronunciation, but the baby’s name is Xaiya (spelled, X-A-I-Y-A). Mommy and daughter are both doing fine!

Destra

       In the meantime Destra’s band is back to work this weekend, backing Fire Empress has she defends her Soca Monarch Title tonight in Tobago. The Ricky Bobby band made the trip to Trinidad’s sister isle yesterday to lend their support to Fire Empress’s performance of “De Session Done”.

It’s Carnival time in Guyana too. 12 artists just found out that they have been selected to proceed to the Semi Finals of Mashramani Soca Monarch on January 30th. Three of the 12 do not live in Guyana. Stay to tuned to Dr. Jay’s Rounds and the Nurse Karen Etc blog for more.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. To get the latest in soca news, check out Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me, Nurse Karen on Twitter. Now, back to de Docta!

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Booster Shot: 2009 Mashramani Carnival Results

2009 Mashramani - Guyana Carnival Results
Band of the Year
1. Go Girls and Kairi Mystique
Depiction: “Western Bacchanal”
2. Carnival Corner
Depiction: "Mélé Mélanjé"

3. Thunder Bird
Depiction: "Fire and Ice"
J’ouvert
First Lapo Kabwit on the road -- The Gutter Lapo Kabwit
Best Pappy Show -- The Religious ones
Best Individual on the road - Rohan James
Best Sennsé on Carnival Monday - St. Joseph group
First Steel Band on the road - Real Steel Band

Best Jou ouvé group -- Newtown pre-school
The award for the lapo kabwit band which played the longest on the road - The Newtown Lapo Kabwit.

Calypso Monarch
1. King Karessah
Songs: ‘Pastor’s Rod’ and ‘Calypso too patriotic’.
“Best Stage Presentation” Award
2. Observer
Songs: ‘Shut up legislation’ and ‘EIO’
3. Tarina
Songs: ‘Endangered Species’ and ‘Gwayé’

Junior Calypso Monarch – Sheldon Alfred / De Professor
Soca Monarch
1. Shellon Garroway/Shelly G
2. Vanilla


Carnival Queen (Miss Dominica) – Kayan Toussaint
Carnival Princess – Chrislin Tavernier
Miss Teen Dominica – Kelcia Righton

Road March
“Rude” -- Vanilla

Costume and Float Parade (Regional)
Full Costume - Medium
1. Region Three
2. Region Five

Full Costume – Small
1. Region Ten
2. Region Four
3. Region Seven in third

King -- Region Ten
Queen -- Region Four
Individual Male -- Region Three

Full Costume – Large
1. The Culture Ministry
2. Sophia Cultural Association
3. Hits and Jams Entertainment Band

Full Costume - Medium

1. Health Ministry

2. House and Water Ministry

3. Region Three

Full Costume - Small

1.  Education Ministry

2.  Region 10

3.  Region 4

Non-Commercial Float
1. The Culture Ministry
2. The Body of Christ
3. Slingshot

Semi-Costume – Large
1. Slingshot
2. Body of Christ
3. Don Gomes


(non-commercial)
King of the Band - Health Ministry

Queen of the Band -- Culture Ministry

Individual Male - Culture Ministry

Individual Female - Ministry of Labout, Human Services and Social Security

Republic Bank Pan-o-Rama Steelband Competition

1. North Ruimveldt Multilateral School 

2. Plaisance Community High second. 

Junior Solo

1. Akeem Pompey of the Pan Groove Steel Orchestra

2. Michael Smith Jr of the Secret Vision Steelband

3. Allana Noel of the Secret Vision Steelband 

Senior Solo

1.  Michael Smith of the Guyana Police Force Band

2. Clayton Daniels of the Pan Groove Steel Orchestra

3. Ray Sparman of the Guyana Polica Force Band

Church Bands:

1. St Andrew’s Kirk Steelband 

2. One Steel Orchestra 

3. Central Assembly of God Steelband

Seven-A-Side:

1. Parkside Steel Orchestra 

2. Magnificent Seven 

3. Pan Groove Steel Orchestra

Pan Jazz Quartet:

1. Parkside Steel Orchestra

2. Pan Groove 

3. Pan Wave 

 Illuminated and Decorated Buildings Competition - Schools

1. St Ambrose Primary 

2. East La Penitence Primary

Illuminated and Decorated Group Competition - Non-Commercial

1. National AIDS Programme Secretariat 

2. Guyenterprise Advertising Agency

3. National Communications Network 

Illuminated and Decorated Group Competition - Commercial

1. Guyana Water Inc won

2. Neal and Massy Ainlim 

3. Bounty Meat Centre, Kitty.

 Adult Calypso Competition - Senior

1. Lester ‘Professor’ Clarke 

2. Roger Hinds, aka Young Bill Rogers 

3. Estelle Simpson

4. Derrick Mangal aka Bright Colours

Junior Calypso Competition

1. Abigail James aka Singing AJ 

2. Shenelly Hunte

3. Tenneicia De Freitas

HIV/AIDS Song Competition

1. Young Bill Rogers 

2. Martin Byrne aka Mighty Voter

3. Dawn Edwards

Chutney Competition

1. Rajesh Dubraj 

2. Sandella Craig

3. Harresh Singh 

4. Beeshan Jairam,  also voted the most promising artist

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Booster Shot: Guyana Carib Soca Monarch Results

Shelly G was crowned the new a new Carib Soca Monarch was crowned Sunday night at the National Park in Guyana. She dazzled the crowd withe her performance of "Work It" There were 12 artists vying for the crown, with no defending champion in their midst. Last year's victor, Adrian Dutchin chose to sit out of the competition this year and tour with his band Krosfyah.
Cash prizes are alotted for the winner and two runners up. Amounts in Guyana dollars were set at $750,000, $400,000, $200,000. There is also a prize for best newcomer set at $100,000.

So here you have it:

Champion - Shelly G, "Work It"
1st Runner Up - Vanilla, "Rude"
2nd Runner Up - B52 aka Lil Man, "Circuit Overload"
Best Newcomer - Anaconda, "Festival Fever"

See the complete list of competitors below:

‘Anaconda’ - Mark Batson
‘Bonesman’ - Orlando Johansen
‘Brains’ - Roger Hassel
Beverley Williams
Fireclan (duo)
‘Lil Man’ - Wilbur Levans
‘Passion’ - ClintonAdolphus
Purrsonality (duo)
Reflections (duo)
‘Shelly G’ - Shellon Garraway
Tomeeka Thomas
‘Vanilla’ - Melissa Roberts

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

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

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

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

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

Click Here

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

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

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

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The Rounds: Rihanna says she might sing soca

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Rounds: The sexy truth behind "Go Down Low"

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jays rounds. Toronto is cold this weekend. Way too cold. Luckily, there's hot soca music on the airwaves to warm up your situation. Tonight, Trinidad will heat up to the sound of the Soca Monarch Semi Finals competition.

St. Vincent's breakthrough artist, Zoelah, is pumped about performing in both the groovy and power categories. While in Trinidad, the 23-year-old is staying with a brother who lives there. She's also preparing to shoot a video for Go Down Low. Speaking of Go Down Low... Did you ever hear the story behind that song? Apparently Ms Zoelah Boyde was inspired to pen those lyrics by a dishonest boyfriend back in 2003. She was getting ready to leave him for good when he got down on his knees and begged her to stay. Boom Bap, and she counteract with a special request that COULD make even the strongest willed ladies change their tune. "If you want to love me, you've got to Go Down Low…" My girl! Yes Zoelah!

…When you think about wining down to de ground in Trinidad, the month of February is synonymous with Carnival. Well, I hope allyuh know those last few days before lent aren't written in stone. Just like the tens of ither Caribbean nations that decided to change their seasons of fete to increase tourism across the region, several Trinidadian carnival stakeholders are rethinking February mas. The National Carnival Development Foundation, Pan Trinbago, TUCO and The National Bandleaders Association got together a few days ago to do just that. They're discussing a proposal to move the festivities to the last Monday and Tuesday in April. Fixed dates would make it easier to market the festival internationally. It was only a first meeting, but there is some hope that a change could happen in time for 2009. That means snowbirds like us would no longer be escaping the, um, snow to take a jump in Trinidad. If you want mas in February, you may wanna check Guyana for Mashramani at the end of the month.

Guyana's defending soca monarch Malo seemed pretty confident that he'll be keeping his crown in 2008. But only time will tell. On February ninth, two-time monarch Adrian Dutchin and thirteen other competitors will be vying for one of 9 spots in the finals. When that goes down in Georgetown on 16th February, All of us in Toronto will be heading back to Koolhaus for the annual KOS return fete. That is, if I have an ounce of life in me when I reach back from T&T. I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's rounds. Text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5, or post them online on the Nurse Karen Etc blog. Triple W dot Mustard Seeds dot net. Now back to de Docta!

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The Rounds - February 12, 2006

Dr. Jay’s Rounds
Karen Richardson
February 12, 2006
490

Good Evening Soca lovers. I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.
Trinidad carnival is in full swing. That can’t possibly be a surprise to you, unless you live under a rock. The action comes to its climax on February 27th and 28th. That’s when the streets of Port of Spain literally dance in a cavalcade of colour and music.
Festival fever hit Trinidad months ago...and here in Toronto we’ve now officially caught on. Last night’s Doh Cry Ah Leaving party….was Doctor Jay’s eleventh annual warm up fete before he takes off to flatten Trinidad. This is a party that noooooooooo-body ever wants to miss. To prove it, soca lovers like you gobbled up eleven-hundred discounted tickets in less than four hours. Toronto must be ready fuh Carnival in truth…because these tickets sold like hot doubles a whole FOUR weeks before the party. Now today, the nurse is here to help you recover. All that sweetness…can be dangerous if you’re not used to it. So we gonna give it to you one dose at time.
Thursday night, Fireball became the first winner of the Synergy Soca Star competition. That’s a little something like Canadian Idol for Soca. He took the title after wowing thousands of screaming fans to the tune of “Don’t Stop” by Shurwayne Winchester’ . Taking his name to heart, this little upstart moved through the crowd on the shoulders of his supporters who were led by flame bearers. Watch out Bunji….this one might be the next Fireman.
If you’re packing your bags for T&T and you’re planning to attend the Soca Warriors fete on Carnival Saturday, I have some bad news for you. Miss Janet Jackson will no longer be hosting the event. HER people say that she’s skipping carnival due to health problems. However, other reports from New York make the bold claim that Janet is packing on the pounds and just might be preggers. Well, gyurl dat is not what we would call a health problem in my profession. But what do I know, really? I’m not a doctor!

I’ll tell you what I do know. The festivities are coming fast and furious in Trinidad. Last week saw the Chutney Soca Monarch finals, and two fetes dedicated to the best female performers: Ladies night Out and Soca Divas Live…and it’s only getting started.

Over in Guyana, the Carib Soca Monarch competition will wrap up next weekend. All three female semi finalists have advanced to the finals. I hear that the semis were rather lack luster this year, with one notable exception. Joann Goodluck, also known as DJ Madonna is said to have gripped the audience with her outfit as much as her performance. Journalists described her skirt as eye-popping, and x-rated…mind you….nobody seems to remember what song she sang.

I’m nurse Karen and those are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to Soca at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Now back to de docta!

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