It's mixtape season! ...and boy do I have something for you to get excited about. Here is a brand new all soca mixtape featuring, 53 downloadable tracks for your listening pleasure. Mixed by Toronto's own mix masterJester of the Smash Squad DJ's, X-caliber Entourage and FLOW 93.5 FM, "Soca Certified Smash" is hosted by one of Trinidad's most hard working and versatile soca acts, Mista Vybe. Get ready for an international smörgåsbord of top quality contemporary soca anthems and rare carnival grooves!
Wanna hear for yourself? That would be my pleasure. Be among the first to download your very own copy, right here!
When we think of Carnival, one of the first images that comes to mind, no matter where you might live is that of streets packed with bodies as far as the eyes can see. Mista Vybe captures that essence in his latest release "Jam In De Road". He's definitely ready for carnival again!
Here's a special treat for you. Mista Vybe has decided to let you the fans download a high quality MP3 of "Jam In De Road" for absolutely free, just until Friday. So be sure to head on over to www.MistaVybeWorld.com or www.Twitter.com/MistaVybe to say thanks after you:
It's my pleasure to let you know about a special project I lent my voice to this summer. New York's Ma$tamind Productions has just released a Christmas album featuring a multinational cast of Caribbean Artistes singing Christmas classics. I don't mean songs like "Santa Looking for a Wife", "Anita", or "Soca Santa". I mean the ones you hear when you're doing your holiday shopping, pumping from the radio stations, and yes, the ones you sing at Church.
You'll get people like: Kevon Carter, Mista Vybe, Shawn "Da Mastamind" Noel, 2ntrigue, and more performing your favourites, in their own special way.
In Trinidad with producer Shawn Noel and Business Manager Natasha Andrews-Noel
As for me, I contributed what I know best, an original spoken word piece called "Questions For Mary". It takes a look at the Virgin Mary through modern eyes, and considers what it would have been like to be a young girl saddled with such an important task that no one else really understood. Da Ma$tamind backed it up with some beautiful music. And voilà! Your Nurse is ready for purchase! LOL...I think that came out wrong.
It's a phenomenal project. I do hope you will support the initiative by spreading the word, and buying the album. (Actually, for just $8.99 US, you can buy the tracks now by clicking the Amazon.com image and link below)
P.S. For more detail regarding what's on the album, check out this write-up by Mystie Thongs:
We from the Caribbean Can Sing Too!!!
Christmas is the one time of year when no one minds hearing the same songs being played over and over again on the radio. In fact for many of us Christmas does not start until we hear our favourite carol being sung beautifully by either an old golden voice like Nat King Cole’s or the latest starlet doing a seasonal cd.
This year, Ma$tamind Productions have decided to give every carol lover exactly what they want but maybe not in the way they are accustomed to having it. Instead of being lulled into the spirit of the season by voices of the outside world Ma$tamind presents A Caribbean Soul Christmas. An album filled with your favourite traditional carols performed by our very own Caribbean artistes, because in their opinion, we in the Caribbean can sing too! And honestly who would know better than them, since they have always worked with the finest artistes, this our very own archipelago of islands, has to offer.
The cast of performers reads like a veritable who’s who in the Caribbean talent pool and just as an extra treat they have chosen to highlight some artistes in a genre and/or in a way they are yet to be formerly known in.
Leading the charge on the something special but different forefront is Nurse Karen from St Vincent, known especially for her soca news segment on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto. Her emotion-stirring recitation of a poem on the album leaves you simply wanting more.
Lauded vocalists, Naki, Krissy Grant from St. Lucia, Kevon Carter, Audie Hewitt (formerly of famed Trinidadian R&B group H2O Phlo) as well as 2Ntrigue, do not disappoint as they put their own soulful but impressive spin on classics that can make the most ardent follower of old school crooners put Sammy and Old Blue eyes on pause in order to take in the melodious harmonies of these talented young Caribbean singers.
The splendid mix of music does not stop there since on this album, Ma$tamind has invited 3 gentlemen in particular to step outside of their recognized arena to boldly show how skilled they all truly are.
Mista Vybe, usually found tearing up a soca fete, displays his amazing vocal abilities as he slows it all down and simply croons for your listening ear.
Veteran musician/soca guitarist Dean Williams steps out of the background and into his own spotlight playing solo on a carol in a way that raises pores and blows musical imagination, who knew the guitar could sing so sweetly?
Well maybe Kyle Peters might have known. Another solo guitarist on the album he joins the cast as a newbie, but one who is more than able to hold his own amongst these now peers of his. He is one to watch and most definitely pay attention to.
And just when you might think, ok I have gotten my money’s worth Ma$tamind has slipped in just a lil bit extra that will certainly keep you wanting this compilation on repeat all season long.
Joanne ‘Tigress’ Rowley has been known throughout the calypso world as a stirring and strong competitor, for Ma$tamind, she has put aside that competitive vein and taken on the role of soulful matron leading the way for the youngsters, with a powerfully moving rendition of Joy To The World, that makes your eyelids leak freely.
Last but most certainly not least, Shawn ‘Da Ma$tamind’ Noel steps out from his producer booth to sit us all down and school us on just how talented we in the Caribbean are. His producing skills are just one side to him, his strength as a singer, stands out in a way that makes you wonder if we really want that kind of ability sitting in a producing chair and not always onstage with a mic in his hand.
This album promises something for everyone, while each song is sure to reach out and inspire every one of us all, in some way.
With this much talent and ability on display it is no wonder that carol aficionados the world over cannot wait to experience A Caribbean Soul Christmas.
LOL... It's Friday, you've worked hard all week, and you deserve this break. Trust me, this will give you the boost you need to close out the day! Check out this previously unreleased video from Andy Stevenson, Shivon De Freitas, Mista Vybe, Ms. Alysha.
Those of you old enough to remember may know Andy Stevenson as the "Soca Michael Jackson". He had a BIG hit called "Soca Billie Jean" in 1997. Yeah, trust me on that one.
Neither the song nor video was ever released. I guess the genre would have been a little tough to classify. But, to see Alladin on that magic carpet, I would have requested the thing over and over!
So, do enjoy this little blast from the past on me!
Trinidadian artiste Mista Vybe has long been a web savvy user of social media. However, this week his surfing, networking, updating and browsing came together under one sleek umbrella in the form of a new website.
It's the result of months of conspiring among a team of foreign-based entertainment and media
personnel (mainly living in Toronto), as well as sleepless nights on end from the artist himself. (I didn't read that anywhere...but I know how de man stay). What transpired is a one-stop shop
for all things Vybe. That includes a few elements you might not have expected.
Patrick "Vybe" Gordon is an entertainer who pays attention to detail. You can't miss this fact as you peruse the new web portal. It is clear that Vybe is deliberatly sharpening his self-expression chops with an eye keenly focused on the blogosphere.
Fans can look forward to regular posts concerning upcoming projects and tour dates, but also a direct window into a complex man's mind, his commentary on what interests him, and maybe even some opinion thrown in here and there. It should not come as a surprise that Mista Vybe has something to say. After all, this is a guy whose own parents successfully ascended the ranks of Trinidadian journalism and politics.
The site is eye-catching and simple to navigate. Definitely take a look and let us know what you think.
Vybe, congrats on the new step. Looking forward to hearing, seeing and reading a whole lot more of you!
Yay! Happy birthday to a very hard working guy who's been revving his soca engine for yeeeeeeeeeeeears! In 2006, he had an incredibly big hit at home in Trinidad called Ting 4 D Road. Let me correct that, it was a big hit EVERYWHERE...and nothing could illustrate that better than the pandemonium it caused when he performed the song on the Purple Explosion truck at Berlin's Carnival of Cultures back in May.
I'm talking about Mista Vybe!
Check out Mista Vybe totally in his element making the people jump. By the time you read this, I may have already crossed the stage at Victoria Park in Mirage Productions' 2009 Presentation called Showtime. My section is called Moulin Rouge! So, take a look...and remember de Nurse! Is mas we playing !!!
In 2001, the OECS Secretariat endorsed the OECS Soca Monarch which from inception has been part of St. Lucia Carnival Activites. Leading soca artistes from all nine OECS member states along with Barbados met on one stage in a show of regional solidarity. However in 2006 the show was renamed “Caribbean Soca Monarch” to allow for entries from countries outside the OECS.
This competition which is entirely different from the International Soca Monarch held in Trinidad, has aruagably held less prestige in the wider Caribbean due to the comparatively lower prize money involved; nonetheless it is the signature of St.Lucia Carnival. St.Lucian artists who place in the local Soca Monarch are automatically entered into the Caribbean Soca Monarch against the regional competitors. Critics echo the competition has of recent years been biased towards St. Lucian artists as the island has the most entries.
Below is the listing of all the winners of the competition who have continued to make history :
OECS Soca Monarch Winners
2001 - Godfrey Dublin ( To Take Away) St.Vincent and the Grenadines 2002 - David "Pung Wa" Patrick (Pussy and Tony) St. Kitts and Nevis 2003 – Mantius (I doing a ting) St. Lucia 2004– Mantius (We Making Love) St. Lucia 2005 – Bomani (I am Soca) St.Vincent and the Grenadines
Caribbean Soca Monarch Winners
2006 – Mista Vybe (Ting for de Road) Trinidad and Tobago 2007 – Ninja Dan (Rise) St. Lucia 2008 – Ricky T (Wheel and Come Again) St. Lucia
Me alongside de reigning Caribbean Soca Monarch King Ricky T
Caribbean Soca Monarch , which is in its 8th year will be held on July 19th 2009 at the Mindoo Philip Park . See who becomes part of history!
Well nuff tune blazing de airways now a days . With some riddims causing sum serious problems and some collaborations being infectious . Now last time I gave you guys a glimpse of de tunes dat have Lucians chanting de hook and moving their waistline (Read More)
But Today Friday July 19th the songs making the countdown at the top 5 at 5 on The Wave 93.5 is as folllows
Nurse Karen and Mista Vybe, Trinidad ( June, 2008)
I was so excited to get this email from Mista Vybe! Berlin Carnival wrapped on Sunday, but it sounds like he is still having a great time in Germany repping hard for Trinidad and Tobago and soca music in general. You all remember Mista Vybe from his 2006 smash hit, "Ting 4 D Road", but the...
V - Versatile
Y - Young
B - Black
E - Entertainer
...has been crafting his unique blend of dub and smooth style soca joints for years. He has been grinding harder ever since. He is an avid fan of the soca genre, who pays close attention to the music released throughout the region. He knows the player in the game as well as I do!!! So, it is no wonder that he has recorded with top producers from Trinidad, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and Barbados alike.
As a member of the Big Artiste Crew. Patrick "Vybe" Gordon collaborated with the like of Nadia Batson, Terry Seales, Michelle Sylvester and his baby sis, Ms Alysha. They are all hard at work writing and recording new tunes for Trinidad Carnival 2010.
I respect him for his painstaking attention to detail, and insistence on flawless vocals. Call it professionalism. Wadeva! De man knows his way around a studio. Listen chunes on Myspace, and tell me if i lie! ( The word of the day is "Jab Jab")
Before I get carried away, did I mention that Vybe is in Germany?! I will let him tell you what he's up to.
Hi Karen, As promised, I'm checking in with you with a quick update from Germany!
I've been hre since Friday morning working hard to keep the flag flying for Soca music and Caribbean Culture. It's so amazing how much Germans love up Caribbean vibes in general and the Soca/Carnival cultuer in particular.
I did two club shows both of which had crazy energy and wonderful crowd response. The first was in Wuppertal and the second was in Berlin. Both shows were off the chain, including plenty jumping and waving and even "big flags" (both Trini and German).Sunday was Carnival of the Cultures here in Germany and I was on the road with PurpleExplosion, which Berlin's top mas band in true Soca style. The band not only featured the usual "big truck" with Berlin's top Soca DJs and costumed masqueraders - even German moko-jumbies, but also showcased performances by myself and my good bredrin, London-based Soca star Scrappy (reigning Soca Monarch of Montserrat).
After the Carnival we barely had time for a quick change before going down to the Maria club to see an amazing performance by my brother in music, Maximus Dan. Also bounced up Jah Melody, Marlon Asher and their management along the way (big up Geron and the infamous Carl "Beaver" Henderson).
It's 6:04am Berlin time right now and myself, management and my German hosts (Threeks Sound - on of the top Soca soiund systems here) just got in from a loooooong night of studio work, followed by a stop at one of the top Caribbean Clubs here in Berlin.
There's tons of photos and videos to come from this trip, so the fans can stay tuned to your blog for links to those and follow me on twitter.com (look for @mistavybe), or just check my facebook and Myspace pages in the coming days...
Still have a couple more days here before I head back home to Trinidad.
Big up the Berlin Soca Massive who have shown us nothing but love. Stay tuned to Nurse Karen's blog as well as to @mistavybe on twitter.com as well as my Myspace and Facebook pages.
Oh - and look forward to new tunes from Mista Vybe for Vincy Mas AND St. Lucia Carnival 2009 - ABOUT TO BUSS soon!
Love and blessings from Berlin, Mista Vybe: SUPERMODELROCKSTAR!
Big up yourself Mista Vybe! Thanks for the update. Looking forward to your pics and news! Tell Threeks Sound and dem Nurse Karen says "Guten Tag"!!!!!!
Thanks a mill.
Enjoy this fan clip of Mista Vybe on the truck performing "UP"
Remember what I told you about Jingle Jam last week? Well here's my little video diary of the event. Granted, I wasn't in the buildilng for the 3 and a half hours before ANY artistes took to the stage. But here's what I actually saw.
So, just to recap: The only thing ringing in my ears about Jingle Jam is the fact that more than half of the scheduled acts on the bill were NOT in the building. It appears that there's more than meets the eye when it come why several Caribbean artists weren't dashing through the snow last weekend. Management for Ms. Alysha and Mista Vybe contacted me on Tuesday with an official statement. Et voila!...
"Socalypso Promotions, management team for Mista Vybe and Miss Alysha, will like to go on record to give the official circumstances surrounding Miss Alysha’s and Mista Vybe’s absence from the “Jingle Jam” event which was held on Saturday 8th December, 2007.
Negotiations for the “Jingle Jam” event started as early as September as evidenced by the promotional “drops” that were recorded, sent and broadcasted at that time for the event. At the beginning of negotiations, it was outlined by the artists to the promoter that they would have been available for the show but traveling arrangements must be made for the 8th of December instead of the 7th.
In Trinidad, the Canadian embassy does not entertain visa applications on Fridays, which meant that Thursday would have been the last day that these two artists would have had to visit the embassy. Up till the evening of the 6th of December, no official word was given to state that permits were filed for the artists to travel for the weekend’s event. To date no information has been offered regarding visa or flight information."
You know me. I LOVE information. Call it commess, whatever. In this business...DAT is we ting! On the night of Jingle Jam, I rolled out to the docks after a long day of Christmas functions and cross-border shopping. I went to the fete to say hello to some of the artists. Cuz, I was already too tired for wukkin' or any sort! When I got there, I was not happy to learn so many people were missing. That's when I decided I'd have to say SOMETHING about it. Partygoers who spend they cash to see 9 artists, and only get 4 deserve better. So there you have it... two sides to a multidimensional story.
No lie...I had fun that night. Between Machel's regular lewdness and the regular Toronto wannabe girls-on-gone-wild video ho's, it was all that a Soka Junkie could ask for. (please read sarcasm...whappen to yuh?...always read sarcasm)
In other news...Patrice mentioned to me that she had a new song releasing in Trinidad the next day. It's called Mo' Wuk, and for me, it's an instant favourite. Maybe it's more than that. Maybe it's a word of advice to anyone who's not doing they job to the fullest.
Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Today our great nation of Canada is celebrating one hundred forty years of togetherness...and being a Canadian of Caribbean heritage, that is something I can real celebrate. Here in Toronto, we have the best of the best…living side by side with all the cultures of the world. And we, de people of de Caribbean bring the beauty of our traditions and beautiful music to audiences that otherwise woulda neva know just how sweet it is! And when you talk about sweetness the first thing that comes to your mind if you know anything about anything, is Soca Therapy’s own “Soca Sweetness” On Friday, music was flowing like golden honey up at de Ramada hotel in a sticky, but sweet celebration of ten years in de business. Congrats ba-by! The togetherness vibes are building in St. Vincent as the whole country prepares for MY arrival. Well not so, but they celebrating 30 years of July Carnival over the next week…and I jumping on de next flight. Last night, Machel Montano closed out de fete at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex…where the talk of the night was Problem Child’s new tune “Party Animal”. The crowd was chanting “Oooo Oooo” all morning …and Machel joked that he might “quote-unquote” “borrow de idea” and take the tune to number 1. Well, they say imitation is the greatest form of flattery…but if yuh ask me, begging for a next lawsuit is the greatest form of dotishness. Over so, in Montreal, Carifiesta is back next weekend. If you need a little warm-up wine for caribana it go be nice. St. Lucia is next up, as Ricky T’s “Pressure Boom” gets some added adrenalin thanks to a remix that features none other than Mister Vegas. Another Lucian to watch is Q-pid…and is not just because she have a stomach like a six pack of Carib! The 27-year-old singer has four chart climbing singles this season including Tremors, which came about as an extempo freestyle on a riddim, Fire Waist, Outta Time Whine, and MAD…Again. In the last 3 years the amount of soca songs that came out with “Mad” in the title is enough to make you wonder if insanity is ah part o we culture too. Over in gorgeous Barbados the decision makers at the CBC are giving me reason to confirm my speculations. If you were listening last week, you heard me mention a new tune called “Blaze it Up” by Jabae featuring Trinidad’s Mr. Vybe. Well, the brand new tune just got banned from the airwaves in Barbados due to questionable lyrical content. Well, if you’re asking the question…the problematic lyrics were “Sparkin’ Up de Flames”, but to many ears it sounds like sumting the good people at FLOW would prefer me not to repeat. So we go leaved dat one alone as we look forward to finishing of this “weekend of togetherness” in style. Then we celebrate de soca way…is news from everything you heard today plus the latest from Soca 4 Summer, Caribana, Antigua, Grenada, Notting Hill and Brooklyn…so stay tuned. I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds for Canada Day 2007. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now back to de Docta.
Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s a steamy Sunday night here in Toronto, and de music -- only makes it hot-ter! Yonge Street was set ablaze all weekend as thousands got together to celebrate PRIDE. And all of us have something to be proud about, ya know. For the Guyanese listeners, you ought to be proud your nation is celebrating forty-one years of independent rule. For the Washington D.C. posse, yesterday was about displaying your colours on de road for the D.C. Caribbean Carnival. If you made it to BLACKOUT last night, you MUST be proud you got to see KMC and RED, WHITE and BLACK in their first Toronto performance this year. And if you were planning to take part in an annual summer tradition called Unite De Nations, you ought to be proud of ME for letting YOU know …it’s moving FROM Markham Fairgrounds TO Wild Water Kingdom. Trust me on dat! Whatever circumstances you face in life, you have to big up your chest and luv yuhself. A couple a tick tings in Barbados are doing just that - as they fight for the rights of full bodied women who want to play mas. I’m sure you’ve noticed how skimpy carnival costumes have become over the years. Well imagine this. A popular Kadooment band called Baje international is under attack for only providing FIVE costumes for plus sized revellers in each of its eight sections. That’s only 40 costumes out of six-teen-hundred. Which ain’t right AT TALL (unless somebody tink I dotish enough to believe that only two point five percent of west Indian women have a lil extra something to shake.) So de big girls and dem wont be jumping with Baje, but when they DO hit the road on Kadooment day, there’s no doubt they go take a jump to de sweet sounds of Jabae. This CropOver de Chandler brothers are coming strong as they prepare to release their first album - “Circle Evolution”. It’s a 14-track disc featuring reigning party monarch Barry Chandler and his Brother Bruce…now going by Bruce Wayne. Trinidad’s Mista Vybe is also lending his vocal stylings to de mix with a single called BLAZE IT UP, just released today. Hundreds of youth in the Eastern Caribbean are vying for a chance to release their own albums as auditions for the third annual Digicel Rising Star competition are underway. Last week was St. Lucia. This week Barbados. And so it begins..the search that brought us Kimberly Inniss and Kyron Baptiste. Once again this winner will take home ten thousand dollars U.S. in cash, a recording contract and lots of fabulous prizes. The organizers say that next year they hope to open the competition to all Caribbean states where their services are offered….crowning a true Caribbean STAR…now that’s something we can ALL take pride in. I’m nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s rounds. Text me your comments @ 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now back to de docta!
Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. The music you and I love, might come from an archipelago of tiny caribbean territories, but its impact stretches beyond the seas, and over the airwaves, touching the entire world. As we start to get ready for Caribana here in Toronto, is important to remember that “we ting” was meant to be shared. Last week the sweet sounds of soca music weren’t only heard at the Memorial Day carnivals in the States. In jolly old england a group of the queen’s subjects in Preston were jumping up too. In Berlin, Germany carnival swept the streets clear of bigotry and hate as 600,000 danced together as one for the 9th annual Carnival of Cultures parade. Theirs is a multiethnic event, but it was based on caribbean style masquerade…and the main music - is soca. Back in the Caribbean, the official opening of St. Lucia Carnival is happening as I speak. This year they taking a practise jump today to ready de people for the road come July 16th and 17th. New for 2007, my Lucian posse can look forward its first ever Groovy Soca Monarch competition.And an “inter-commercial house” steelband competition. That just means they holding a panorama type ting for bands sponsored by different workplaces. One of the best aspects of Lucian carnival has always been the OECS soca monarch competition. Last year they opened the show up to competitors from the entire caribbean and Mista Vybe was crowned first ever Caribbean Soca Monarch..for “Ting for d Road”. Well, they bringing it back this year and I cyan wait! The next thing ah cyan wait for is the Carnivalissima festival at de harbourfront centre. Carnival is not unique to the caribbean, but naturally we do we ting in an extra special way. Next weekend, the carnivals of the world will come to together for three AWE INSPIRING DAYS of fete! (evil laugh) I know allyuh tink I making joke….but is true! Some of you people don’t go no way unless Doctor Jay trowin’ a pah-tee. But I feel I could get allyuh to haul sum-TING fuh dis one. Machel Montano HD will be giving a FREE 90-minute show at de Harbourfront Centre this coming Sunday at 4 pm. You better don’t stick on dat! If you get a little jumbie, Sunday would be the perfect day to exorcise it. Then the next week, we going right back for Barbados on the water! If you prefer to celebrate carnival culture from the comfort of your own home, there’s a new book you might want to check out that could help you just that. Good news, not all the Trini’s in NYC are planning pyrotechnics at JFK! Some will be attending the US launch of John E. H. Barry’s comprehensive catalogue of ALL the Soca and and Calypso Monarchs EVER crowned at Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. The text is called “The Finalists” and it will be launched in Brooklyn this Thursday and the Caribbean Literary and Cultural Centre in the Flatbush Library. Ummm….pardon me? Any body know if Toronto have a Caribbean Cultural Centre…and if is no…why de HELL not? I digress…. Well, one thing I know we DO have, is music…and it’s time we get back to de wining. I’m nurse karen and those were Doctor Jay’s rounds. Text me your comments at 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now back to de docta!
I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Hear nah, we’ve now passed the half way point in November and everywhere you go…it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Today, de people and dem done block of de whole of downtown so all the little children could gather to catch a quick glimpse of Santa. All now, I still didn’t see the man, but whenever he makes his official visit to the city of Toronto, I can’t help but look forward to the holidays.
Next weekend…it’s off to the Big People Parang Show and dance, for a helping of holiday music and fun -- Trinidadian style. Think about it… If Santa Claus doesn’t get you in that holiday kinda mood, then you probably need people like Marcia Miranda, Scrunter, Kenny J and Leon Coldero to do it for you. None of them would be riding in on a sleigh next Sunday…but de vibes and ting might send YOU riding home in a taxi.
Mista Vybe flew home from Toronto a couple of weeks ago and landed straight into the sound booth. After the amazing success of “Ting fuh de Road” this year, earning him the title of first ever Caribbean Soca Monarch, the pressure is on for Carnival 2007. But first, Vybe is working on some Parang he-self. It surprised me to learn that he wrote a soca parang for Hypa Hoppa…and took to the studio last week to add his high energy background vocals to the mix. For those of you who don’t know…Hypa hoppa is what you would get if you took FLOW’s own Wayne Williams, Ian Andre Espinet and de one called SPEX, and threw dem into a blender. He’s the Program Director at Trinidad’s RED 96.7. He’s a top event promoter and the force behind the unrivaled Radio Active Sound System in TnT. Now that’s what I would call a one-man entertainment callaloo…who happens to have a degree in Mechanical Engineering too. So, just maybe he could actually design a blender big enough to fit all dem boys dey. All that being said, Ah can’t wait to tek a taste of de song, once it’s done.
You know what else I can’t wait for? I can’t wait for Canadian Cable companies to start broadcasting Caribbean TV shows. If you’re listening, Santa…I think that’s what I want you to bring me. Tonight, in just a few minutes….all the TV sets in the Eastern Caribbean States will be tuned in to the final showdown for the Digicel Rising Star Competition. The finalists have been widdled down to two. Only Antigua’s Omar Rathurin and St. Vincent’s Kyron Baptiste remain. Now, it’s no secret that I wave my Vincy flag high and proud…but if I still had minutes on my digi-sim card, I’d be texting a vote for the Antiguan with the winning smile. He became my favourite after teenage soca songstress Danielle Veira left the show. Plus, I heard that tonight he’ll be singing “Hot and Groovy”…one of my all-time favourite songs.
Make no mistake….Rising Stars is an important competition. It’s the one that landed Barbados’ Kimberly Inniss smack dab in the middle of the soca limelight with last year’s second place finish. Down in Trinidad Synergy TV’s Soca Star is getting the same kind of attention…especially now that the winner for season two will receive a recording contract with hot boy producer Shawn Mastamind Noel. And if you ask me, dah is money in de bank. Which would sure come in handy for the holidays!
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Please send your comments to SOCA at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Now back to de docta!
Good Evening Soca Lover’s I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Happy Diwali to one and all!!! Two weeks till Soca or Die 5 and I’m ready to light it up. Can’t lie. We celebrating Doctor Jay’s Birthday and he shipping up half of the Caribbean to do it. Mr. Vybe, Peter Ram, Benjai, Lil Rick, Michelle Sylvester, Kimberly Inniss, Nadia Batson, Barry Chandler ( hold on, let me catch me breath) Ms. Alysha, Problem Child, Terry Seales …and Mr. Isaac Blackman. Woy woy!
I better start doing meh stretches from now. It go be a whole set of jump and wave and bump and wine. And I could barely wait. Birthdays are the perfect time for celebration. I find most people don’t make time to celebrate life and I hadda ask you…what on earth are you waiting for?
Last month Kimberly Inniss celebrated her 25th birthday at the Weiser’s Bar in Barbados. The evening was a celebration of all the blessings that have come her way in recent years. She cut the cake with special man in her life, her little son, Malik. The evening was also the launch party for her first album “Come with me”. The CD fuses soca and reggae together in a unique way – A way that shows off Kimberly’s gifts as a songwriter, composer and arranger.
I’m thinking those mussee de same gifts that landed her a second place finish in last year’s Eastern Caribbean Digicel Rising Stars competition. She came second to a gospel artist from St. Vincent, but Kim is not suffering at all. Exposure from the TV show has made her a household name in Barbados and an inspiration to young girls as well. Ah feel she go be inspiring a whole lot of young men come November 4th too. Hips and ting mesmerizing…(steups) Dr. Jay, … fadda raise up yuh bottom lip.
A few days prior to OUR big birthday fete Trinidad will be hosting a major celebration of its own. The COTT Music Awards will be happening at Queen’s Hall on November the second. COTT is a copyright organization so, it honours songwriters and composers. And many of them are coming to Soca or Die Five. Nadia Batson is up for Female Songwriter of the year and Best Groovy Soca. Michelle Sylvester is up for best new songwriter.
I checked the list for Reggae and Dancehall and was surprised that I didn’t’ see Isaac Blackman’s name on the list. Sometimes I have to remind myself to be patient. Blackman’s song may have blazed right up to the ceiling of all the music charts in T&T, but it’s still too new for any nominations. Blackman happens to be the son of Ras Shorty I. If you’re a true soca lover then, you’d know that Shorty is credited as the man who first created the soca sound , a blend of African and Indian rhythms that we all love so much. So, his son is singing something groovy that’s sounding like reggae. I wouldn’t sweat it too much. He has good music in his blood…and that is enough for me.
Blackman is definitely not the only artist making music most people wouldn’t have expected. What about Ms. Alysha? Her sound is not your typical candy wrapper sweet. This girl is considered the baddest female lyricist, bringing a hardcore ragga style to her music in a way we usually only hear from men. This month Ms. Alysha lent her voice to the new Thunder Cat Riddim which also features Maximus Dan and Jadee…and next month she’ll be lending she voice to sing me and de docta happy birthday. I hope hear allyuh singing too.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to soca at flow 935 dot com. Now, back to de doctor.
Good Evening Soca Lovers! I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. St. Lucia Carnival came to a close on Tuesday after a hectic season of competitions and two days of Mas. I want to big up all the Lucian posse on the outside…and beg you a special favour too. You see how I does always tell allyuh to send comments every week. Do me a favour and send me some comments nah man! Last week I told the soca faithful that Trinidad doesn’t compete in the OECS soca monarch competition because it’s not an Eastern Caribbean State. Well, I’m sure you could imagine my surprise when I read the news on Monday only to find out that Trinidad’s Mista Vybe won the competition this year. Well, better late than never as they say. For 2006, the annual international soca monarch show was renamed “Caribbean Soca Monarch” to allow for entries from countries outside the OECS. My source (which shall remain nameless) listed Mista Vybe as a special guest…not a competitor. But he most certainly was! A delegate who was not competing as a the reigning soca champion in his home country managed to beat out a cast of international heroes. So, don’t be surprised if “Ting for de road” makes a special resurgence for Caribana…just remember you heard it here first. R&B newcomer Ne-Yo had a big concert in Barbados this weekend. That may not seem like a big deal to most of you. But if you know anything about carnival in the Caribbean, you know that it’s pretty much a taboo for any music that falls outside the realm of soca, pan and calypso to be heard anywhere during festival time. Well, the promoters didn’t completely lose they sense. The opening acts ( Edwin, Satement, Hypasounds and Don Trent) are all homegrown bajans…singing soca – but of course. West Indies Cricket Star Brian Lara has big plans for Cropover too. I hear the best looking man in white just leased himself an exclusive plantation in Barbados to host a Cropover party that will cost $200 a head to get in. We’ve seen a break in the weather over the last few days. But don’t get ahead of yourself. We have by no means passed the hottest part of summer. Caribana is now officially upon us and the competition is on. Yesterday afternoon Marlon Singh’s Callaloo Mas camp brought home the first victory of the season. Jr. Callaloo’s presentation of Exotic Species won Band of the year at Kiddie Carnival for the third consecutive year. Personally, I like to team up with winners myself …why else would I join the best international soca dj Dr. Jay de Soca Prince every Sunday to give you SWEET Soca Therapy? That being said…I took a long time to decide…but this year, your resident nurse Karen will be adding some of her own hot pepper to de Callaloo. Come Caribana Saturday look for Dr. Jay spinning tunes on the big truck…and you can find me jumping in de band. I think we could take it this year. I’m nurse Karen and those are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Puhlease…send me your comments at SOCA AT FLOW 9 3 5 DOT COM. Now back to de docta…
Dr. Jay’s Rounds Karen Richardson February 5, 2006 450
Good Evening Soca lovers. I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s February now and there’s no shortage of things to celebrate. Black History Month, Super Sunday, Mas Domnik, Trinidad Carnival…It’s no wonder valentines falls this month…cuz I think I’m in love.
Last week Dr. Jay really raised some eyebrows when he premiered a soca remix of Secrets by Ginuwine. What, you didn’t hear? Ginuwine has a soca tune featuring Bunji Garlin and 2 Intrigue…and if you want to hear it live…you can catch him on stage at GLOW for Trinidad Carnival. No my sweets…the slick R&B crooner will not be riding pony, and not quite doing the donkey dance either. But still…dat is a serious soca debut. The Glow fete has been an international favourite for the last six years. The party features some of the best soca artistes and tours to Carnivals in Barbados, Grenada, St Vincent, Jamaica, London, Miami, New York, Washington DC and even here in Toronto. But it doesn’t stop there, artists featured at Glow also get featured on an annual compilation CD. So music crossover goes both ways…and these days soca is where it’s at.
Musical mastermind Machel Montano has experimented with different sounds and styles throughout his career. For 2006, he’s already collaborated with Mr. Vegas, a crowd pleaser in the world of Jamaican Dancehall. But he’s keeping it local too. Yet again Machel is trying his hand at Chutney Soca. Montano has joined forces with fellow Trini Andy Singh to create a little ditty called “Sundar Larki”. They say it means Beautiful Women…of course if they had just named it after me they wouldn’t have to explain.
The semi finals of the TSTT International Soca Monarch Competition went off last week at Soca Broadway. The crowd had a whale of a time, but local residents of Woodbook were not having sot much fun. Apparently, the carnival events kicking off at Hasley Crawford Stadium are breaking the law. Too much noise pollution! Now, I’m not saying the monarch contenders sound like a set of pots and pans….but, they sure are loud. The top scorers were Mr. Vybe’s hit “The Thing” and “We Reach” by Iwer George. For those of you who were rooting for the Grenadian artiste vying for top honours. Sorry to say, soca sweet boy Sheldon Douglas is the only one who got through. Papers in T&T report that Baby Killa’s stage show simply could not compare to the backflips he came with last year. Tallpree left didn’t turn heads AT TALL. And this one’s my favourite…but only because I’m a nurse. Newcomer Nnika had trouble pulling it together after her vomiting spell backstage. IS OK baby…probably just some bad curry ar sumting.
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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