Free Download: Xcaliber Good Life Mixtape - Birthday Boy Mix

Nurse Karen and Mr. Slaughter (Toronto 2008)

Well, if this isn't reason to party, I don't know what is. In my last post I was telling you that Mr. Slaughter wasn't planning to take a break from work for his birthday .(Today!)  He wasn't kidding at all!!!

Instead of sitting back to be pampered and receive gifts, Dawg E Slaughter gave us (Nurse Karen Etc) a very special gift! Membership has its priveleges y'all!!!

Enjoy the brand new Xcaliber Good Life Mixtape - Birthday Boy Mix, produced in Miami by Mr. Slaughter himself. It's a reggae mix with a touch of Hip Hop. You'll love it!

Download It HERE

You know I usually give you a track list, but I find de man slack off a little there!  

(it is his birthday afterall)

Happy Birthday Mr. Slaughter! 

Thanks for the music, energy and good vibes! 

 Stay Blessed

Love and Soca, 

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Mr. Slaughter!! (Video)

What a nice time of year to be born! In these parts, at the end of May grass is green, flowers are popping out of the ground, and the trees actually have leaves again. Of course, none of that matters when you're born in a balmy locale like Trinidad. But as I toast Mr. Slaughter with a glass of Chardonnay, I am relishing the gorgeous springtime sun.

Some of you only know Slaughter for his popular soca tunes over the years like "Trample", "Tic Toc", "Pokey", and "Spread the Love"...but long before that...and long since. Mr. Derek Perreira has been travelling the planet as a favourite club DJ.

Dawg E is in Miami right now, touring as a DJ and waving the Excalibur International flag high.  Yesterday I asked him what he had planned for his 33rd earth day...

10:55 AM Nurse Karen: old friend...

  morning

11:07 AM Mr. Slaughter: hi luv

11:08 AM Nurse Karen: hi

  staying in Miami for your b-day?

11:09 AM Mr. Slaughter: ya

  den.....jersey and nyc

 Nurse Karen: sweet

11:10 AM doing anything fun, or just work?

11:11 AM Mr. Slaughter: all work

  dat doh stop

  lol

 Nurse Karen: i know :)

  but i would think you would do something to treat yourself

11:12 AM you deserve it you know!

 Mr. Slaughter: hahahahaha

  rest when u dead

  i really doh business

  i wanna wuk every f#$king day

  lol

11:21 AM Nurse Karen: lol...alright then. you getting all the gift you want!

 Mr. Slaughter: ari

  so busy

  not funny hun...

What?!?!!? All work?  I love what I do too....so I can't begrudge the man for wanting to work. But, since HE's not gonna party, I'm taking a little jump (and a wine....pun intended) on his behalf right here with my lap top.

Wanna join me? Check out Slaughter and X-caliber killing some sound bwoi's at a recent clash against Black Cat at Ambassador in Trinidad.

Love and Soca, 

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Memorial Day long weekend soca round up

In this Edition:

• Memorial Day Long weekend soca events in the US- Rupee, Machel and Destra
• Carnivals: San Franciso, Orlando, Atlanta
• LIFELINE Concert for Sheldon Benjamin (Trinidad)
• Happy Birthday Mr. Slaughter

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. With weather like this, don’t you just feel like jumping up? Well you’re not alone! A whole slew of Caribbean based soca acts made their way to the United States this weekend for endless soca action. Rupee and the Request Band got up close and person with fans in Manhattan with a big show at SOB’s on Thursday. Then it was off to Queens on Saturday for a fete at Mangoville. 

Today (Sunday), Machel is in California at the UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival, while Destra and her big band will be the only soca act amidst all the reggae riddims rocking Miami this evening for Best of the Best.

Machel and Nurse Karen (Miami 2008)

For the die hard soca massive in the US of A, there are a handful of great carnivals keeping the Caribbean spirit alive this weekend. So gotta big up Orlando, San Fran, and Atlanta! 

In 21 years of Atlanta Carnival, I’m told that one of its most unique characteristics is that you simple can not ignore the influence of some of the smaller islands. I hear that St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and the VI crew ruled J’ouvert hands down!!

Down in Trinidad, friends and loved one of music producer Sheldon Benjamin are hard at work preparing a benefit concert for the ailing musician. A few weeks ago I mentioned that Sheldon is depending on YOUR good vibes to recover from cancer (Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma). Since my first report, I’m told that his spirits are up. He’s also been blessed to be visited in hospital by several of his closest friends in the soca business. The one thing about tough times is that they bring good people together. So, here’s the latest...an All-star fundraiser called LIFELINE has been planned to raise money for Sheldon’s mounting medical costs. 

The event will feature performances by Alison Hinds, Destra, Machel and more at Trinidad’s Zen Nightclub on June 7th. If you want to donate cash, but can’t make it to the big event, an account has been set up to accept donations. For more information check out the Nurse Karen Etc blog, or join the Sheldon Benjamin Facebook Group. We can fight this together!

Mr. Slaughter and Nurse Karen (Trinidad 2008)

Before I go, I must send a send Happy Birthday Big UP to Mr. Derek Perreira aka Dawg E Slaughter. He will be celebrating 33 years on earth this Thursday!

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on these items, and anything else that matter in the world of soca. Check out the Nurse Karen Etc blog at Nurse dash Karen dot com. Now, back to de docta!

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Nurse's Lounge: De Mas Shorts Tight...oh-oh no-no!

I dunno if I'm loosing my stamina or what, but that jump up nearly knocked me out today.  From Sunday dinner to Dimanche Gras, Dimanche Gras to J'ouvert, J'ouvert to Carnival Monday to B-E-D!  Carnival is WUK.

Rochelle and Me next to the Monday King "Apollo's Lust"

Rochelle and I arrive some kinda late, after sneaking a post-j'ouvert snooze.  Thank God for that Locate the Band service.  Whoever thought of that needs to get a pat on the back, a raise or maybe a free carnival cosue in 2010!  If you didn't hear about it, no worries.  This is a best kept secret I am happy to share.  On carnival monday and tuesday in Trinidad, if you're hoping to locate any of the mas bands, simple text the name of your band to "78247".  In about 3 seconds, they text you back with an intersection, and the direction they're headed.  USE it tomorrow!  Without that, we might have missed the whole thing.  

Evolution met up in Woodbrook about 10 a.m., we caught up with them down South Quay around 2 p.m.  Curtis Eustace was carrying that spinning "Apollo's Lust" costume.  He just placed second for King of Carnival with that.  That route is a long way to haul 400 lbs. Dr. Jay was chipping next to the truck in the fire hot sun.  Also saw Kerwin Du Bois in the band, but he hates posing for shots...and I didn't feel all that snap happy today.

Music was nice, but that's to be expected...is world class KOS DJs we talking about.  *wink*wink*  However, there were a couple of girls with no behaviour that decided to bring they beef to Carnival.  That really spoiled my vibe.   I hate jackassness all the same, but I sometimes expect men to play de @$$.  Now when when girls start shouting, carrying on and flinging bottles and ting...my patience runs out quick.  Just roll yuh bottom and wine.  Shut up and play yuh mas.  Stop ruining it for the rest. 

Evolution's Monday wear

<

Speaking of bottoms.  Check out the Monday wear they gave me to put on !?!  Um....  here's my take:  the tops were cute and comfortable, de shorts...steups.  I know is carnival, but not me and that!  Seems to be en vogue here in Trinidad.  I think I saw at least four bands with all the girls in these metalic semi-transparent, sweaty, pum-pum shorts.  I know it had to be men who chose them.  Sorry to break dress code, but dem kinda pants is too much information...if you know what I mean.

With an old pair of jean shorts and my modesty in tact, that's how it went down in Port of Spain today.   Noticed a few tribe trucks on the road.  Stormed for a bit and said a quick hello to Mr. Slaughter and de X-Caliber fellas.   Took a small wine on Daddy Juice and kept it moving.  

Love and Soca, 

(Nurse) Karen

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Nurse's Lounge: (Video) Miami and Broward Carnival...see for yourself!

Here's the souvenir I got you from Miami and Broward Carnivals!

Enjoy, and be sure to share with all your friends...

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The Rounds: Germany's Soca Twins make their Toronto debut

Good Evening Soca Lovers,







I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. It's big carnival weekend right now in the States. With Philly, Tampa and West Palm Beach revelling in the sun, it's no wonder there's so much weet soca music in the air.







The Luminat'eau festival is heating up the Harbourfront Centre this weekend. Last night, hundreds of fans got a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see live FREE performances from Calypso great David Rudder and Reggae Rude Bwoy Jr. Reid. That was the lime for me yesterday before I rode east for "The Buzz." Big up Soca Sweetness...for a fete that can only be described as HAWT!!! Soca Twins ripped it. X-caliber mashed it up...and KOS dunned de place for good measure.

The Soca Twins: Boone Shatta and Frankie Fyah

It was good to see Boone and Frankie Germany's Soca Twins sound on their first appearance in Toronto. And to Mr. Slaughter, nice to see your bamsie back in Toronto after too long! But dahlin' Germany is not NOW and has NEVER been an island. Please take note:

Mr. Slaughter

Big weekend in St. Vincent and the Grenadines! Last night was the annual H20 Soca Wet Fete. This year Machel Montano HD was the headline entertainment alongside a stellar cast of energetic local performers.

At 8 o'clock tonight SVG will make history as theCarnival Development Corporation will stage the ever Ragga Soca Monarch competition during the carnival calendar. Ragga Soca in St.Vincent and Barbados is what the Trini's and Grenadians refer to as groovy. In years gone by this competition was held in the month of October as part of the nation's independence celebrations. Tonight 15 finalists will vie for the crown. The competitors were selected from44 entrants. The last winner was Skarpyon, he's back with a sweetlove joint called Forever. Hoping to stick it to him is Zoelah, Dani-O, Karen Veira, KC, Tabia, Skinny Fabulous and Blakey, Bomani, Dennis Bowman, Squitty, Bam, Shady, Fullclip, Shaunelle and Galanaire. Dah show go be nice!

St. Lucia's Carnival officially opened about ten days ago with the largest launch in its history. Organizers are hyped that this is going to be the biggest year yet, with a record 12 competitive mas bands including a brand new entry called Toxik. That was the inspiration for Ricky T's song of the same name…so you know where to find him onde road carnival Tuesday. Wham to Dem!

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please share yourcomments online at the Nurse Karen Etc Blog at triple w dot mustardseeds dot net…and make sure you download the podcast. Now back to de doctor!

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The Rounds: Machel Mania...

Good Evening Soca Lovers,



I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.



As the countdown to Caribana continues, a delegation of Toronto’s Carnival Elite are packing their bags to represent our city at Chicago’s Sister Cities Festival, tomorrow through Wednesday. In the crew you’ll find the likes of Steel Panist Earl La Pierre Jr, Calypsonian Macoomeh Fifi and Tribal Knights Bandleader Dexter Seusahai. They will be taking to the stage for three days hoping to urge our friends to make the trip north for North America’s Largest Outdoor Festival.




Trinidad’s Mr. Slaughter celebrated his 31st birthday last Wednesday after a memorable weekend at the best of the best show in Miami. The DJ turned soca artiste has also been trying his hand at reggae in recent months, lending his voice to the Devil’s Angel rhythm on a track called Highest Grade. Sticking to his original DJ roots, you can look forward to hearing DAWG-E on the 1’s and 2’s in Toronto on June 14th at the next edition of Soca Sweetness’ signature party – THE BUZZ.

In Toronto, we're wishing a happy belated b-day to soca artiste Slammer Cutter, whose big day was yesterday. Also celebrating a birthday TODAY, is the lovely and talented Alison Hinds. Now 38, she’s showing no signs of slowing down as she prepares for the Square One Reunion Concert in Barbados on July 26th.

Farm P, Nurse Karen and Slammer Cutter at the Flow 93.5 studios in Toronto.

For those of you Machel fans out there. He seems to be focused on Barbados these days too. Mr. Montano was heard on a popular bajan radio station announcing his plans to perform on the road with the Kadooment Band - Cable and Wireless Contact for the next 3 years. Most likely, that means there’s pretty much no chance that HD will be gracing any stages for Caribana any time soon. Speaking of HD...time for a new lingo. Caribbean Planet! You heard it here first, High Definition is soon to be a thing of the past. The Xtatik family are setting their sights on world domination with a brand new theme for 2009.

Still didn’t get your Machel Montano fix? Well last week, the trial finally began for that alleged assault incident at Zen night club involving Machel, Zan, Benjai and Kernal Roberts. It was delayed a few days due to his engagements in Miami. And boy were the courts unhappy about that, even though Montano’s lawyer says that a letter was issued on March 5th saying that he would not be available for the scheduled date. So, it finally kicked off on Thursday and continues throughout this week. I’ll be keeping an ear to the ground as until we can finally lay this thing to rest.




I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Please send me your comments at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And don’t forget to grab the Rounds podcast at soca therapy dot com. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Soca stars hungry in New York

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. This weekend Jamaica kisses their 20th anniversary carnival season good-bye. Revellers took to the streets today, for a jump in the hot sun.

Closer to home in New York, it was all things Machel Montano at Madison Square Garden's WaMu theatre on Friday night. (Check we together in Toronto in December)

The HD camp and their international cast of friends entertained 16000 fans between the two sold out shows that evening. What fans saw from the audience was an energy packed performance of chart topping soca hits. Behind the scenes, your nurse discovered the conditions weren't the best for some of the performers. With one show at 8 pm and one show at midnight, it's a long day at work for the entertainers. Unfortunately, organizers failed to provide any food whatsoever for the "and Friends" portion of the cast, quietly waiting back stage. So don't study the vibrant energy and smiling faces you can now see all over YouTube, there were a lot of grumbling bellies balling out with every jump and wave.

One of the next big gigs on the Machel Montano docket will be Miami's longest running Memorial Day Long-Weekend Reggae Concert: Best of the Best. I know Machel is not a reggae artist but lately he's been covering Bob Marley's "Waiting in Vain" and he's still performing Dutty Wine in his set, even though most people stopped doing the dance in favour of keeping their insurance policies. So the big concert takes place on Sunday, May twenty five at Bicentennial Park. Mr. Slaughter will be there as a DJ. You know he alway UP IN DAT...here's a shot of the 2 o'we in the Tribe All-Inclusive in Trinidad last month.

...And this is Walshy from Black Chiney. He go be there spinning too. Miami is his home turf.

The reggae acts include Super Cat, Buju, Beenie, Sizzla, Junior Reid, Barrington Levy, Tarrus Riley…ok, lemme stop. Nuff reggae. Nuff said.

While we on that vibe, I thought I'd let you in on some big news in Britain. Reggae artist Maxi Priest just replaced Ali Campbell as the lead singer of the band UB40. They are best known for the 1983 remake of Neil Diamond's "Red, Red Wine" and now they are set to release a modern take on "I Shot the Sheriff" featuring Mr. Maxi Priest.

Soca shares influences with a variety of Caribbean art forms. One such ORAL tradition is that of Rapso, it's a poetic storytelling style that relies heavily on rhythm and rhyme. In Trinidad, and organization called the Rapso fraternity is getting ready to host the 19th annual Rapso festival in April. People who go, will get a chance to take workshops, and even perform! This year the focus is on education….and me being a poet, I decided to do my part by educating you. So there you have it.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Leave me a comment at the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) blog, online at triple w dot mustardseeds.net and don't forget to download the podcast. Now back to de docta!

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Booster Shot: Somebody say Tribe in de air!

Lemme tell you a lil sumting! Either everyone in Trinidad is a millionaire, or de promoters and dem really not interested in letting regular people in they fetes. Not so sure what kinda people are the ones gobbling up the tickets like rice and peas at Sunday dinner...but ah figure not every one is so ready to part with that kinda money. Did I say that already?

So where did I leave off? Yesterday, after cooling out at Beachhouse in the sun and in de rain we dragged our tired botttoms back home for a quick fresh. Then we turned around twice and headed to the Oval for the Tribe All-Inclusive. Tribe is one the best party bands in Trinidad. De mas could be so-so...but the vibes don't stop flowing. The party was the same. Took a lil while to get inside, but only because I was rolling with humanitarians who were holding pre-purchased tix for friends and stangers who didn't want to pay the extra $50 TT at the door. Dat is like $8...I would a let dem stand in line. But you dun know ah wikked.

So de lime outside de gate was cool. We saw de djs and dem biding they time until their sets. Hoppie, D'Bandit, and Playhouse...all made time for a photo op with me! (Ah de subtle power of words)



I heard Kes and Nadia dem singing they lungs out. My friend say she was able to ketch a glimpse of de man's bare chest on the big screen . I guess that's some kinda highlight, me ain't know. Jamesy P was next. Ah don't feel he was happy about that...having to sing two tunes over tracks, with a stadium full of Bashment Freaks still balling for Nookie with Kees.

Sometime in the DJ set we completed our duties at de door..and we came inside. Dat was a nice fete. Hands down, one of the best I've been to in some time. I have to thanks the worker bees at the gate for my rag and those non-discript pieces of jewellery. I doh self know what they be...but they pretty.

The show rolled on...Hunter, Bunji, Faye-Ann, Destra, Tizzy, Sean Paul, Beenie...woy! It was so sweet to see Bunji back in fine form. If marriage has taught the man anything, it's staying power and resilience. He was on fire. Lyrics, energy, stamina for dayz! The highlight of the night was a free-style battle between Beenie Man and Bunji Garlin that lasted could 30 mins. Trinidad's son won hands down! And the Jamaican rude bwoy conceded defeat by saying..."Bunji Garlin is one of the best, if not THE BEST DJ in the Caribbean." And with that, he walked off the stage.

Speaking of DJs...as in the kind that actually spin music fuh make people dance and ting. We had some great company in the Xcaliber International squad. Mr. Slaughter, Jester, Walshy from Black Chiney and Kid Kut...were by de wall getting the wine on to de soca.



At the end of the fete, it was hilarious watching all the men on the prowl. Not saying any of the ones ah already mentioned, but it was like vultures preying on dead tired women. De crew and I fought off our fair share and found the car. Big up to de chauffeur for getting us home safe and sound!

Lemme ketch a few winks. I have to recharge my Girl Power. Island People mas got next!

I'm Nurse Karen and that's your Booster Shot.

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The Rounds - Machel Montano plays Jingle Jam, etc.

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. First I want to say I’m glad to be back. As you know, last Sunday my voice was sacrificed to the deep Canadian cold. I woke up to nearly a foot of that white stuff…and I was rendered speechless – literally.

So I’m thanking the man upstairs for life, and love and the chance to speak to you each week - even if I got to do it with this HUSKY voice. Sexy right?

Miss Nadia Batson was celebrating life on Friday as she rang in her 31st birthday with family, friends and fellow soca celebrities in Trinidad. She’s got so much to celebrate right now, as she prepares to release her debut album on December 17th.

Mista Vybe was there. Miss Alysha was there. And because of it, the promoter says they couldn't make it to Jingle Jam here in Toronto last night. According to the promoter, Rich Nice, it would have cost him triple the price to fly all those artists in on the same day as his big fete. An option, that just wasn’t possible given the budget. On top of that, he says Cham wasn’t ALLOWED in the building…and Blazer Dan’s management didn’t put in for his work permit on time. But the show must go on. The crowd at the Docks, came out in numbers for performances from Problem Child, Farmer Nappy, Patrice Roberts and Machel Montano.

What the crowd didn’t know is that Problem Child was performing with (what he believes is) a broken bone in his foot. He was injured on Friday in New York, just moments before heading to the airport to fly in for his gig in Toronto. That didn’t stop him from jumping up or stomping down…but Problem, if you’re listening…. as your nurse, please take my advice. Do yourself a favour and go see a doctor, pronto!

Mr. Slaughter has been hanging out in Miami recently. He just shot a video for a song called “Bad Boys” with DMX, Jr. Reid and DJ G.Q.. Complete with fast cars, mansions and sexy ladies. It’s looking like B.E.T. is written all over it.

Little more on Peter C… Better late than never - the reemerging soca singer just joined the MySpace world last week. Not only will he be launching that band I keep talking about, but he’s got his first ever solo album in the works too. Congratulations! The CD will include old hits like Oh Susanna and Tay Lay Lay, plus there’s the new stuff. Over and Over AND two more tracks for Carnival 2008: More Gyul and De Sun.

As for me, I’m celebrating too. December 2007 makes two years of Nurse Karen bringing you Dr. Jay’s Rounds on Soca Therapy. I want to thank you all for the undying support and love I receive from listeners everyday, on MySpace, Hi5, facebook, YouTube, and everywhere else you can find me on the web. To mark the special occasion, I’ve decided to launch a new Soca Blog called (Nurse) Karen (Etc). check it out at http://www.mustardseeds.net/

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Please text me your comments at 9-3-5-9-3-5 or post them online on Nurse Karen Etc. at http://www.mustardseeds.net/
Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds - May 14, 2006

Dr. Jay’s Rounds
Karen L. Richardson
May 14, 2006

Good Evening Soca lovers! I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.

It’s a known fact that famous people are just people like everybody else. Take Dr. Jay for example, he’s likely the best known soca personality in Canada, but that does not stop him from being a well-mannered responsible family man when the lights are on and the party people have all gone home. Sometimes regular working folk like us tend to forget that our favourite music personalities have lives outside of keeping us entertained.

Jamesy P was cutting hair, before he started cutting records. Alison Hinds had to “roll it” to get her hot body back after giving birth to her daughter. Soca artists have to deal with the stresses of life and pay the bills too.

In everyday life, Blazer’s name is Troydon Cruickshank. Last time we mentioned him on Soca Therapy it was to tell you that he was charged for the murder of his brother Dillon. The 24 year old sibling was found dead from a gun shot wound to the head in the family home in Enterprise, Trinidad. There wasn’t much of an investigation since it appeared to take place at point blank range.

Last week the case finally made it to court. And you’d never believe what happened! Both the State attorney and the star witness failed to show up. Blazer was there though. Just long enough to hear the Senior Magistrate THROW THE CASE OUT OF COURT. That’s right today the man is walking free. Blazer may be famous for his 2003 smash hit “Wrong Timing”, but it seems like de boy have some kinda dumb luck too. All ah Trinidad was expecting him to go the way of Martha Stewart and Li’l Kim, but I guess the stars were shining down on him …and maybe dat one isn’t so regular at all.
OK next example, St. Vincent’s Karen Veira is a carnival baby to the core. She been playing mas since she could balance on two feet. Last year, she exploded on to the streets on Kingstown in a new way. She released the groovy soca song “The Way You Make Me Feel” and it solidified her status as a soca songstress. Before you knew it, the then 18 year old was in studio with established artistes like Skinny Fabulous, Dawg-E-Slaughter and Peter Ram. After Vincy Mas she traded in her microphone once again for feathers and glitter as she joined Toronto’s 2005 Band of the Year to jump up with Carnival Nationz on the Lakeshore. Well, she’s back home for carnival and she’s turning heads in a completely new way. Sexy Kayren is strutting her stuff as one of the finalists in the Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines Pageant. Naturally, her soca status makes her a crowd favourite to win it all on June 3rd. I feel sorry for the other contestants, how can they even try to compete in the talent portion?

Next weekend it’s time for SOCA or DIE 4. Toronto people, get ready to see three of the most talented regular people in music. Destra, Maximus and Kes.

OK, I’ll give you that. These peoples lives are slightly more exciting than the average. But they blood still RED. Trust me on dat one!

I’m Nurse Karen and those are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Send me your comments at SOCA at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Now back to de super star doctor…

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The Rounds - February 11, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. In case you’re still catching on, Dr. Jay done gone and lef we, for greener pastures…lit-er-al-ly. Instead of making you wine from 6 to 9, he’s off in Trinidad entertaining an entire country in a sleep deprived, drunken stupor. …and you better believe, I am well jealous. It’s alright -- this Sunday you’re among friends. You’ve got the one called Spex from de Riddim Track, plus Marxman AND Soca Sweetness of the Kingdom of Soca to keep your warm tonight.
And I tellyuh ladies, dat is not a bad deal at all right before Valentine’s day. So it may not be 30 degrees n’ Sunny in Toronto, but we definitely have some lovely reasons to smile.
Last Sunday was the International Power Soca and Groovy Soca Semi-Finals in Trinidad. Hear nah, every country in the West Indies has a Soca Monarch or Party Monarch or King or Queen or Some-Ting-So, but let’s face it… The international Soca Monarch Competition of Trinidad and Tobago is the most important competitive stage in the soca world! Besides the fact that Trinidad is the birth place of the art form, forget the fact that Trini carnival is the biggest in the region. This thing REALLY matters because up here in Toronto we are going to have to listen to the winning songs over and over and over again at every single soca fete between now…and Caribana.
So let the judges be warned. Allyuh can’t afford to make mistakes.
Now sometimes the competition is international in name alone, but this year was surely different. Minmi from Japan secured a spot in the Power Final for “Sha-na-na”…de Japanese wine ting, so did Barbados’ Barry Chandler.
In the Groovy section, Grenada’s Nnika Francis hopes to croon her way to the top. But to do that, she will have out-sing the BAJAN to be beat! Biggie IRIE came up with the top score and he .. .”Nah Goin Home”…till carnival DONE!
I know there has to be someone out there wondering how “dis bold face vincy gyul go be talking about de Soca Monarch race in TRINIDAD” without mentioning how the Trini artists fared on their home turf.
Two words: NADIA BATSON. If you were at Soca or Die 4 last year, you saw her command the STAGE with Kes the Band. If you were at Soca or Die 5, you saw her command the CROWD with the Big Artist Crew. If you were at Hasley Crawford Stadium on Sunday night you would have seen her command the judges with her performance of “My Land” featuring Kees Dieffenthaller which earned her a first place finish in the Power Soca Semis. Your Caribbean, Your Caribean,Your Caribbean Girl was not satisfied with just one victory, yuh know. On the groovy side, Miss Batson scored just three points behind Biggie Irie for an impressive second place. I had a chat with Nadia this week…and if you want to know more, you can check out the article on Torontolime.com
The finals take place this Friday night, when Shurwayne Winchester will defend the crown in both categories. It’s gonna be an amazing show with veterans like Crazy and first time competitors like Mr. Slaughter and everything in between.
Check fuh meh next week, and I promise to fill you in.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds. Send your comments to SOCA at FLOW 935 dot com. Or send me chocolate and roses to the station. Spex dahlin’….back to you.

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