The Rounds: New structure for Machel Montano HD

In this edition:

-Counting down to Trinidad Carnival (Trinidad and Tobago)

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

- UK Soca Music Awards Voting ( United Kingdom)

- New Album for Adrian Dutchin (Guyana)

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

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

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

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

Nurse Karen and Zan in Toronto, February 2009

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

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

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

Nurse Karen and Adrian Dutchin in New York, September 2008

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

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

Nurse Karen and Ace in St. Lucia, July 2009

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

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Eye Unit: Ninja Dan murder trial update TV report

People are always asking me about what's the latest with St. Lucian former soca monarch, Jonathan "Ninja Dan" St. Rose. It's a question I haven't been able to answer, since not much has happened apart from locking him up without bail. Other than that, a date was set for a sufficiency hearing to determine whether or not he will be granted a trial in relation to the Valentine's Day murder for which he and two other are accused. The hearing is set for Thursday. Until then, here's a glimpse of what the St. Lucian media has to say about Ninja Dan as an artiste, mentor and a man.

Hopefully this will help to clarify the situation a little better than I can. Kudos to HTS for such this more sympathetic approach to the story.

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Ninja Dan Denied Bail in Murder Case

The saga continues in the unfortunate Valentine's Day Murder case involving St. Lucia soca Artiste, Ninja Dan.

Take a look at this article discussing the most recent developments in the case. While a trial date has not yet been scheduled, a sufficiency hearing is set for September 17, 2009.

Tears as judge denies Ninja bail!
Written By: Alisha Ally on Aug 5th, 2009
St. Lucia Star

The discretion of the court in granting bail in murder cases must be entered into responsibly. This is a very serious crime and it is in the public interest that a person alleged of committing such a crime and whose guilt may be proved should be available to stand trial within a reasonable time in court. Because of a signed affidavit on July 30, said affidavit is identical to the one considered by the court at the original hearing in April, except that it makes reference to certain results of forensic testing and a crowd of persons made present on July 29, 2009,” Justice Kenneth Benjamin told the court.

“The witness is no longer in St Lucia and this takes the bottom out of any contentions as to him being interfered with by the defendants....

READ MORE HERE

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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On De Scene: Caribbean Soca Monarch history lesson

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!

Peace and Soca


Rochelle

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Booster Shot: Ninja Dan charged today

Jonathan St. Rose, known to the St. Lucian public as soca artiste Ninja Dan appeared in court this morning for a crime resulting in the death of Dwayne "Chubby James". According to the St. Lucia Star newspaper, a post mortem was conducted on Monday, citing the cause of death as  "hemorrhagic shock secondary to multiple stab wounds."
St. Rose was charged along with two male associates. At the time of posting to this blog, details are unknown surrounding the specific charge.

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Booster Shot: Ninja Dan turns himself in following a murder in St. Lucia

St. Lucian soca artiste, and 2007 Caribbean Soca Monarch, Ninja Dan turned himself in to police following an altercation on Valentine's Day morning that resulted in the death of another local man.  The deceased is known to be romantically involved with the mother of Ninja Dan's child. 

At this stage details surrounding the incident are impossible to confirm, however, eye-witnesses are reporting that the artiste was travelling with a group of friends in a car that eventually struck the victim. It is alleged that men came out of the car and proceeded to beat on the fallen man. At least one knife was used as a weapon to stab him. The victim was left lifeless and severely mutilated in the head.

    

I hate it when I hear about things like this.  Soca music and the carnivals that support it are about losing your inhibitions and having a great time.  It's easy to forget sometimes that the stars we admire for their musical talent, can be dealing with really tough situations outside of what we see on stage.

It is important to note, that no charges have been laid.  We do not know what role, if any, was played by Ninja Dan, except that he was present at the scene of the crime.  Ninja Dan, however, is known to St. Lucia police and is currently on probation for a previous offense.

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Booster Shot: Clips from St. Lucia Soca Monarch 2008 (Video)

Performances from the likes of Private 6, Ilah Man, Nicole David and more!

More performances from Ninja Dan, Superman, etc.

Ilah Man's performance...

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The Rounds - July 22, 2007

Dr. Jay’s Rounds
Sunday July 22, 2007
Karen Richardson

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve been here to tell you what’s new in the soca world…and I’ve missed allyuh so much.
I was down in St. Vincent for the 30th anniversary celebrations of Vincy Mas…and let me tell you...THAT WAS BACCHANAL. If you haven’t heard yet, Fireman Hooper is once again the soca monarch with a song called Charge. You should have seen him running up and down the stage dressed like a wizard, waving his magic wand. The whole crowd was spellbound...and so were the judges. Ranking him first overall for the third year in a row and the 6th time in his career. Second place went to Lively for “We Drinking”. I wanted Dr. Jay to fully appreciate the IMPORT of a song about mixing all of the local liquors together for a special carnival brew. So, I had every intention of bringing back a few of bottles for the soca prince to try….but unfortunately, by the time I had left St. Vincent the duty free shop at the airport was clean out of rum. Not a drop ANYWHERE!!!! Maybe that would tell you what kinda fun people had in the fetes. So I guess he’ll just have to get down there NEXT year to try it for himself. Miss Zoelah, is real excited about her upcoming show at KOS j’ouvert, especially now that she’s 2nd runner up for Soca Monarch of SVG.
For all you PROBLEM CHILD fans out there. Everybody get MAD…because this year HE is the ROAD MARCH KING. The tune is called Party Animal…and while a lot of people were unhappy that a song that heavily samples Kassav’s Zouk –LA took top prize for road -- There’s no disputing the fact that NO CHUNE was more popular.

Special Big Up to Jamesy P for hoisting me onto his J’ouvert truck. Seeing all of Kingstown wild and dutty in the early morning sun is a memory I will never forget. For these and other tales of mas and fun in the July sun, check Toronto-Lime this week for Nurse Karen’s Vincy Mas diary.
Last week the action jumped one island north to St. Lucia. Teddyson John took the crown for groovy soca monarch. And just as predicted, Ricky T’s Pressure Boom WALKED away with road march, playing two and a half times more often than the next tune: Blah Blah, by Kakal. But second place isn’t a bad finish for the newly crowned Power Soca Monarch if you ask me.
By all reports, this year’s Caribbean Soca Monarch Show was a big disappointment.

Congratulations, none the less, to St. Lucia’s own Ninja Dan for taking the crown. The organizers might want to look into the reasons why 4 of the twelve international competitors pulled out at the last minute. I’m no genius, but if I was an artist, I’d have issues if I found out that radio stations were actually PROHIBITED from playing MY foreign song until two days before the competition. That makes it virtually impossible to score big points for crowd support. I doh know…I’m just saying…
With Cropover and Caribana and Antigua Carnival just two weeks away, you can count on de nurse, to give you just what you need.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Text me your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds - December 3, 2006

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. Well friends, It’s December and I guess we can’t deny that the only thing you can expect from Canadian weather is change.

Last week, I let you all know about some possible changes for Trinidad carnival next year. It looks like the Piccadilly Greens, just east of Port-of-Spain are being considered as a new judging point for the parade of the bands. The change is coming because of the $400 million Carnival Cultural Centre that should be going up at Queen’s Park Savannah, one of the original mandatory big stages. Since the Savannah is out of the question for 2007…a new location has to be found. If you ask me..they betta hurry up!

After Trini Carnival, there’s only one other event that has the entire Caribbean pumped for 2007. Say it with me now…WORLD CUP…OF CRICKET!!! Preparations have been underway for a long time now. When I was in Grenada this summer I couldn’t believe the size of the new stadium they had going up. You could fit the whole of St. Georges inside it twice.

When the West Indies cricket team hosts the rest of the world for an internationally televised backside whooping…yuh know we hadda have the right music for the occasion. World Cup 2007 organizers announced that Rupee, Faye-Ann and Shaggy will be collaborating on the official song for the tournament. The tune is called "The Game of Love and Unity". It’s got a pan-Caribbean sound that combines soca, reggae and r&b. Some kinda groovy someting that should pull together influences from across the region.

As 2006 comes to a close, you can’t help but look forward to all the great new soca for 2007. Last month, I was the first to tell you that Nu Vybes out of St. Kitts was no more. If you remember that far back, I also speculated that the keyboardist Steve Dublin mighta had a new band in the works. Well, I’m confirming that news for you NOW. A media launch was held in Bassterre last week to announce the arrival of “D’Vybz Band International….headed up by none other than Mr. Steve Dublin. Kittitian Carnival takes place over the Christmas holidays, So the launch came right in time to put an end to all rumours and get down to the business… of fete!

In Barbados, super band Krosfyah is using their soca sense to make some soca dollars. For the third consecutive year Krosfyah has signed an endorsement deal with the B-mobile branch of Cable and Wireless. A slew of other major artistes have enjoyed the added exposure bmobile brings, including the likes of Rihanna, Beenie Man, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Ninja Dan and Shurwayne Winchester.

As the band looks forward to celebrating its 16th anniversary in 2007, they are ecstatic to do so in partnership with the telecommunications giant.

I’m nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Please send me your comments at Soca at Flow 935 dot com. Now back to de docta.

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