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 - November 12, 2006

Good Evening Soca Lovers, you’re listening to Soca Therapy and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds for November 12th, 2006.

Bunji Garlin is taking his brand of soca music to a higher level. Last week the former Trinidadian soca monarch signed a production and distribution deal with VP Records. VP is known throughout the Caribbean as the most consistent local music label, producing reggae stars like Sizzla, Luciano, Beres Hammond and this year’s mega-success story Gyptian.

The artist has begun working on new music for this project, including an updated duet version of “Hot Hot Hot” with Arrow, a song with Freddie MacGregor and a pan song with Kernal Roberts.

Bunji’s new agreement guarantees worldwide distribution, ensuring that fans can purchase his upcoming soca album on the shelves of their favourite record stores everywhere.

Bajan Calypsonians are outraged at the lack of support for their music on local radio stations. With the 40th anniversary of Barbados’ independence on the horizon, the United Artistes of Barbados are making their voices heard. Association president and reigning Calypso Monarch David “Kid Site” Piggott tells the media he is disgusted that so little Bajan music can be heard on air during independence time.
A major concert in celebration of the Nation’s anniversary featured Damian Marley, Cocoa Tea and Baby Cham…all of whom are Jamaican artists with no direct linkage to the island of Barbados. The national radio station Voice of Barbados, claims that the UAB’s charges are completely unfounded. As of November 1st, bajan songs comprised 100% of the station’s music programming as they counted down to independence weekend. The rest of the year, Barbadian tunes account for 2 out of every three songs played.

Meanwhile in Trinidad, Pan Trinbago is celebrating the twin island republic’s indigenous instrument. On November 19th, the organization will be hosting an Awards ceremony called “Honouring the Panguard.” The celebration is a tribute to a group of people who introduced the sweet music of the steelpan to the world fifty-five years ago. The list of recipients is extensive, however, notable honorees include the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra, and the First National Steelband. The Honorable Joan Yuille-Williams, Minister of Community Development, Culture & Gender Affairs will be present representing the government.

You’re listening to Soca Therapy on Flow 935 and those have been doctor jay’s rounds. Please email your comments to soca (S-O-C-A) at FLOW 935 dot com. Now, back to Doctor Jay.

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