Eye Unit: Something's Happening with RPB at Dainjamental's Studio

Here's a short in-studio video from Dainjamental's studio in Brooklyn New York.

Bajan "Pic-o-de-Crop" Winner Red Plastic bag is recording a dub plate of his hot Calypso tune "Something's Happening".


I've been a big RPB fan since I was in grade school, making up soca dances with my girlfriends. Check out the master at work!






Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Wanna have a baby for Tyrese?

In this edition:
- August 1 is Emancipation Day
- Tortola Emancipation Fest 2009 (Tyrese, Shurwayne Winchester and YOU)
- Barbados Road March Results
- Antigua Road March Results
- Grenada Soca Monarch Results

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Caribana is over, but don’t worry bacchanal posse...the season is far from over. This month, the jump up moves through Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, Edmonton, Hamilton, Hartford, Barrie, and that’s not all!

In Many Caribbean territories, the celebration of Carnival is closely linked to the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire. That happened on August 1st, 1834 - that’s one hundred and seventy five years ago.

The 1st day of August or first Monday in August is recognized as Emancipation Day in Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, and Bermuda. Trinidad and Tobago was actually the first country ever to declare that date a national holiday. And even here in Ontario, our government officially started recognizing it just last year. So if that’s not a good reason to celebrate...YOU tell me what is.

In Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Emancipation Festival 2009 wrapped up this weekend. They had a action packed week complete with j’ouvert, fetes and road parades. Last night the big event was a concert featuring Taurus Riley, Tyrese and Shurwayne Winchester. Fans gave mixed reviews on the event stating the Tyrese was out of place using profane language on stage and actually asking women in the audience if they wanted to have his baby. (um...no comment). Shurwayne and YOU’s performance was A-OK until an audience member decided to wet down the saxophonist during his solo. All’s fair in love and soca, i guess...but the sax man, Alton Bertie is a Tortola native...and I don’t doubt the hometown crowd got their kicks outta keeping him humble.

Nurse Karen with Shurwayne Winchester in Toronto 2008

Monday was Kadooment Day in Barbados. Edwin Yearwood reigns victorious as the 2009 Tune of the Crop Road March Winner for Middle ah de Road. Mikey’s chune “I in dat” was good enough for 2nd place, and Calypso vet RPB came 3rd with Something’s Happening.

Carnival Tuesday in Antigua was a splash of colour and revelry that saw Red Hot Flames capture road march with a ditty called Trade March. Newly crowned Party Monarch Tian Winter came second with Soca Rebel, and Claudette Peters’ Flying Colours took the 3rd spot.

Grenada Posse! Guess who’s wearing the Soca Monarch crown this carnival!?!!? Mr. Killa is back. He left his competition in the dust with this performance of Swing it Away. Defending champions Luni Sparks and Electrify, and Zingo had to settle for a distance second and third.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds, for more juicy details on everything mentioned tonight, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow ME,,,nurse Karen on Twitter, now...back to de Docta.

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Booster Shot: Barbados Kadooment Road March Results

Edwin Yearwood rocking the crowd at Broward Carnival 2008

You can blame Edwin Yearwood for a whole lot of bad behaviour on the road at Kadooment Day in Barbados yesterday. His monster jam "In De Middle Ah De Road", played most ofetn at judging points...making Mr. Yearwood the 2009 Road March / Tune of de Crop winner.



Next in like was Mikey with "I in Dat"

Third was Pic of the Crop / Calypso King Red Plastic Bag with "Something Happening"


Love and Carnival,

Nurse Karen

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On De Scene: TC is 2009 Barbados Party Monarch too?!!

Our very own Corey Graham has been on de scene awaiting the most anticipated Party Monarch results for the past few minutes . Barbados seem to be in soca mode with TC gaining the FIRST ever Crop Over Sweet Soca Competition and tonight she is the Party Monarch for 2009 .


Results :


1. T.C. - Hot Sun N Riddim




2. Nathalee




3. Red Plastic Bag



4. Khiomal


5. Mr. Dale

We're in the dark as to how the same song is permitted to take the title in two seperate competitions. Time to take a closer look at the NCF Rules!

Thanks Corey and we look forward to your review on the competition in the coming days. Congratulations to TC !!!







Peace and Soca



Rochelle

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Booster Shot: Barbados Party Monarch & Sweet Soca Finalists Announced

Barbados - Party Monarch & Sweet Soca Contestants Announced

The anticipation.. the agony of waiting… feels like it's been a long haul, but finally the results are known. The finalists have been released for two of the most aniticipated competitions on the Crop Over calendar.

The eight finalists in the 98.1 The One Banks Sweet Soca Competition are:

Song Title Artiste

1. All Night Til Morning Statement

2. Back It Up Blood

3. Come Out Mr. Dale

4. Hot Sun and Riddim TC

5. I in Dat Mikey

6. Trouble Khiomal

7. What We Do Nathlee

8. We Come to Party Sir Ruel

RESERVE:

Winin' Zone Brett
----------------------------------

The ten finalists in the Mount Gay and LIME Party Monarch Competition are:

Tent Artiste

1. Bachannal Time Timmy

2. Celebration Time Donella

3. Celebration Time Khiomal

4. Celebration Time Lil Rick

5. De Big Show Nathalee

6. De Big Show Red Plastic Bag

7. De Big Show TC

8. Headliners Blood

9. Headliners Mr. Dale

10. Headliners Mikey

RESERVE:

De Big Show Kirk Brown

Crop Over

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On De Scene: Brewsters Road 24 hour soca fete and Crop Over Schedule

I have now transitioned to a 24 hour schedule for Crop Over. Things at BoomTribe are becoming very hectic. Last week, I had pleasure of spending a few minutes with the Brewster's Road Crew at their Press Conference where they announced their 2009 Crop Over Schedule.

I already told you the Brewster's Road Friday Nite is one of the more popular limes for Crop Over, and they are aiming this year to "put the Barbados back into Crop Over" - stating clearly that their events will be 100 % Bajan. They are moving locations to Tim's On The Highway, on Spring Garden Highway, which they believe puts them very close to where the navel string of Crop Over might have been buried. Anyone remember that old hit tune by Ras Iley - "Spring Garden Ah Coming"? ... Spring Garden is the location all the Mas Bands disperse at the end of their jump on Kadooment Day. Yes, right there!

Here is the Brewsters Road Itinerary for Crop Over 2009

Friday June 19th

Launch Fete - Return Of the Burn features the first ever appearance by Barbados 246 - Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Biggie Irie, Mr Dale and Krosfyah

I should say here that this is a bit significant because Brewsters Road Crew is going back to the days of old and burning Mr. Harding to start Crop Over. Mr. Harding signifies the end of hard times. This is actually the name of the tune that introduced veteran Calypsonian Red Plastic Bag to Barbados in 1982. Mr. Ragga Ragga himself, who was wining on the wrong gal last year. RPB is staple and foundation in Barbados. I am wondering if he is going to make an appearance on the nite. I don't see his name on the flyer right now hmmm. Oh yeah they are actually going to be lighting a fire in the party! This one is going to be HOT, HOT, HOT.

Friday June 26th

Black Hawk Down

Monster Army themed party

Friday July 3rd

Stay Safe, Love Life

Brewsters Road being aware of their social responsibility and focusing on raising the awareness of HIV/AIDS, along with a drive to get patrons to donate food to the HIV food bank.

Friday July 10th

Theme - To Be Announced

Friday July 17th

Ole Ting, New Ting

A back in time soca fete that matches some of the older DJs and performers with the new and upcoming ones. I am kinda excited about this one, it can serve as a good history lesson.

Friday July 24th

24

This one is the highlight - its a 24 hour soca fete! Imagine that 24 hours of soca, from Friday, July 24th at 10 PM until Saturday, July 25th 10 PM.

They want to make this into a fixture on the Crop Over calendar this event is held on the second last weekend of the Crop Over Festivities. The thinking is that our Caribbean neighbours and people in the wider world who cant make the final weekend can come into Barbados and enjoy this event and then take in the Party Monarch which is held on Sunday.

I am sure there will be more info about this in the coming weeks.

Friday July 31st

No Event

Friday August 7th

Big Thank You Fete

This fete is just want it says!

Well that's that! Ah Gone!

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The Rounds: Here's the proof - Faye-Ann's Belly!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Last night was a real busy one here in Toronto. The action was spread across the city for Dr. Jay's Big People Comedy and Parang Show featuring music by Leon Coldero.

The Nurse and Leon Coldero at Broward Carnival in October

Mr. Playhouse threw his "November to Remember" birthday Party with an ALL STAR line up of selectors...AND lastly, CVR Jingle Jam. Santa was there, Frosty was there and I was there too. The cast was Bunji, Shurwayne and Skinny Fabulous ...but I have to admit I was mainly studying Faye-Ann Lyons and her 5 months pregnant belly. If you didn't believe me the first time around Mrs. Lyons-Alvarez is most definitely pregnant. She was jumping up and down barefoot with a big checkered scarf covering the protruding bump. And because my approach to journalism is extremely thorough, I even gave it a little rub. Belly still hard like rock. Just a different shape now.

Nurse Karen giving Faye-Ann's belly a rub for good luck!

Other news from Trinidad's hottest couple...while Faye-Ann has been busy building a baby in her workshop, husband Bunji has been building beats in his lab. By now, no doubt you have already heard the Bus Stop Riddim, new for Trini Carnival 2009. That is the result of Bunji Garlin's first go at music production. Not a bad effort at all.


Now to another more experienced PRODUCER, who happens to be an artist as well. Tortola-native Kamau Georges a.k.a Mr Network added a new credit to his resume last week. He co-producer a track for Ludacris' brand new album Theatre of the Mind with Clinton Sparks. That should mean something to you if you're into hip hop! The song is called "Calling up the homies!"...but look out for another chune that you won't find on the album. It features Ludacris and magician Chris Angel. The song is aptly named "Mind Freak!"

Nurse Karen with Kamau on Carnival Monday in Trinidad

Which brings to MIND, an artist whose voice is a FREAK of nature. So you know Teddyson John?...former St. Lucia Groovy Soca Monarch? He got married to his girlfriend of 6 years about 2 weeks ago. They are so hot. Word is Teddy was emotional at the sight of his gorgeous bride. They said their vows, then the happy couple cruised the Caribbean for their honeymoon.

A shot with Teddyson before he tied the knot at St. Lucia Power Soca Monarch Finals in July

Before I go...lemme just send my official happy birthday greetings to Lil Rick, and the lovely island that brought us the Hypa Dog....Barbados! Today is the nation's 42nd anniversary of independence.

Here I am at my birthday party last month with Bajan B-day boy Lil Rick!

Celebrations took place throughout the Diaspora last night, but at home in BIM the official event was held at Garrison Savannah. The show featured a re-enactment of the first independence complete with rain showers. But the stars were out in abundance to keep the spirits high. There were performances from Peter Ram, Nathalee Burke, Red Plastic Bag, Arturo Tappin and Adrian Clarke. Then to end the night with a bang...the sky lit up with a stunning display of fireworks. I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. To leave a comment, see photos and videos or just read more about your favourite artists...and don't forget to subscribe to The Rounds Podcast on itunes or Soca Therapy dot com. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Homeless alcholic releases a popular soca track

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and this is your Victoria Day LONG weekend edition of Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Last night we finally got to cross Soca or Die 8, part one off our lists of things to do. And what can I say?..we dunned it one hundred po-cent! Check the lingo.

Maximus Dan with Nurse Karen

Kerwin Du Bois brought smooth vocals, and raw energy to the crowd at KoolHaus before Atlantik took to the stage for an action packed show featuring the ever-hypnotik Tizzy of El A Kru, a svelt version of my soca super-hero Maximus Dan and Miss Destra Garcia performing hit after hit in some awe-inspiring fish net stockings. Yes girl, I see you!

Destra Garcia with Nurse Karen

If you missed out, try and get your act together for tonight. It’s a showdown of epic proportions at Palazzo. Faye-Ann, Bunji, Nadia and Iwer are bringing they toppa top acts direct from Trinidad’s Power Soca Monarch Show. Be there or ...well Soca or DIE...this is not a joke thing!

Atlantik backstage at Soca or Die

One quick Big Up to Farm P as he wraps up production of the Sexy Chocolate Girls video today. The video was shot in Trinidad and Canada, directed by Royette of Caribbean Vibrations TV.


In other news....the summer carnivals are heating up nice and lovely. St. Lucy Parrish in Barbados hosted the 3rd NCF cavalcade of the Crop Over season last night. The evening featured free performances by some of BIM’s most respected music vets; Red Plastic Bag, Gabby and GRRRRrynner. Jabae was there too, and from all reports Barry’s diet is going real well. He go have he sexy back in time for August. This year the events are coordinated by Peter Boyce who most people know for his outspoken criticisms of the crop over festival in the past. Now he is sleeping with the enemy, trying to develop respect for the local music industry through the rural cavalcades.

Dr. Jay and Nurse Karen

St. Vincent’s Jamesy P cancelled all gigs over the past week to be close to the fam this weekend. Very fitting after the release of his new tune “We will survive,” which pays tribute to his wife for her tireless commitment to the man who got famous off a chune called Nookie! Today, he’s quietly ringing in his birthday in Tortola with his wife and son.

Tizzy with Nurse Karen

But the biggest news out of Vincy Mas is a song called “No More Long Talk” by Skinny Fabulous... and a guy called Blakey. Believe it or not Blakey is what you might call a vagrant. He now lives on the streets of Kingstown after a losing battle with alcoholism and cocaine robbed him of his earlier life as witty calypsonian and talented painter. Non-Fiction Recordings has embarked on what they’re calling “Project Blakey” to restore the man - artistically and physically - to his former glory.

Nadia Batson with Nurse Karen

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Catch me online at the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) blog at Mustard Seeds dot Net for more soca news, and as always download the podcast to get the rounds on the go. Now, back to de docta!

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