The Rounds: Shaunelle McKenzie is a Mommy!

Originally aired on Sunday, March 28, 2010 on Soca Therapy with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince (Flow 93.5 FM Toronto)

In this edition:
- Trelawny Carnival this weekend (Jamaica)
- Bacchanal Blocko 2010 Cancelled (Jamaica)
- Fadda Fox, Skinny Fabulous and Monstapiece rock UWI Carnival (Jamaica)
- Rupee remixes "Frenzy"
- Bomani plans new Vincy Mas fete (St. Vincent)
- Shaunelle McKenzie gives birth (St. Vincent)

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  Easter is just one week away, which means just a few days till Jamaica Carnival for Soca fans in Trelawny. ...Three days of revelry to the sounds of Byron Lee’s Dragonaires led by Oscar B.  Other events include a soca / reggae party on Good Friday, Family Fun and oldies disco day on Saturday, and a sport bike show on the Sunday.  It’s definitely not your traditional expression of Carnival other Easter for that matter.  But then again Jamaica has always been on the forefront of cultural innovations!

            Jamaica’s other carnival,  Bacchanal Jamaica, just announced the cancellation one of it’s signature events this season.  Sad to say, the Bacchanal Blocko is off for 2010.   Organizers cite unforeseen circumstances.

Nurse Karen and Skinny Fabulous in Toronto (2008)

Students in Jamaica celebrated UWI Carnival last night.  They lucked out on a hot show  from Fadda Fox, Skinny Fabulous.  In a just a few minutes the action will continue on The Plumbers Boatride.  With the weather we’ve been having over here, doesn’t a boatride in sunny Jamaica sound perrrrrfect?

Meanwhile , Barbados’ soca sweet boy Rupee  is back home after one month of touring in Europe.   Toronto Hip Hop fans will be excited to hear that he’s got a remix of the song FRENZY on the way.  It feature’s T-Dot rude bwoy Kardinall Offishall, so keep your ears to the ground for that.

Nurse Karen and Kardinal Offishall in Toronto (2008)

Toronto fete-goers had a couple of great indoor options for entertainment over the weekend.  One fete featured Bomani from St. Vincent.  If you missed him, he tells me  he’s hard at work organizing his first ever concept show for Vincy Mas 2K10.  It’s called Soca in de Dark.   The dimly lit, intimate night of groovy and raga vibe is set for the Month of May and will feature a cast of SVG artists as well as a guest appearance from Krosfyah!

Bomani and Nurse Karen in New York (2008)

           If you know the Vincy scene, you would know that Bomani sings in a band called HS Phaktor with a talented female vocalist by the name of Shaunelle Mckenzie.  Last Saturday, Shaunelle became a new mom, giving birth to a bouncing baby girl named Sade.  She weighed in at 6 pounds 13 ounzes, and from all accounts, she’s happy, healthy and verrrry hungry! 

Shaunelle McKenzie and Nurse Karen in St. Vincent (2008)

            I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  For more info on everything you heard.  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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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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The Rounds: St. Kitts and Nevis Carnival to Launch at Soca Awards

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. News, news, news! Lemme start with the weekend and go back....


Lauded Guyanese cultural singer Lady Guymine was honored this past Friday in Brooklyn. The event was a fundraising benefit to assist the ailing perfomer with her medical needs as she advances in age.

On stage that nightwas a cast of all-star performers from the Caribbean Region including Trinidad's Calypso King Sugar Aloes and St. Vincent's Winston Soso.

Nurse Karen and Winston Soso

Here in Toronto, Tribal Knights Mas Camp was first out the gate with the release of its 2009 Caribana Theme. Mas is tight competition in these parts. These days the newer players in the game are taking no prisoners. You heard it here first: Birds of Paradise. Can't wait to see what Dexter Seusahai has up his sleeves.

The government of St. Kitts and Nevis is getting geared up for Tourism Awareness month in October. It will be a busy time for the twin island state as they host the International Soca Awards. One special highlight of this year's soca awards, will be that is coincides with the official launch of St. Kitts' 2008/2009 carnival season. Which reminds me, If you haven't voted as yet. No time is like the present to log on to triple w dot soca awards dot com to show your support by VOTING for your favourite soca personalities like Dr. Jay!

Nurse Karen and Dr. Jay

Voting is on everybody's mind these days. We have a Federal Election looming here in Canada next month, and the most high profile presidential race ofall time in the US. If you're a soca music lobbyist like me, don't forget tomorrow is your last chance to Vote for who you want to see at Soca Or Die Nine. Dr. Jay will be bringing all manner of artists to Toronto for the big Scorpio Birthday Bash on November 1st. So chose your favourites from Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St.Lucia, St. Vincent, Toronto AND Trinidad and send your top picks to soca at flow 935 dot com or socaprince at hotmail dot com. Speak now, orf orever hold your peace!

Nurse Karen and Shurwayne Winchester

Amidst the hectic onslaught of summer carnival releases some of you may not have paid enough much attention to a very sexy groovy collaboration featuring Shurwayne Winchester and Maxi Priest. Two of the caribbean's most consistent entertainers have teamed up to give us "Make it Yours."

It was released in July, but the video was shot thispast week in T and T. The song was produced by Red Boyz out of Barbados….a production team that is causing major waves throughout the Caribbean. Now you know!

Last but not least... We at Soca Therapy would like to extend belated birthday greetings to Mr. Rupert Clarke AKA Rupee. He started his NEW YEAR at the top of last week.

Rupee hun, I hope it' s not your age what has you singing feet don't fail me now

…and with that…I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Leave me your comments on the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple W Dot Mustard Seeds Dot Net, and as always get the rounds podcast to go at Soca Therapy dot Com. Now, back to de Docta!

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The Rounds: Big Fetes, Big Fun!

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's rounds. It's one hot weekend here in Toronto and that makes me think about Car-ni-val! Over at Queen's Park the Muhtadi International Drumming Festival is wrapping up its 2008 Year of the Steel Drum. There's only about two hours to go, so if you missed it, you missed two days of amazing performance from Afropan, Silhouettes, Pan Fantasy , Symphonyx and the Toronto All Stars…plus individual performances from some of the city's top pan men and women!

Drum Roll Please! last week the nominees were announced for the SAO Soca Awards. The event will take place in picturesque St. Kitts on October 18th. Congrats to our own Dr. Jay for his 5th straight nomination…and big up to Ms. Boomerang for being the first female to make the international DJ category. Jester, I see you too.

Nurse Karen with Jester at Tribe Ignite (Trinidad 2K8)

He earned X-caliber International a nod for his 2008 groovy soca mix. Voting is open…Log on to socaawards dot com, and make your mark, then hit me up online and let me know what you think.

Last night, "X" marked the Spot on the Palazzo patio for the KOS official start to the soca summer. This is we time soca people, so get out and enjoy it.

Down in Bermuda there was an all out Bajan Invasion last night with a big show featuring the likes of Mr. Dale, Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Biggie Irie and Krosfyah. Very big show for a nation of 65 thousand people.

Nurse Karen with Mr. Dale at Soca or Die 7, (Toronto 2007)

Meanwhile over in the big fog -- London, England got its turn to experience de Gyal Farm Fete. The UK version featured Patrice Roberts, Problem Child (Yes dahlin...I can see you blushing from here), Rupee…and of course Shal Marshall & Kerwin Du Bois.

Problem Child and Nurse Karen out for pizza (St. Vincent, 2006)

Speaking of Kerwin Du Bois….be sure to pick up the June issue of WE magazine. Kerwin's between the covers…and your Nurse Karen wrote the article. I got you lots of juicy info about the artiste-producer, both inside and outside of the music.

Nurse Karen and Kerwin Du Bois at the Return Fete (Toronto, 2008)

If you're planning to make a trip to Barbados for Crop Over, you'll be happy to hear that top Kadooment Band, Baje International FINALLY launched their 2008 presentation on Friday. The costumes are looking lovely…but the prices have soared this year…starting at more than $210 US, which is an increase of about 50 bucks.

In Trindad there's a little talk about a new mas band for 2009. The presentation is called Spice! I can't tell you much, as the identities of the collaborators are being kept quiet…but I can tell you one this: This band is entirely headed and managed by woman: 8 sisters in mas who will be revealed in a local REALITY TV SHOW.

Interesting...! I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please drop me a line at the Nurse Karen Etc blog @ Triple W Dot Mustard Seeds Dot Net. Check out the recap of my interview yesterday on Barbados' Mix 96.9 and of course, grab the rounds podcast for yourself. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds - February 25, 2007

Good evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. The best part (as you already know) is Dr. Jay is back in de building!
The ICC Cricket World Cup gets underway in two weeks. Naturally, the price of plane tickets has risen to the occasion. So, if you’re upset that you won’t be there to watch our boys bat that ball to victory, you might want to check your favourite record store for the Official Soundtrack. Out on VP records, the CD entitled “Caribbean Party” features songs by TOK, Morgan Heritage, Tanya Stephens, Beres, Buju, Elephant Man…and “The Game of Love and Unity” by Rupee, Faye-Ann Lyons-Alvarez and Shaggy.
On January 21st, 2007. Doctor Jay de Soca Prince made a prediction. It had a little something to do with a man named Machel Montano and a tune called Jumbie. Well Soca people, whether you owe de man a beer or a plate of pelau – it is now time to pay up! Machel Montano was able to secure his third ever Roadmarch win on Tuesday, beating out all other competitors by a landslide. According to the official count, “Jumbie” was played 388 times, whereas Shurwayne’s “Open De Gate” came second with only 34 plays. Imagine dat! Sugar Boy by Patrice Roberts managed to sneak in for third with 33 spins.
This Carnival, revelers had to display their costumes on the road in front of Queen’s Park Savannah rather than on stage. Remember, I’ve been telling you about the new cultural centre they’re building for that. Well my friends, it wasn’t ready for Carnival 2007, and it looks like it may not be ready for next year either. Trinidad’s Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams let the cat out of the bag on Friday. There’s a possibility that part of the centre may be ready for next February, but definitely not all.
So I done tell you that Biggie Irie is the new groovy soca monarch in Trinidad, right? His winning composition “Nah Going Home” has been a hit since Crop Over 2006, but it may be hitting in more ways than one. Hitting him with a copyright infringement lawsuit that is. I know I can’t be the ONLY soca fan who also loves the classic Irish rock band “U2”. Ever since I first heard Biggie’s song, I’ve been looking through my cassettes from elementary school. “But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for!” As it turns out, when Biggie Irie borrowed that melody to create the chorus for Nah going home, he didn’t bother to clear samples. The monarch crown will not be affected by this infringement, but Irie’s pocket book COULD be cleared out if the mega band decides to take up the breach of their copyright in court.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds. Send me your comments at soca at FLOW 935 dot com…and don’t forget to buy your Return Fete tickets starting this Tuesday. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds - December 10, 2006

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. I have a confession to make. As much as I love liming with de docta on a Sunday evening….sometimes I daydream about doing so online from a location in the caribbean. The holiday season in the West Indies simply can not be beat. You still have all de nice food, and family and presents and so. But de grass and ting does be green, and the sun stays hot and bright.

With St. Vincent’s nine mornings festival kicking off next weekend, the Alliance Band and HS Phaktor are getting set to share the stage with reggae stars like Richie Spice and Chuck Fender.

Fellow Vincy soca man Jamesy P was just booked as the feature performer at the Miss Caribbean Talented Teen pageant to be held in St. Kitts as part of their 2006/2007 carnival celebrations. The show is in its 27th year, featuring thirteen contestants competing for the crown. This time around Guyana will get back into the action, after not having sent a contestant for the past 15 years.

With all the carnival action, St. Kitts and Nevis would definitely be a good place to go. While everyone here is packing on some extra pounds for the winter, my Kittitian posse is meeting up after work in independence square for Soca-cise. Just like the mas band I told you about in Jamaica, Digicel Inferno is holding a weekly aerobics class for anyone who wants to get their heart healthy for carnival. It’s a great idea, but I’m all about giving credit where credit is due…and so I want to big up Toronto’s own Tamla Matthews of the Caribbean Dance Theatre. She’s been holding Soca-cise and Reggae-robics classes for years now. Tamla doux-doux…call de nurse, okay darling? I sure de little bun could use a college fund, so I go put you on to a good lawyer.

Speaking of connections, you know how many soca bands would literally keel over and DEAD for the connections that Elvis White has? You remember Elvis White – dat group from the Virgin Islands. They toured with the Fugees. They recorded with Akon. They sang at an NBA halftime show….and now they liming with Sir Richard Branson. Yeah, dat one…de guy you pay your cell phone bill to. He owns an airline, a record company and a few islands in the Caribbean too. Richard hosted a party at the Old Macy’s building in Atlanta on Friday to benefit the Charitable Sara Blakely Foundation. Sources say they closed out the set with a performance of “Sexy Waist”. Before the end of the song Mr. Moneybanks was wining he waist on stage with grammy award winning recording artist Jewel. De virgin not easy at all… Elvis White’s album release has been pushed back again. This time to Spring 2007, but with friends like Richard Branson they’re not worried one bit.

Rupee was in Trinidad last week where he voiced his disgust over the rising crime rates in the Caribbean. In an exclusive interview the artist shared his hope that local musicians would take responsibility to address social issues through their music. He believes music can really change how people think and act. Rupee has enjoyed many new experiences in 2006, including the birth of his daughter Chloe. He told journalists that while he is still under the banner of Atlantic Records, he is essentially solo. In 2007, he hopes to change his management team and expand his horizons by touring both Africa and India. I wonder if I could find a cheap flight to one of those for Old year’s night?

Doh vex with me, ya kna. I’m not the only one looking for somewhere warm to rest my feet. The international Soca awards will be hosting their 5th annual awards gala in the Caribbean next year instead of New York. The organization says many islands are bidding to play host to the red carpet event. Only the carpet is actually white…signifying rebirth and purity. Well friends they could purify all they want, just as long as YOU make sure Doctor Jay is up for the best DJ trophy again…and nurse Karen gets a ticket to join in the fun.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s rounds. Send me your comments at soca at FLOW 935 Dot Com. 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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The Rounds - January 15, 2006

Dr. Jay’s Rounds
Karen Richardson
January 14, 2006

Good Evening Music lovers. I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.
Here at Soca Therapy, the good doctor and I work tirelessly to do one thing. We want you gain a deep and crucial love and appreciation for Soca music. Now music makes the world go round…and if you think I got the saying wrong - think again! Music is music…and it’s all love!

First stop this week is to the lush island paradise of Jamaica. There in its salubrious hills, reggae veteran Freddie McGregor is getting set to take his grammy-nominated career to the world of reality TV. The television docutrip aims to educate people on the similarities in the music, culture and festivals of Jamaica and Trinadad. “Freddie’s first” is an effort to unify the two island nations. He’ll begin taping during Carnival in Port of Spain next month. And it’s all about the music people. McGregor will be releasing his first ever soca collaborations as he hits the road with Poision, in their mas’ section called dreams.

As we travel south through the bubbly blue Caribbean Sea, we encounter a sandy gem called Barbados. There, just last week, the glitteratti converged on Bridgetown for the Barbados Music Awards. For a tiny little place, that country produces more than its fair share of great music. Some of BIM’s brightest stars ascended the stage to get their shine: Joseph Niles in Gospel, Rihanna in Pop, Rupee in Soca…and the Queen of Soca herself, Ms. Alision Hinds took home the hardware for best R&B recording. Errks! Yeah, you heard me right. Roll….roll it gyal, roll it gyal…is only considered to be Soca north of Miami…but we love the music same way!

Last stop this week is the twin island cultural mecca of Trinidad and Tobago. Long considered the New York of the Caribbean, it’s air waves blast musical styles that kiss every corner of the globe. For our purposes here we love Trini bad because it’s the birthplace of Soca and Pan. As they warm up for carnival, Dr. Jay promises to keep you in the know with the latest releases and blazing soca monarch contenders. This year’s theme is the World Cup of Soca. When the Monarch is crowned he or she will take home $400 thousand TT, tickets to see the national football team at the FIFA world cup in germany and a BRAND NEW CAR. Ah tell you, if that is not reason enough to love this music, I couldn’t tell you what is.

I’m nurse Karen and Those are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to Soca at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Ah gone.

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