Booster Shot: Skinny Fabulous makes it three!

The 2019 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soca Monarch wrapped up about four hours ago.  As usual the crowd was wild with excitement as soca favourites vied for the top prize of Vincy Mas.

Congratulations to Skinny Fabulous on winning the title three consecutive times.

For those who missed it, here's who came out on top at Vincy Soca Monarch 2010

1. Skinny Fabulous - Charge Up (Duracell)
2. Fireman Hooper - Soca Battlefield
3. Maddzart - King Road
4. Problem Child - Delinquents


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Read more...

The Rounds: How soca artists spent Easter...

Originally aired on Sunday, April 4, 2010 on "Soca Therapy" on Flow 93.5 FM, Toronto with Dr. Jay and Marxman.

In this edition:

- Destra's first post preggers performance in Toronto. (Trinidad / Canada)
- Toronto Fire Fete (Canada)
- Edwin at Virgin Gorda Carnival (Barbados / BVI)
- Oscar B returns to Jamaica (Tobago / Jamaica)
- Artists observing Easter (Barbados / Jamaica)
- Changes in store for Crop Over 2010 (Barbados)



Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s easter Sunday and it’s my hope that my voice finds you surrounded by family, friends and everlasting hope as you celebrate God’s promise of eternal life. If by chance you find yourself alone today. Think again. Dozens of soca artists are forced to be away from loved ones as they travel internationally to entertain fans.

I chose to spend last night with family, but the cast of Toronto Fire Fete spent a good chunk of the special weekend away from home. The show boasted Destra’s first show in T-Dot in almost two years. Not to mention, her first local appearance since she gave birth to little Xaiya!!! Yes gentlemen. She has her body back. And you know Destra, she’s definitely still thick in all the right places.

Destra back in all her glory on Saturday night (Photo by Soca Dread)

Patch created a gutter riddim Frenzy, selling pipe on Canadian soil. Terri Lyons, made her sweet voice known to Toronto. Trinidad’s Dynamic Duo JW and Blaze Palanced thru the city ...as is their custom. Skinny Fabulous let go the Vincy beast , etc, etc. My point is...Sometimes you gotta do what you got to do where you gotta do it, and if you find yourself away from the people you love this holiday. At least you have us ! (Awwww....)

JW and Blaze at another Toronto performance last month

Edwin Yearwood woke up today on the Island of Virgin Gorda after a well received performance at THEIR Easter Festival last night. There really is no place like home in Barbados, for him, but Management tells me that the seven thousand dollar a night villa they stayed in makes up for at least SOME of the inconvenience.

Tobagonian soca singer Oscar B left his fam in Tand T to returned to Jamaica for the first time in a long time. He lived and worked there as a singer in Byron Lee and the Dragonaires for eighteen years , having recorded such hits as Soca Tattie and Soca Butterfly. Beyond his excitement over taking to those familiar stages once again, Oscar says he’s looking forward to de bun and cheese!

If you’re not out painting the town red to the sounds of soca this weekend, trust me you’re not in the minority. Many artistes are deeply spiritual, and prefer to break their Lenten fasts with worship and thanksgiving in the traditional way. Dancehall/crossover icon Mr. Vegas wasn’t going to let anything keep him out of church this morning, and Bajan Party Monarch and Sweet Soca Monarch TC was heading to an Easter play when I chatted with her today.

Nurse Karen and TC at Trinidad Soca Monarch (Feb 2010)

Looks like she will be defending her crowns in a new venue this year, as the Those competitions will no longer be held at East Coast or Farley Hill National Park for that matter. The event will be rebranded “Soca Royale” , the wheres and whens of which are yet to be announced. Barbados Ministry of Culture just announced a slew of venue changes for the upcoming Crop Over season, including a new route for the Kadooment day parade.
I’ll be sure to get all the details on that for you in the upcoming weeks, but for now. Enjoy this blessed Easter, wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing. I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more info on the stories you heard today, visit me online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me, “Nursekaren” on Twitter. Now, back to de docta!

Read more...

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!

Read more...

The Rounds: Fay Ann is a no-show at Soca Monarch prize giving

Originally aired on Sunday, March 21, 2010 on Soca Therapy with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince (Flow 93.5 FM Toronto)

In this edition:
- International Reggae and World Music Awards Soca Nominees (USA)
- Tizzy goes to France (France / Antigua)
- International Soca Monarch prizes distributed (Trinidad)
- Shal Marshall rocks Mas Camp (Jamaica)
- Birthdays: Private 6 (St. Lucia) Harella (Dominica)


Good evening soca lovers. I’m Nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.

The International Reggae and World Music Award nominations are out. 2010 makes it 29 years, and this time around several soca artists are among the nominees in six different categories. But the biggest award for the genre would “Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer which pits the likes of Alison Hinds, Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous, Edwin Yearwood and Fay Ann Lyons against each other. No matter who wins, you can certainly count on great performances from Machel and Alison at the IRAWMA’s in Queens New York for May 2nd. Vote online at triple W dot I R A W M A dot com.

Nurse Karen shares a laugh with Skinny Fabulous (Trinidad, February 2010)

El A Kru’s Tizzy is enjoying the benefits of a blossoming career. Recently, the bouncy Antiguan lead singer returned to her sunny island from headlining the Caribbean Bounce Festival in Bordeaux France. Do you understand what I’m telling you here? A West Indian woman travels all the way to a town known for a certain grapety beverage to teach the people about wine. Kinda ironic don’t you think?

Trinidad’s Caribbean Prestige Foundation distributed the Soca Monarch prizes on Thursday at the Cascadia Hotel. JW and Blaze were there to collect their $600 Thousand TT and a Brand New Toyota Hilux. Shurwayne who earned top prize in Groovy Soca was in person to collect his winnings, but Fay-Ann Lyons did not show up even though she scored a second place in both categories.

 Nurse Karen with Fay Ann Lyons in Miami (October 2009)

During the festivities, Vice President Tony Lee announced that come 2011, the winner will alos receive the “William Munro Soca Monarch Challenge Trophy” along with the cash. The new trophy, named after the event’s co-founder has been created to continue to honour the contribution of William Munro long after he moves on from involvement with the organization. Although, no actual announcement indicating such a move was actually made.

The Friday Night fetes at Bacchanal Jamaica Mas Camp continued this week. It was Shal Marshall’s turn to mash up the session, following Alison Hind’s big show last week. The action continues until just after Easter.

Nurse Karen and Shal Marshall (Toronto, March 2010 - photo by Soca Dread)

Before  I hand it back to Dr. Jay we gotta wish a happy birthday to St. Lucia’s Private Six on Friday and Dominica’s Harella on Saturday.

And there you have it, I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more news from throughout the soca universe, check out the Nurse Karen Etc blog at nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me “Nurse Karen” on Twitter. Now Back to De Docta.

Read more...

Booster Shot: Skinny, Machel, Fay Ann, Alison, and Edwin nominated for 2010 IRAWMA

Congrats goes out to a handful of soca artists who have been nominated for this year's International Reggae and World Music Awards.  Kudos to the IRAWMA committee for getting it right this year.  In the past the soca category hasn't always reflected top achievers in the genre for the period considered.

Check out this press release from Pyramid Entertainment.  Keep in mind, we're talking about Skinny Fabulous' management. So, I don't want anyone trying to say I'm trying to influence your vote.  Vote with your ears and your heart!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Skinny Fabulous Earns IRAWMA Nomination

CAST YOUR VOTE FOR SKINNY 

Skinny Fabulous is among the nominees for the 29^th International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA), getting the nod for his performances in 2009.

Announced on February 27, Skinny Fabulous is joined by fellow nominees Fay Ann Lyons, Edwin Yearwood, Machel Montano and Alison Hinds in the category for Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer. You can go tohttp://www.irawma.com/vote-2010-irawma.html  to cast your vote for Skinny Fabulous.

This year's Awards show is dedicated to the People of Haiti and Health Awareness. It will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 6 pm at the York College of Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York. Visit  www.IRAWMA.com for more info about the Awards and to vote for Skinny Fabulous. 

IRAWMA produced by Martin’s International & Associates promotes reggae and world beat music as an art form. Each year it honors entertainers and others associated with world music for their contributions to the industry and to humanity internationally. IRAWMA is vehicle of expression for the voiceless peoples of the world. More than 20 million fans viewed the 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th IRAWMA on television.

Read more...

Booster Shot: "De Beast Let Go" video released in a press conference (see it here)

Somebody means business!  St. Vincent's reigning Soca Monarch Skinny Fabulous has the daunting task of representing his country at the International Soca Monarch competition in Trinidad next month. So, being the thinking man that he is, he decided to shoot a video for the song that he will be performing on Fantastic Friday "De Beast Let Go".

The release happened with much fanfare at a press conference in St. Vincent this morning.  For the time being, the video can be seen exclusively at www.hot97svg.com, the website for SVG's #1 radio station and avid Skinny Fabulous supporter, Hot 97.

Luckily, I keep my ear to the streets. Now, you can be among the first to see Skinny's professional new video, directed by Jamaica's most notable videoman, Jay Will.



Find more videos like this on Hot97 Live

Read more...

The Rounds: Olatunji's mother found dead. RIP Mairoon Ali

Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince. (Sunday, December 20, 2009, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm)

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. With Christmas just one week away, I decided to do something special just for you. I went into the trenches to ask a few soca artists what they’ve got planned for the holidays. Here’s what I found out.

Skinny Fabulous just wrapped up his university exams last week. Fans who went to Dr. Jay’s appreciation party last night can attest that the Fabulous One was in an extra festive mood, giving Toronto a memorably wild performance of hits, freestyles and new releases.

But before Skinny returns to St. Vincent to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, he’ll be shooting a music video for “De Beast Leggo” with director Jay Will, tomorrow in Jamaica.

But in his home country Christmas time is traditionally celebrated with a festival called Nine Mornings. Luta says he’s already been spending his time performing at school Christmas concerts around the island. Yesterday, he and the Soca Dans performed on the road in Chateaubelair for their Nine Mornings jump up. Then Tuesday he will be a guest artist at the National Carolling competition.

Nurse Karen and Luta in Toronto (September 2009)

Edwin Yearwood and a host of other artists will be working through the holidays in the Virgin Islands..and boy do they love HIM down there. This will be his 5th year in a row spending Christmas in the VI. But then again everybody loves Edwin! On Friday, a fan at a show in Antigua demonstrated it the best way she knew how, by holding onto his legs and kissing his feet while he was on stage performing! I bet I know what she asked Santa to bring her for Christmas!!!

Nurse Karen and Edwin Yearwood in Toronto (November 2009)

Dominica’s Mr. Benji from the Triple K Band will be travelling to St. Croix for the Cruzian Christmas Festival. Problem Child will be performing there too.
Antigua’s Tizzy will be spending Christmas Eve at another Carnival in Montserrat, and on Boxing Day she will join her band and El A Kru in St. Thomas. But she’s reserving Christmas Day just for the family.

Nurse Karen and Tizzy in Miami (October 2009)

Closer to home, Toronto’s Slammer Cutter is hard at work preparing for Trinidad Carnival amidst his festive time with family and friends. Then when the calendar switches to 2010, he’s headed straight to Trinidad to shoot the video for Hangover 2 (aka Bad Weather)

Unfortunately, the hoIidays can be a difficult time for many people. And this year, It’s going to be a very hard Christmas for one of the lead vocalists of Roy Cape All-Stars. One of Trinidad and Tobago’s best loved entertainers passed away mysteriously about 8 hours ago.Actress, comedienne and radio personality  Mairoon Ali, the Mother of Soca singer Olatunji Yearwood was found dead in her bathroom early this afternoon by her son. She was not known to be ill. Mairoon Ali was 51.

Super Jigga TC is also quite shaken as a result. He tells me that he saw her just last night in fine form. She was in the front row cheering him on during the episode taping of Synergy Soca Star. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Olatunji, his family and friends at this very painful time.

Olatunji Yearwood and Nurse Karen in St. Vincent (June 2009)

The holiday season is full of all sorts of emotions. So no matter what you happen to be going through at this time, please accept my gift of joy, peace and love... I’m Nurse Karen, and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information about anything you’ve heard here, feel free to connect with me online at Nurse dash Karen dot com...or follow my Christmas activities on Twitter . Twitter dot com slash “NurseKaren”.   Now back to de docta!

Read more...

The Rounds: Buju Banton dreaming of a White Christmas

riginally aired on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy on Sunday, December 13, 2009.

In this edition:
- CP to perform at Miss Caribbean Teen Pageant (Antigua /St. Kitts)
- All-Rounder changes his name for 2010 (Trinidad)
- DJ Jester releases Soca Certified Smash Mixtape (Canada)
- Dr Jay collects canned food for charity (Canada)
- International premiere of "Fetting" by Skinny Fabulous ft. Machel Montano (Canada)
- Birthdays: The Great Zeee (St. Vincent) Teddyson John (St. Lucia)
- Drug rumour about Bunji Garlin (Trinidad)
- Buju Banton jailed on drug charges (USA/Jamaica

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s a busy week. So...lewwe go!

The St. Kitts and Nevis Miss Caribbean Teen Pageant will be celebrating 30 years this season, and to celebrate, Antigua’s multiple-time Party Monarch Queen Claudette Peters has just been confirmed as the headline artist. That’ll teach those beauty queens a little something about style!

In Trinidad, one of the country’s most creative musical minds in the Calypso genre has decided to change his name. The artist formerly known as All-Rounder will from now on be called, “Dive”. You didn’t ask me, but that doesn’t sound like a man who plans to win any titles...but he’s back for another season of Humorous Calypso with the Klassic Russo Calypso Tent on January 15th.

This past week, Flow’s own mix show DJ Jester released the Soca Certified Smash Mixtape hosted by Mr. Vybe. You can download it for yourself on the Nurse Karen Etc blog, at Nurse dash Karen dot com.

The holiday season is all about peace on Earth and goodwill toward all. So what are you doing to help others? Next Saturday, join Dr. Jay for his annual appreciation fete, featuring visiting acts Fadda Fox and Skinny Fabulous! All you have to do is walk with 5 or more non-perishable food items for the less fortunate, and you will get in for only ten dollars!

Before then, Skinny Fabulous has a big bomb to drop for Trinidad Carnival this week. Dunno if you’ve heard about it. But the two-time Vincy Soca Monarch, has a brand new collaboration with Soca King Machel Montano ready to hit the airways everywhere this Wednesday.

But because you are a loyal Soca Therapy fans, you may as well start counting your blessings now. Tonight. Right here on Soca Therapy. Dr. Jay de Soca Prince will bring you the world premiere of “Fetting On” in the 8 o’clock hour. So stay tuned!!

This week Soca Therapy would like to extend warm and fuzzy birthday love to Vincentian artiste and producer, The Great Zeee on Monday the 14th, and to St. Lucian blues man and groovy artist, Teddyson John on Thursday the 17th.

Teddyson John and Superman HD aka Mr. Pringles in St. Lucia (July 2009)

The rumour mill in Trinidad and Tobago has been working overtime this weekend. Talk on the street was that Soca artist, Bunji Garlin is locked up in Miami for drugs. But hold your tongues people until you get the real story! Bunji Garlin isn’t even in Miami today....but you know who is? BUJU! Yep...Buju Banton is the one facing drug charges, related to...get this... “Conspiracy of possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilos of cocaine!” Looks like somebody was trying to have a white Christmas. Ho Ho Ho....

I’m Nurse Karen, and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on anything you heard here, please check me online at Nurse dash Karen dot com or follow me “nursekaren” on Twitter. Now back to de docta!

Read more...

Booster Shot: Soca reach! Unauthorized version of new Machel and Skinny Fabulous tune leaked online...

I can't imagine why anyone who understands how hard it is to make a buck singing soca would leak a song for illegal download, but alas...it happened. None the less, the real deal premieres tonight in Toronto with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince on "Soca Therapy". And of course yours truly will tell you more about it in The Rounds.

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

FETTING ON:  Skinny Fabulous and Machel Montano TEASER...3 Days Till Official Release!

The buzz around this song is growing daily, so much so that an unauthorized version of the new collabo has been circulating online this weekend!  We got all your anxious emails demanding copies of  the official version of “Fetting On” right away! But unfortunately, we can't do that!


We can, however, tell you a little more about the collaboration everyone is talking about.

Skinny Fabulous
and Machel Montano present: 

“Fetting On”, a euphoric adrenaline rush for
the 2010 Trinidad Carnival season and beyond. 

Produced by Alex "Kubiyashi" Barnwell of Non-Fiction Recordings, the beat-maker who gave us "Head Bad (On The Spot),  "Fetting On" pays homage to all the reasons we love carnival, and does so in
true HD and Fabulous style.  It promises you bass and brass, and an infectious hook that stays
with you from the first listen. But don’t be
surprised, you wouldn’t expect anything less when you combine the playful lyrical
creativity of Skinny Fabulous with the charismatic in-studio energy of Machel
Montano!  

No doubt, you're ready for a taste!  Click the image below for your chance to sample the bomb that is set to drop on December 16th

 

This much anticipated first ever collaboration between
two-time St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soca Monarch, and the world's biggest soca star hits the airwaves everywhere:

Wednesday,
December 16, 2009.

...It’s coming!

Read more...

On De Scene: Vincy newspapers disrespecting Soca Stars

Well, ah know dis one go be a shock to de Nursie... to see a post from me after so long. Hahaha. But after today's newspapers came out ah had was did have to commment. By now we all now how well Skinny Fabulous, Zoelah and Tabia did in the Int. Soca Awards, with Tabia winning 'BEST NEW FEMALE SOCA ARTISTE'. Zola winning, "FEMALE SOCA VOCALIST & FAVOURITE GROOVY SOCA OF THE YEAR", and Skinny Fabulous winning in all 5 categories where he was nominated: "BEST NEW MALE SOCA ARTISTE, MALE SOCA PERFORMER OF THE YEAR, OVERALL MALE SOCA ARTISTE OF T HE YEAR, SONG OF THE YEAR & FAVOURITE UP TEMPO SOCA (MALE).

Well, in today's papers, the story was printed on Pg. 52 in the Searchlight Newpaper. Lemme say dat again in case yuh ain't really ketch.. FIF-TEE-TOO. Now in the same paper on page 2, is some story bout somebody find some long lost relative. So this is more important news than our premier musical artform making great strides?

And if dat nah bad enough... in the News Newspaper, the story was on the second to last page... sharing the page with the weekly update on "THE BOLD & BEAUTIFUL". Like whatever de hell Ridge doing with Stephanie, is of more consequence than Skinny taking all the awards.

Is only outta respect for the Nuss, and my blogging family mek ah don't type two clean dutty word to go with this.

Anyhoo, I had to take time out of compiling the Top 10 Countdown for tomorrow nite to let allyuh know how the print media views our Soca artistes. Ah gone. Til next time.

Read more...

The Rounds: Soca Awards Cancellation, Results, Etc

Originally prepared for "Soca Therapy" on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto, Sunday, November 15, 2009

- 2009 Soca Awards Cancelled (USA)
- Commentary on the results
- CEO of Caribbean Prestige Foundation quits! (Trinidad)
- Tempo Turns 4 (USVI)

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. You have no idea how tired I am saying this, but I have some news about the Soca Awards. Last time I brought it up, it was to say that the event originally scheduled for October 30th, was being rescheduled for December 4th. And today, the story has changed yet again! The 2009 International Soca Awards has been cancelled due to what the organizers are citing as unforeseen circumstances.

The awards show has long been the target of heavy criticism in the industry due to often questionable judgments concerning nominations and the production quality of the events, as well as a general lack of transparency. So, the recent cancellation isn’t looking so hot. The results, HOWever, were published today. Winners are decided based on the results of online voting, which this year, SEEMS to have turned up a rather curious number of ties.

Nurse Karen and Fay-Ann Lyons (Toronto: May, 2008)

None the less, big congratulations goes out Machel Montano for his wins in six categories, and Fay-Ann Lyons and Skinny Fabulous who earned 5 awards each. A record number of Toronto’s own hometown stars, ought to be thankful to you the fans for your votes and support. Toronto-Lime.com, Shy-Ann Bailey, Slammer Cutter and Kerwin Du Bois are all winners today.

Kerwin Du Bois and Nurse Karen in Washingon, D.C. (January 2009)

...And just because I like to make trouble, I want to big up Madmen Productions for their Best Soca Compilation Rhythm award. LOL.  It must feel amazing to find out that you are winning awards for the Bus Stop Riddim, even though Bunji Garlin and Daryl Braxton produced it.WTF?!?  Maybe it was just a typo, but nice one guys! Maybe if I’m really lucky, I could win Best Actress at the Academy Awards next year.

It has been a wild week for soca. No one can deny that. Down in Trinidad the Caribbean Prestige foundation CEO quit this week. That’s the group that produces the International Soca Monarch Competition. It’s believed that a problematic press release is responsible for that one too. Gregory Fernandes, the CEO, held a press conference on Tuesday criticizing a Trini government policy that prohibits the hosting of cultural events, like Soca Monarch, in major sports arenas during the carnival season. The next day, the CPF told the media that his conference not only had nothing to do with them, but they also praised recent government initiatives in regards to cultural activities. Needless to say, Fernandes didn’t appreciate being made to look like a fool. So he’s gone, and it’s still unknown what venue will play host to Soca’s biggest competitive event in February 2010.

Nurse Karen and Iwer George in Toronto (February, 2009)

Speaking of big ticket events. MTV Tempo celebrated it’s 4th anniversary last night on the island of St. Croix. Representing the soca massive was De Boss, Iwer George, Ziggy Ranking, and local Road March Winners, the UMB Solidiers. Other than that it was full line up of Caribbean Stars in Salsa, Dancehall and Reggae.
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on any of the items mentioned today, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com or follow me, NurseKaren on Twitter. Now back to de Docta!

Read more...

Booster Shot: Soca Awards Announces 2009 Cast of Performers

Wanna know who will be bringing the entertainment at this year's Soca Awards in Turks and Caicos on October 30th?

The Soca Awards Organization still hasn't opened voting to the public, but they HAVE released the list of performers.  Ready?

Calypso Rose 

Denyse Plumber

Tizzy of El-A-kru

Skinny Fabulous

Ragga 

Winston "Gypsy" Peters 

Shyann Bailey 

Tallpree

Still no update on when the voting will begin, but you might as well check www.socaawards.com to check for yourself!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Read more...

Booster Shot: The Asylum Family sticks it to Miami promoters

More than other penny pinching promoters throughout the socaverse, Miami party promoters are known to cut corners when hosting events. I talk to artists all the time, and it may suprise you to learn that for Miami Carnival MOST soca perfomers have to pay for their own flights, hotel stays and meals. Several promoters are known to pay up late, or not at all. Some of the biggest events only pay about 20% of their billed artistes, while the other cast members perform just for the hope of greater exposure.Of course, you have those who also advertise artists and DJs who aren't even confirmed, then have the nerve to ask patrons to pay handsomely for tickets that would probably cost less in any other city. I'm no artiste, but that kinda treatment would be enough to discourage me from my craft. If you can't even expect to profit from performances in front of huge crowds that earn US dollars, when can you expect to make a buck?

I dunno if any of you have heard about this new fete happening in Miami during Columbus Day weekend this year. But, there's a little something called Miami Vice, happening on Friday, October 9th on the actual set of Miami Vice, the Ice Palace.

I felt like personally throwing my love behind this event for what it represents. So before anyone is too quick to talk. This is not a paid advertisement. I wrote this because, I support the music, the music-makers, and anyone who believes in excellence.

Miami Vice was the brainchild of Fay-Ann Lyons. After several bad experiences fighting for the respect of persons who feign to

PROMOTE the soca artform, she and husband Bunji Garlin thought it would be a good

idea to put their money behind a Miami-based event that would showcase soca in a professional manner.

So beyond the fact that the thing goes down at a mansion/film studio made famous by a TV series that literally put the city of

Miami on the map, there are other noteworthy factors that make this fete worth supporting with your dolla-dolla bills y'all:

1. ARTIST DRIVEN: I told you all that. The Asylum camp ARE the promoters.
2. CONFIRMED CAST: Bunji and Fay called up a few of their best buddies in the business. They WILL be there; Beenie Man, Benjai, Biggie Irie, Denise Belfon, Hunter, Kevin Lyttle, Peter Ram, Problem Child, Sizwe C,

Skinny Fabulous, Trini Jacobs...
3. NO TRACKS! The entire cast will be backed by the Asylum Band. Dem boyz are working overtime in rehearsals learning the music for that long @$$ list of guests. Most of these artists do not travel with bands, so this is a rare chance to catch the kind of energy live music alone can inspire.

4. PRICE: It's 35 Bucks...what is that $2.50 per artist? It's cheaper than most of the other local offerings on the same night.

Knowing what most of these acts charge, I really have no idea how they're even making money on this event.

I love soca, but I freely admit that there are a lot of things that

happen behind the scenes making this business very dirty and cruel at times. So congratulations to all of the people working hard behind the scenes to make Miami Vice a success. From what I understand, regular people have been volunteering

their time and creativity to make sure the word gets out. I sincerely hope that in doing this, all of you begin to send a strong message to some of the players in the game who have been breaking the rules for far too long.

I will be there, and if anyone wants to join me, you can buy advance tickets HERE

Miami Vice Ad - Fay-Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Hunter, Skinny Fabulous, Problem Child

Love and higher standards in soca,

Nurse Karen

Read more...

Eye Unit: a taste of J'ouvert in Toronto

Howdy partnas...

Yeah, I know Caribana is over...but the sad reality is sinking in that it maybe a few weeks before I personally get to experience carnival again. (Let's be honest - I'm tired. So you all fix up and let me know how it is!)

In the meantime, I dug up some footage from Caribana Saturday morning. This is KOS J'ouvert...as they say, "a tradition like no other". That means paint, powder, mud and water. Pretty icky, but the locals like it ;)

The original cast was to feature Benjai, Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous. Turns out the authorities weren't very gracious in regards to issuing Benjai a visa this time around. The crowd missed him, but they got additional performances from Zoelah, TC and Iwer George as well. Unfortunately, I missed the earlier performances since I was at Dr. Jay's Soca or Die show on the other side of the city.

Here are a few clips of Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child performing for the extremely sweaty, sold out crowd at J'ouvert inside and outside Embers Banquet Hall in Scarborough.

Simplest description: Hot Mess!

See for yourself....

Read more...

Booster Shot: Ricky T is 2009 Caribbean Soca Monarch

Ricky T has successfully defended his Caribbean Soca Monarch title. (results below)

This week, I'm not in St. Lucia to watch the carnival action live. However, watching Caribbean Soca Monarch streaming live on ScruffyTV had it's definite advantages. From the responses of the viewers, it was sad to see learn that the music of most of the competitors received little or no airplay on St. Lucian airwaves. The result was an uphill battle for visiting competitors who in most cases had songs and performances worth of an international stage. It's tought to make a crowd jump and wave if they've never heard your music before.

Usually, all 3 artistes who place in the St. Lucia Soca Monarch are guaranteed spots in Caribbean Soca Monarch. However, Pringles aka Superman HD, decided not to enter the competition and his spot went to female artiste, QPid. Instead, Pringles was one of the Emcees.

As who place It was a long night for the audience. Prior to the Caribbean Soca Monarch competition was the King and Queen competition. After is J'ouvert. So, the artistes had to work extra hard to keep that crowd satisfied.

No matter what disadvantages exist in any such competition, I always tell artistes that shows like can be used in the same manner as a music video. It is an advertisement. It shows the viewer an artiste's general attitude toward their music career. Is it a joke thing? Do you put your fans first, and guarantee a top class show? Are you the kind of artiste that knows how to take charge of a situation? Tonight, a few artistes really did give it their all.

According to the judges, here's who came out on top:

Results:

1. Ricky T / St. Lucia ( 397 points)

(Ricky T and friends last Saturday after winning St. Lucia Soca Monarch)

2. Skinny Fabulous / St. Vincent (386.6 points)

(With Skinny Fabulous two weeks ago at Fire Fete St. Vincent)

3. Ilah Man / St. Lucia (377.5 points)

(Ilah Man with his 2nd place trophy for last week's St. Lucia Soca Monarch)

Read more...

On De Scene : Caribbean Soca Monarch 2009 TONIGHT!

Carnival Sunday and though it is overcast in St.Lucia, the celebration will continue. This morning I attended the dipping of the positions for tonight's event ; Caribbean Soca Monarch.

Cultural Development Foundation graced the media, artists and everyone else present with some words on the growth and influence of this competition. A few artists scheduled for tonight's event will be absent due to flight delays. Which leaves a total of 10 competitiors (including the reigning Caribbean Soca Monarch King, Ricky T).

The 10 listed in order of numbers which they drew at the function will compete in front of 7 judges (from around the region) and of course the soca enthusiasts which will flood the Mindoo Philip Park this evening.


1. St.Vincent and the Grenadines - Skinny Fabulous (De Beast Leggo)

2.Grenada - Herminey “Miney” Victor (1000 Masqueraders)

3. St.Lucia - Ilah Man (I want my Money Back)

4. Barbados - Michael “Mikey” Mercer (Explosion)

5. St.Lucia - Ricky T (Like a Jumbie)

6. Guyana -: Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts (Ah Coming)

7. St.Lucia - Q pid (Relieve Me Pressure)

8. Trinidad and Tobago -Street disciples (Take a Wine and Hush you Mouth)

9 Grenada -Lyndon “Pupa Leendi” Adams (Rum Oye)

10. Dominica -Chester “Daddy Chess’ Letangs (Ready or Not)

The show begin after the King and Queen of the Bands scheduled for 8 p.m.. And we will be bringing LIVE COVERAGE of the enitre event (King and Queen of the Bands and Caribbean Soca Monarch)!

So WATCH LIVE !


Peace and Soca
Rochelle

Read more...

Eye Unit : Skinny & Ricky T at Colour Me Red (Live Performance)

Colour Me Red was indeed the get it Good fete of the year and considering the price per head of xcd 20.00 the place was packed.

Gaiety got painted red as persons flocked the place and expection of a great show was fulfilled by every artist from Q-Pid , Alpha , Teddyson John, Pringles, Orion, Derek Yarde Project to Illah Man , Ricky T and Skinny Fabulous. Without warning the place got FLATTEN !!


Here is your glimpse of the show, featuring Skinny and Ricky T free styling on the V12 Riddim, which is a product of Studio 758.

Much appreciation to Hitty of Monsterhittz for this clip!











PART TWO :






Peace and Soca

Read more...

Nurse's Lounge: Insomnia V - 4 bands, more vibes!

Sunday morning, June 28 – Insomnia V

When I travel...I wanna see the artistes perform live. Don’t get me wrong, I love sun, sand and surf. I love my food too...but I like to know how an artiste’s studio performance will translate on the stage. Insomnia was the perfect opportunity for that.

With a title like Insomnia, carnival lovers are well aware that the list of performers is gonna be longer than my arms...and you’ve seen my arms. That night I got to see onstage appearances from established and local acts alike. Four bands backed the artists; HS Phaktor, Roy Cape All-Stars, Alliance and The Madd Symphony.

Before I go on. I have to big up Hitman Colin Graham hooking me up with a comp pass. One issue though, he didn’t arrive to Insomnia until about 3:00 am. That just means I paid the door price to enter! For what it’s worth. The show was worth every penny of that $60 EC.

From watching Shaunelle McKenzie belt out incredible notes to Bomani performing his modern classic. There was Icon and First Lady clashing on stage, Fire Empress bending over, Full Clip, DJ 20...sweet.

Here’s what you missed...

I have to hand it Luke Boyea and Hot 97 for making the decision to put the Alliance band up last, after visiting band Roy Cape All-Stars. Usually, visiting artistes close the show, but here's the deal...it wouldn't have mattered what big songs from Trinidad the band was covering...they couldn't competed with the pandemonium that erupted every time Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child touched the stage in SVG.

The other treat of the closing set was seeing so many female artistes command the stage. It was beautiful to see Zoelah, Danielle Veira, Daria and Jalena all performing in the same set.

That vibe was infectious. Olatunji and Rita Jones caught it too. After the sun came up, I saw them bouncing at the front of the stage as they took in the local talent. Insomnia was a big night! Check the vid...you'll see!



One small word of critcism, doled out with a heap of love...trust me. Alliance is a great band. I've sat in on rehearsals, so I know some of St. Vincent's best musicians are responsible for their sound. BUTTTT!!!! Nurse Karen knows a little something about brass. I spent most of my youth playing the trumpet. I played in school concerts and jazz bands...even got a solo or two, now and then. The brass section for Insomnia V was out of tune, AND out of sync.

It was a late night, for sure, and the drinks were flowing. However, you can hear this on the video clips, and it definitely came across on the radio broadcast. Poor Mr. Vegas got the real short end of the stick, because it was pretty clear his set hadn't been rehearsed with him. Correct me if I'm wrong. Mind you, I doubt the other 3 or so thousand people there were paying much attention to all that. So kudos none the less, just remember music is SOUND. Make sure allyuh sound your best.

I had a great time at Insomnia. It made for a memorable day, especially after that CRAZY wedding! The night was totally memorable, and was made moreso by getting to chat a while with music legend Roy Cape. If you wanna talk about brass...check he!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Read more...