Booster Shot: The History Behind Dr. Jay's Soca or Die Fete

Dr., Jay and Nurse Karen at Soca or Die 8

This time of year, soca lovers all over the place get excited for one special fete that only happens in Toronto (Well officially, that is!) You've all heard the saying 'often immitated, never duplicated'. The same can be said for "Soca or Die", a signature event promoted by DJ Dr. Jay de Soca Prince. He is a top soca DJ an promoter, based right here in Toronto. He's also the host of the Soca Therapy radio show, for which I contribute "The Round's" segment every Sunday, in other words...the Doctor to my Nurse. Ever since I was in high school (and my parents would have never allowed me to go to a party), Dr. Jay has been promoting events that put soca in the spotlight, helping to make Toronto one of the few places quality soca shows can be enjoyed throughout the calendar year. The biggest Soca or Die show happens every year in November. That's when the concept is to celebrate Jay's B-Day, as well as DJ Marxman who also spins for the radio show, and I get included, being that we all happen to be born the same week. It's exciting, and always star-studded event, but this time around, it's a suprise! Patrons won't know who is performing until they get there. Crazy idea right? Yeah, I think so to. One thing I know, when it comes to shows, Dr. Jay won't steer you wrong. See below from Dr. Jay's explanation of the history behind SOCA OR DIE.

In case you never heard the story, let me tell you how I was inspired to doSOCA OR DIE!


In November 2004, Sean 'Diddy' Combs launched a political awareness initiative called "Vote Or Die!" during the Bush/Kerry Presidential race.
Let's be real, Diddy is a marketing genius. The Vote Or Die! t-shirts were in high demand and celebrities were all signing up to be spokespeople and push the message of voting and letting your voice be heard.

  The more I saw it on tv, the more I related it to my own life.

 For Diddy, it was all about the urgency and importance of voting.

For me, it will always be about the urgency and importance of Soca.

 I also made shirts that to this day, people are asking for. But I refused to stop there. I wanted to create a showcase. I thought outside of the box and spotlighted artists that wouldn't normally get that shine. Since April 2005,SOCA OR DIE! has been the most consistent concert series in Toronto.

The proof is in the pudding. With 3 sleeps to go till the last BIG fete of the year, let's take a look at the previous 9 SOCA OR DIE! events...

SOCA OR DIE! 1 on 1

April 2005

ft RUPEE with his Dot Com Band


 SOCA OR DIE! 2 FLOORS, 2 CONCEPTS, 2 VIBES, 2 FETES in 1

PAJAMA JAMMY JAM on one floor, FOAM FETE on the other

June 2005

ft H2O PHLO, BLAZER, BILLY D KID


SOCA OR DIE! 3 BIG ARTISTS

November 2005

ft LIL RICK, KERWIN DUBOIS, MR DJ and introducing MIGUEL



SOCA OR DIE! 4

Celebrating 10th Anniversary of Toronto-Lime

May 2006

ft DESTRA & ATLANTIK, MAXIMUS DAN, KES THE BAND


SOCA OR DIE! 5

November 2006

ft LIL RICK, PETER RAM, PROBLEM CHILD, BARRY CHANDLER, BENJAI,MR KILLA, KIMBERLY INNISS, ISAAC BLACKMAN, BIG ARTIST CREW(Michelle Sylvester, Terry Seales, Ms. Alysha, Nadia Batson, Mista Vybe), MR LEX aka LEXXUS

 

SOCA OR DIE! 6

"there is a passion that unites us all"

May 2007

ft DAVID RUDDER, KES THE BAND, NADIA BATSON, KERWIN DUBOIS,COLLIE BUDDZ


SOCA OR DIE! 7

"this is as big as it gets"

November 2007

ft KROSFYAH (Edwin Yearwood, Khiomal, Adrian Dutchin), LIL RICK,PROBLEM CHILD,  MR DALE, NADIA BATSON, TIZZY, RICKY T


 SOCA OR DIE! 8

"Battle Of The Sexes - the only fete to last 2 days!"

May 2008

ft DESTRA & ATLANTIK, BUNJI & ASYLUM, FAY ANN LYONS, IWER,NADIA BATSON, MAXIMUS DAN, TIZZY, KERWIN DUBOIS, FARM P

 

SOCA OR DIE! 9

"the best of the best" (YOU vote for who YOU want to see)

November 2008

ft SKINNY FABULOUS, DESTRA, LIL RICK, PROBLEM CHILD, BERBICE,TIZZY


   SOCA OR DIE!

*special CARIBANA FRIDAY edition*

July 2009

ft KES THE BAND, TRAFFIK (Sean Caruth, Eddie Charles),IWER, ZOELAH, NADIA BATSON, PROBLEM CHILD, LIL BITTS, SKINNY FABULOUS, SHAYNE BAILEY, SLAMMER CUTTER


After looking back, it's now time to prepare for what's to come...

In 9 days, we celebrate our LOVE for SOCA music.

In 9 days, it's the last BIG fete of the year.

In 9 days, it's SOCA OR DIE!

 The "SURPRISE" birthday party for myself, marXman, Nurse Karen, Sir Phillips and all Soca Scorpios.

In 9 days, the "SURPRISE" is for YOU!


SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7th 2009

KOOL HAUS

featuring performances by SURPRISE INTERNATIONAL SOCA SUPERSTARSalongside Toronto's own SLAMMER CUTTER and MS PAIGE


You've heard of the saying "In Jay We Trust", ent?

Well trust me when I say you will NOT be disappointed in who the SURPRISE SOCA SUPERSTARS will be in 9 days.

Real talk. I do this for the love. I could easily have advertised these artists and charged $10 more per ticket. These are some of the biggest names throughout the Caribbean and I would have been justified for the price increase. Times are tough all around and the artists agreed to take a pay cut in order to make it possible to charge only $25 in advance on the condition that it remains a surprise. People are driving from Montreal, Ottawa and even Cleveland for this big fete. In 9 days, I outdo myself. Just wait and see. Get your tickets now

-Dr. Jay

If you're in Toronto, I'll see you there. For the rest of you...I take it you finally understand why we call this place SOCA CITY! For more info on Dr. Jay visit him online at  www.DrJayOnline.com or follow him on Twitter

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Shurwayne Winchester and Y.O.U celebrated 1 year, etc!

Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto "Soca Therapy"

In this edition:

- Shurwayne and Y.O.U. celebrate one year (Trinidad and Tobago)
- SVG goverment promises money to artists (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
- Problem Child's Mad House Tour Reality Show (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
- December carnivals: St. Kitts, St. Croix, Montserrat
- Soca or Die (Canada)
- This week's soca birthdays: B.V.I, St. Kitts and Nevis

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Last Tuesday, Shurwayne Winchester and YOU celebrated their 1st anniversary together as a band. The event took place at Woodford Cafe in Trinidad, the same place they held their very first performance just one year before. Since then, they have the have grown as a cohesive unit, opened their own band room, produced the ABX Riddim for Carnival 2k10, and recorded 18 of their own songs. Shurwayne announced that Y.O.U. would be releasing a new album on the 1st of December.
The very same date marked the 30th anniversary of independence for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. There’s all kinds of reasons why something like that is important news for the rounds, but allow me to give you one more. To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves announced the government’s plans for an economic stimulus package that includes 1 million dollars in grant money to be doled out to its cultural entrepreneurs. It plain English, the soca artists are getting cheques in the mail just for being creative. Boyyyy, nothing says happy Indy like free money.

Speaking of SVG, I’m not sure how many of you knew that St. Vincent’s Roadmarch king, Problem Child has his very own reality show. It’s called the Madhouse Tour and it launched on St. Vincent’s K45, Iktv channel in the fall. I never mentioned it to you before, because there were no videos online. Well now there are. If you surf over to youtube, You can see funny clips of the artist’s adventures all over the place, including....TORONTO.
We all know that Trinidad Carnival is coming in February. But there are actually several other Carnivals before then. In December three other Caribbean Islands will heat up with the sounds of soca, and theatre of mas; St. Kitts, St. Croix (USVI), and Montserrat. The 2009 Montserrat Festival calendar was just released this past week, with a packed agenda of activities from December 4th through January 1st.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Today is only November 1st. So, happy birthday goes out to soca artist, Lincoln Ward in the British Virgin Island. Then on Saturday, the Parade of Scorpio b-days continues. That night will be the 1st ever Soca or Die Surprise Birthday party for Dr. Jay and friends. Hope you got your tickets! But it’s also the birthday of Juliette Mills from St. Kitts, Tabia from St. Vincent, and Scarface from Trinidad. Don’t look surprised, we already told you November is the month of the Soca Baby!

Before I go...good news. Knycky Cordner performed again with her band Ventures for the 1st time since her hip surgery earlier this year. Happy to see the girl back in action!
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. To get the news first, be sure to visit nurse dash Karen dot com or follow me, nursekaren on Twitter. Now back to de Docta!

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The Rounds: Celebrating carnival, Scorpio B-days, Creole Day and Independence!

Originally aired on "Soca Therapy", Sunday, October 25th, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto

In this edition:
- Celebrating Soca Scorpios - Toronto / International
- LA Carnival / Jacksonville Carnival - USA
- Machel at Antillia Carnival - USA
- Sunshine Awards held on Saturday - USA
- Notting Hill Carnival Doc Screened - UK
- Soca Mix in Fader - USA
- Creole Day - Dominica, St. Lucia, Haiti
- St. Vincent Independence - St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Sometimes I feel like we’re speeding through the 2009 calendar. Coulda sworn it was Summer just the other day...and now...it’s Scorpio season. Soca or Die 10 goes down on Saturday celebrating the birthdays of Dr. Jay, Marxman and a few other soca scorpios including yours truly. But we’re not the only ones. This past week Trinidad’s Jadee, and St. Vincent’s Problem Child had birthdays too, and Lil Bitts has a birthday on Saturday.

If we’re not celebrating one thing, it’s another. West Indians in southern California enjoyed fetes and revelry last weekend for Los Angeles Carnival. This week, the fun moved back to Florida for Jacksonville Carnival yesterday.

Next on the docket is New York City’s Antillia Carnival which will launch in Manhattan on November 5th with a performance by Machel Montano HD. This year’s uber posh preview of Trinidad Carnival will be hosted by former miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam, and male supermodel Tyson Beckford.

Last night, New York City also playee host to the 21st annual Sunshine Awards, which recognizes Caribbean achievement in the performing arts. Nominees were chosen from many islands and many creative fields. Where soca is concerned, Shurwayne, Bunji and Fay-Ann all were nominated for best new song, while Alston Beckett Cyrus was honoured for his lifetime contribution to the artform.

As Black History Month in the UK comes to a close this week, a new documentary that showing off the beauty and artistry of Nottinghill Carnival will be screened this week. It’s called "Sequins, Soca and Sweat," and it follows six mas bands through their hectic carnival preparations.

Here in Canada, a well known Montreal club DJ was featured on a major music magazine’s website. Ghislain Poirier’s 25 minute soca mix was selected as this week’s Ghetto Palms feature on Fader dot com. Even through Poirier isn’t known exclusively for soca he has been touring extensively in 2009 promoting raising awareness of the genre and his Soca Sound System EP. We like that kinda thing!

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Before I go, I’d like to wish a happy Creole Day to all my Lucian, Haitian and Dominicans on the outside. And to my Vincy Massive Happy 30th anniversary of Independence.

For more info on anything I mentioned here, 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: Kevin Lyttle Blazing the Japanese Charts with FYAH

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.

September is always a big month, when you think about going back to school, getting into a routine, and ushering in the Autumn season. So congrats to everyone for reaching the end in one piece...and congrats to one soca artiste who will likely remember this month for years to come.

A few weeks ago, you heard me mention the Japanese release of Kevin Lyttle's sophomore album "Fyah". The CD continues to blaze up those charts with the FYAH single occupying anywhere from number 26 all the way up to number 2, on the radio charts in major Japanese cities.

Kevin Lyttle at Maddzart's Wild Out in Wred Party, St. Vincent 2006

And as if you would expect anything less, the Fyah ringtone is a common sound in the busy streets of Tokyo. AND Besides all that, September just keeps on getting better for Kevin.

He rang in his thirty-second birthday on September 14th, and just last Friday he was nominated for an Urban Music Award in the UK. Fans can vote online...and the hardware will be handed out at London's 02 Centre on November 15th. It's a little weird, they stuck him in the reggae category alongside Shaggy and Spragga Benz..but accolades are accolades, and naturally we wish this soca ambassador continued success beyond September too!

Looking ahead, October is the Month when the SAO Soca Awards will be bestowed upon the top dogs in the soca world for 2008. The ceremonies take place in beautiful St. Kitts on the 18th of next month. If you'd like to be a part of the action, your best bet is to vote. Check out triple w dot soca awards dot com to throw your support behind Toronto-based nominees like Dr. Jay, Jester, Ms Boomerang and Toronto-Lime dot com.

In Trinidad with Jef from Toronto-Lime.com...the man behind it all! (2008)

November, well I'm sure you heard the news. The very biggest talk is Soca or Die, featuring a cast of acts selected by YOU...the listener.

Well, for those of you can't be in Toronto that weekend, the major action is in Dominica for the 12th edition of the World Creole Music Festival. Dominica will ring in its 30th year of independence from British rule...and will celebrate it in fine style for a whole week. Machel Montano HD will be there. Sean Paul will be there. Kassav and a slew of other amazing Caribbean acts. Over the years the festival has drawn more than 260, 000 visitors to the nature island. In 2008, organizers are hoping to break records for the special reunion year.

Toronto's DJ Kold Fusion will be returning to Dominica for the festivities...
Here we are in Trinidad on Carnival Tuesday! (2008)

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please leave me your comments online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustardseeds dot net....and get your podcast of Dr. Jay's Rounds at Soca Therapy 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: Kes the Band members debut on the small screen

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. First I want to wish a very happy mother's day to all the women out there influencing others to be their best. And to all the mommy's of the soca therapy family, we feel so blessed to have you in our lives.

Just one week to go until Soca or Die, and I know allyuh can't wait. All the soca crews are making sure to get plenty sleep this week, because next weekend is two nights of fete.

Sunday night headliners Bunji Garlin and Faye-Ann Lyons are in Germany this weekend for Berlin Carnival. There has been an active soca subculture in that city for years, but the 2006 World Cup of Football made true soca warriors out of everyone. Assylum Band is mashing up as I speak…next stop Toronto!

Nadia Batson is due to perform here next Sunday too, but she left Trinidad on Thursday with stops in New York and LA. It's a busy time for Nadia and her fellow band mates in Kees the Band. Digital sampling dude, Richard Balgobin is the new host of Synergy TV's Chutney Star. It just premiered on Thursday in T and T. Meanwhile Kees and Nadia are gearing up for the debut of The Reef. I first told you about it in February. These talented singers, will be showing off their acting chops in a brand new dramatic series to air on Channel Six in Trinidad.

Other Caribbean locales can take it in on MTV Tempo. And in the New York City Tristate area, look for it on CIN 73. Allyuh lucky! The rest of us will have to HOPE to eventually catch a glimpse on YouTube.

So the 27th annual International Reggae and World Music Awards went down last weekend at the Apollo. Machel was pretty popular that night, even though the show celebrates musical achievements in Reggae, Soca, Reggaeton, Soukous, Salsa and Compas. Machel won the coveted Bob Marley Entertainer of the year award plus two others, to make him the night's biggest winner.

Buju Banton won the award for Most Educational Entertainer last week. And Last NIGHT he had a sold out gig at Madison Square Garden with fellow reggae stars Super Cat and Barrington Levy. Upcoming groovy soca sweet boy Kevon Carter wooed the audience with the sweetest soca vibes. So, if you didn't know that name, you might want to get familiar. It won't be the last time.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds.

Check me out online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at Mustard Seeds dot net. And get The Rounds to go, by downloading the podcast. Now, back to de docta.

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(Nurse) Karen (Etc): The Rounds - November 4, 2007

(Nurse) Karen (Etc): The Rounds - November 4, 2007

Scenes from November 4th in studio...and Soca or Die 7

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The Rounds - November 4, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. So, in case yuh just late, Last night was the biggest fete on Toronto’s Fall Soca Calendar. Soca or Die 7, rocked the Kool Haus until early this morning showcasing the explosive talents of Tizzy, Ricky T, Nadia Batson and Problem Child. Krosfyah blessed the party, bringing their signature sound to the performances of Edwin Yearwood, Khiomal, Adrian Dutchin, Mr. Dale and Little Rick. Can you say PRESSURE?
Dr. Jay’s annual birthday party proved, that he’s not getting older…just better. And by the way, same goes for me!
Speaking of Birthdays…Nookie Man Jamesy P now has some evidence that he knows a little something about the subject matter of his songs. He’s the proud father of bouncing baby boy. Treshawn Morgan is the youngest soca scorpio, just born to Jamesy P and his wife last week in Tortola.
On the Carnival Circuit, the Caymen Islands are celebrating “Pirates Week” November 8th to 18th. It’s the national festival of that Caribbean
Territory, although dey big masquerade thing is called Batabano Carnival. That happens each year in May. St. Kitts and Nevis is getting geared up to launch Carnival as well. But that action really heats up over the Christmas Holidays. On Tuesday, Digicel Inferno Carnival launched their new presentation “ The People Who Came,” paying tribute to the ethno-cultural history of SKN.

Thursday night was the annual Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago Awards. COTT governs music publishing in the twin island republic. Machel was a big winner, taking home three major awards. The newly crowned Songwriter of the Year, also took home song of the year, and soca of the year for his road march win “Jumbie”, which was created collaboratively with Kernal Roberts, and Courtney Lewis, who is St. Lucian.
The event was held at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, and featured a gold carpet for arriving music celebrities. There were special performances from Calypso veteran Lord Nelson and Trinidad’s Own Grammy Award Winner. Billy Ocean lent his voice to the Grand Finale – A rendition of his smash hit Caribbean Queen, performed by three ladies worthy of that title; Sanell Dempster, Nadia Batson and Destra Garcia.
COTT is currently looking into a complaint from Blazer, regarding a portion of his groovy hit “Be Mine to Night” that was illegally used by the UNC political party in their election campaign ads. The singer believes that he was dropped from the bill of 3 upcoming shows, because of what appears to be his public political affiliation. However, he claims that he is not directly connected to ANY party, and dem boys didn’t even have his permission to use the song.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Please text me your comments at 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now, back to de docta.

Check out scenes from Soca or Die 7 and this day in studio. Login, and leave me a comment!

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The Rounds - October 14, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. I hope allyuh had a safe and happy thanksgiving with family and friends. So, now are you ready for Christmas? I realize it’s a bit early to ask that question, but we had a few nights this week when I could have sworn that Santa Claus was on his way!
Mastamind Productions is getting ready for the holidays early as well. Tomorrow their brand new “Mastamind Christmas” CD drops. I’m talking about 15 tracks featuring songs by Leon Coldero, De Postman, Third Bass and others. Soca Parang, Classical Parang, and good old fashioned Christmas Carols too.
For Zan, Friday last was feeling more like Halloween. It must have been like a horror scene when the 26 year old soca singer, missed his long overdue court appearance, because - he slept in! If you remember, Zan was one of the soca rat pack who got mixed up in that Zen night club fracas back in April. Zan’s attorney told the magistrate that his client had worked until 6 a.m. that morning and was to go home, just to change his clothes for court. Apparently, Einstein took a little nap while he was there and missed the whole thing.
So, HERE’s the latest. Machel, Kernal and Benjai were there, and they all plead NOT GUILTY to the assault charges. Miss Magistrate seemed to share my festive mood, deciding to wait until sometime AFTER the carnival season to revisit the matter.
When thinking of yearly celebrations, there’s one that comes to mind, that FOR ME is way more exciting than all the others. MY BIRTHDAY! I’m a soca Scorpio and that means I will be celebrating life on November 3rd with about 35 hundred of my closest friends; Dr. Jay, Marxman, Umba d Shepherd and YOU. We going to KoolHaus on November 3rd for Soca or Die 7. And we feting till morning with Nadia Batson, Problem Child, Tizzy, Adrian Dutchin and more. Get your tickets before they sell out! Ah cyan wait!
MTV Tempo is celebrating a birthday in November TOO! Yes, the Caribbean music channel will be ringing in its second anniversary on November 6th.
If you’ve ever seen MTV Tempo, they’re on to a good thing. Little by little they are helping the music of the Caribbean cross the seas to audiences in all the islands. Lately, Shurwayne Winchester hooked up with a producer from another land thanks to TEMPO. Shurwayne and Alton Bertie teamed up on a song called “Carnival Please Stay”. Bertie is from the Virgin Islands. The duo met up at the Air Port in Puerto Rico on their ways home from the Rock the Tempo concert in St. Thomas.
The anniversary party features another all-start line up of hit makers in soca and reggae. If you can find a way to catch that broadcast, you can expect performances from Beres Hammond, Ziggy Ranking and Krosfyah (who coincidentally will be bringing the live accompaniment at Soca or Die).
I’m nurse Karen and those are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. If you feel like celebrating something, text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5, now back to the doctor! Now, back to de Docta!

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The Rounds - May 14, 2006

Dr. Jay’s Rounds
Karen L. Richardson
May 14, 2006

Good Evening Soca lovers! I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.

It’s a known fact that famous people are just people like everybody else. Take Dr. Jay for example, he’s likely the best known soca personality in Canada, but that does not stop him from being a well-mannered responsible family man when the lights are on and the party people have all gone home. Sometimes regular working folk like us tend to forget that our favourite music personalities have lives outside of keeping us entertained.

Jamesy P was cutting hair, before he started cutting records. Alison Hinds had to “roll it” to get her hot body back after giving birth to her daughter. Soca artists have to deal with the stresses of life and pay the bills too.

In everyday life, Blazer’s name is Troydon Cruickshank. Last time we mentioned him on Soca Therapy it was to tell you that he was charged for the murder of his brother Dillon. The 24 year old sibling was found dead from a gun shot wound to the head in the family home in Enterprise, Trinidad. There wasn’t much of an investigation since it appeared to take place at point blank range.

Last week the case finally made it to court. And you’d never believe what happened! Both the State attorney and the star witness failed to show up. Blazer was there though. Just long enough to hear the Senior Magistrate THROW THE CASE OUT OF COURT. That’s right today the man is walking free. Blazer may be famous for his 2003 smash hit “Wrong Timing”, but it seems like de boy have some kinda dumb luck too. All ah Trinidad was expecting him to go the way of Martha Stewart and Li’l Kim, but I guess the stars were shining down on him …and maybe dat one isn’t so regular at all.
OK next example, St. Vincent’s Karen Veira is a carnival baby to the core. She been playing mas since she could balance on two feet. Last year, she exploded on to the streets on Kingstown in a new way. She released the groovy soca song “The Way You Make Me Feel” and it solidified her status as a soca songstress. Before you knew it, the then 18 year old was in studio with established artistes like Skinny Fabulous, Dawg-E-Slaughter and Peter Ram. After Vincy Mas she traded in her microphone once again for feathers and glitter as she joined Toronto’s 2005 Band of the Year to jump up with Carnival Nationz on the Lakeshore. Well, she’s back home for carnival and she’s turning heads in a completely new way. Sexy Kayren is strutting her stuff as one of the finalists in the Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines Pageant. Naturally, her soca status makes her a crowd favourite to win it all on June 3rd. I feel sorry for the other contestants, how can they even try to compete in the talent portion?

Next weekend it’s time for SOCA or DIE 4. Toronto people, get ready to see three of the most talented regular people in music. Destra, Maximus and Kes.

OK, I’ll give you that. These peoples lives are slightly more exciting than the average. But they blood still RED. Trust me on dat one!

I’m Nurse Karen and those are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Send me your comments at SOCA at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Now back to de super star doctor…

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The Rounds - October 15, 2006

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. With less than one month to go before Soca or Die five…I’m starting to feel the anticipation in the air. Personally, I think de good doctor gone mad bringing every artiste and they brudda up to celebrate he birthday. But I tell you, when you’re the Prince of Soca, there’s no better way to show the city how much soca has been part of your life, than to throw a party the city will never forget. I’m real looking forward to it. Last week Doctor Jay mentioned that I will be marking a birthday too….dancing into the night with a slew of soca Scorpios -Murda!
This week, MTV Tempo finally released their birthday celebration plans as well. And guess when is their big party… that’s right! Saturday, November 4th. The big anniversary fete goes down on the island of St. Croix. It will feature performances by Shurwayne Winchester, Saucy Wow and a couple of others. But nothing like what we’re doing here. We packing up de KoolHaus with Doctor Jay and a truckload of his soca friends. I don’t think allyuh understand how excited I am to see Kimberly Inniss and Lil Rick perform “My Hips”…oh gosh L’il Rick people!!!
Oh-Kay…back to de rounds. Last week I let you know that Jamesy P was chilling at home rather than going down the road with fellow hit maker Jason Benn in Miami, That’s OK, because it turns out Mr. Benn was doing just fine on he own. Benn took away the 2006 Miami Soca Monarch Title last weekend with a song called “Who to Choose” It appears that the judges chose him. The Trini born singer is based in Brooklyn New York and is known there as a top promoter of Boat rides and Parties. He’s also known for his golden voice, having won New York Soca Artiste of the year four years ago at the first ever international Soca Awards.
I love it when hard working people get their due recognition. Benn is a songwriter too. In the past, he has composed songs for Denyse Plummer, Natasha Wilson, and Candy Hoyte.
Jason says he’ll be stepping it even hotter this year. He wrote a song for Destra called “ I dare you.” And although he hasn’t performed in Trinidad for carnival in three years, he plans to break that habit in 2007.
While we’re talking about hard workers who hadda get they props…I want to direct your attention to Doctor Jay de Soca prince. After all these years of Soca therapy, dat man been busting he hump to give you the very best in soca music. He works plenty hard and understands that sometimes when you’re busy, it’s good to get a little help. Lucky for me, because if wasn’t for Jay, Nurse Karen wouldn’ta ha no wuk.
And I must say, I’m thankful. Since I started bringing you the rounds, I’ve been learning something new every week. This week I found out a little something about my own heritage. Los Angeles carnival takes place in the community of Westchester. It’s home to a good sized Caribbean population as well as lots of Garifuna people. This is especially interesting to me, because of my own Garifuna ancestry. The Garifuna are a mixed race people who are the descendants of Shipwrecked African slaves and Amerindians who lived in St. Vincent. 5000 of them were exiled from St. Vincent when the British colonized the island. So, LA carnival has a slightly different sound track. Soca – Check!, Calypso – Check! And Punta…. Sounds similar to soca, it’s sung in English and Garifuna and comes from Belize, Hunduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and everywhere else large Garifuna populations are found. Maddzart performed last night at a huge Punta meets Soca fete. And right now, he’s joining the action on the road. I definitely have to join that action one day too. Punta music is plenty fun to dance to. And with that I bid you “Bwee-tee Gunyon”, I mean Good Night…
I’m nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to Soca a Flow 935 dot com. Now, back to de docta.

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