Booster Shot: Toby Dee wins St. Croix Party Monarch for the 3rd year in a row!

Congratulations to Toby on his 3rd consecutive Party Monarch win in St. Croix.


Check out this video of the winning performance!



Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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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!

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Booster Shot: TEMPO TV to celebrate its 4th anniversary

I can't believe it's already been four years.  I had only just begun reporting on the the international soca music scene when the little bright idea that was "MTV Caribbean" first went on the air.  TEMPO is about to hold their annual anniversary celebration at the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix. This year's theme is "Lights, Camera, Action!”   It goes down on Saturday, November 14th.

So, who's gonna be there?  Naturally the cast will show of a variety of music styles from various islands. But you wanna know about soca, and far be it from me to deny giving you exactly what you want.  

Soca:                                                                                         

Iwer George - 3-time Trinidad and Tobago Soca Monarch

Ziggy Ranking - The singjay with that deep sexy voice

Dancehall:  

Shabba Ranks -  Jamaican dancehall living legend

Ce'cile - The raining bad gyal of dancehall

Reggae:

Tarrus Riley - Winner of  HOT 105FM's Reggae Runnins 2009 Caribbean Heritage Award  

Gramps Morgan - Performing from his successful 2009 debut solo album, "2 Sides of My Heart"

Salsa:

N'Klabe - One of the hottest bands out of Puerto Rico

Local Cruzian Acts:

UMB Soldiers - 2008 St. Croix Road March Champions

Cherise King - 2008 VI Idol Winner

Mada Nile - Known as "Fyah" in the VI, she represents Rastafari in her rootsy reggae music

There's also an action-packed pre show featuring; Hart Attak band, Junior P, Sabor Latino, Sabbatical Addah, DJ No Limit (Antigua), DJ Devon (Trinidad), Fyah Emblem, DJ Saigon, and DJ Cool and Deadly.

Tickets start at $35 for general admission and go right up to $125  US.  

Let me know if you're going.  I would love to hear what it's like!

Love and Caribbean Music, 

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: The Baron robbed at Piarco airport

Good Evening Soca Lovers and Happy two-thousand and wine.  I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.

Congratulations on arriving in the New year safe and sound.  Now that 2008 is over, let us try and leave all that badmind ting behind.  I'll tell you what I mean. Trinidad's silky voiced veteran crooner Baron, appeared to be the unfortunate victim of theft on December 28^th.  It happened at Trinidad's Piarco airport on his way to Toronto to perform at a New Year's Eve fete.

  If you've ever seen the Baron perform, you know that he likes to sport a treasure trove of gold chains around his neck.   According to his manager, the entertainer placed a pouch containing the items on the counter when visiting the washroom. The lost jewellery is reputed to have a value of $75 Thousand TT, which is about  $15 grand Canadian.  Naturally, the man was NOT too pleased about that. It's real sad, the jewellery represented a personal collection amassed throughout his lifetime in the music business. This year people, take my advice...Don't worry about who have and who does not.  Achieve a little something and get your own.

  St. Kitts and Nevis chipped its way into 2009 by closing out their carnival season with a bang.  For the second year in a row, Grand Master's band copped the road march prize with the song "A Want Whale" from its 2008 album "Whaling Season".  You could bet there's some kinda double meaning in THAT.  Last year's road march was Boom Bam Bam. That song received a soca awards nomination in the Best Uptempo - Male Category. This is the sixth road march for Grand Master's Band.

If one of your resolutions is to finally make that trip to the mecca of Caribbean carnival next month or even to save a little money, boy have I got some bad news for you.  In spite of the global economic crisis beginning to rear its ugly head in these parts, the cost of carnival fetes is actually going up.  Many suspected that ticket prices would be made available at a discounted rate, however in most cases, they have either stayed the same or increased in price.  One example would be the popular Beach House All-inclusive which has gone up from $600 TT to $800 in 2009.  (That's One hundred and $160 CDN for one fete. )  I don't care how open the bar is...I don't even think Dr. Jay could drink his money's worth.

Before I go, I promised that I'd let you know what happened at Crucian Christmas Festival Party Monarch Competition in December.  Personally, I resolve to always keep my promises.  So here goes...Toby Dee successfully defended his title with  "Hands High" and he continues to be the Party Monarch of St. Croix.  But remember that anything is truly possible with a brand new year ahead.  Over in Montserrat, Rondell Meade managed to flatten his more experienced competition by capturing the Soca Monarch crown on his very first attempt.  He got the crowd hyped and happy with his performance of My Festival, placing him ahead of former Road March King Flying Dove and US-based crossover artist Kulcha Don.  

I'm Nurse Karen and that was your first edition of Dr. Jay's Rounds for 2009.  Why not start something new this year, and follow the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net for more juicy soca-related information.  You'll be happy you did.  Now back to de docta!

Karen L. Richardson
a.k.a "Nurse Karen"
Entertainment Writer

Visit my soca blog (Nurse) Karen (Etc) at http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com

Subscribe to "The Rounds Podcast" http://www.socatherapy.com/podcast/therounds.xml
Got iTunes?  click http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=278264462 to subscribe to The Rounds in iTunes!

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The Rounds: Nadia Batson opened a new boutique in Trinidad

Good Evening Soca Lovers,


I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Before I get started, I want to offer you my sincerest apologies for leaving you hanging last week. As I was making my rounds last Sunday, there was a family emergency that I had to come first. I really appreciate your understanding, ant the prayers and support of everyone who rallied around us, and I'm happy to say everything is cool and copacetic.

As we think of family, especially at this festive time of year, there are a couple of important anniversaries that the world-wide soca family is marking this week. Tuesday coming will make two years of marriage for Bunji Garlin and Faye-Ann Lyons.

Faye-Ann and Bunji in St. Vincent in July

This past Friday will made four years since the tragic passing of Burning Flames frontline vocalist Onika Peaches Bostic. Had she survived the tragic car accident that led to her untimely death, Onika would be celebrating her 29th birthday on December 23rd. Peaches, we still remember your spirit, your smile and your songs. You will be dearly missed.

Awesome news out of Trinidad for Miss Nadia Batson! The Caribbean Queen launched a business in the Trincity Mall last Tuesday. Her new boutique is called Fashion over Style, and in spite of hard economic times, it seems like the opening was even more successful than she anticipated with stock flying right off the shelves. I say, congratulations on the new business venture. Wishing Nadia prosperity in abundance for 2009!

With Nadia at Soca or Die in Toronto last month

As I speak, our Crucian friends are gearing up to kick off the second annual St. Croix Party Monarch Competition. The 2007 winner was Toby Dee. He's back to defend his crown against 13 Monarch hopefuls including Omari Ferrari. Check back with me soon. I'll tell yuh what happens.

So much to say...precious little time. But if you're curious, it's stuff to do with....Patrice Roberts and Mavado. Mm hmm! Machel Montano and Universal Music. Mm hmm! A video that's pure "Fyah" from Kevin Lyttle and a "Tight" one from Peter Ram.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. If you want to follow these and other interesting soca industry news and gossip, check me out online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And never miss the rounds. Download the podcast to go at socatherapy dot com slash podcast. Now back to de docta!

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The Rounds: New Possibilities for 2008

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. We’re two weeks into 2008, and the year is full of possibilities. January 2nd was jump up day in St. Kitts. You already heard it! Grand Master’s Band song called Boom Bam Bam unexpectedly beat out Small Axe Band and King Konris for road march.

In St. Croix, they started a new tradition at Cruzian Christmas Festival. They proved that anything can happen when they crowned their first ever Party Monarch. Congrats goes out to Toby Derima aka Toby Dee of the Xpress band for wowing the judges with his performance of Hands High.

In Trinidad, the possibilities are endless for carnival 2008. The hype has begun for the International Power and Groovy Soca Monarch competitions. The Caribbean Prestige Foundation released the list of semifinalists this week. From the looks of it, the competition is becoming more international than ever! Tizzy is repping Antigua. Mr. Dale, Peter Ram AND Lil Rick made the cut for Barbados. For Grenada, Nnika Francis is back, along with Luni Sparks and Electrify. Then there’s St. Lucia boasting 4 semifinalists in Ricky T, Teddyson John, Allan Piper and Mariann. Then for meh Vincy peeps, it’s Problem Child, Jamesy P and Zoelah.

Highlights on the home turf include the return of Bunji Garlin, who’s in the semi’s with his wife and she daddy…my boy…SuperBlue. Seem’s like Crazy made an impact on the veterans last year cuz Rootsman is trying a ting for 2K8.
Understand, the 62 semifinalists still have to duke it out to see who will compete against defending champs Biggie Irie and Iwer George for this year’s crown. There will only be ten competitors in each category on February 1st. I’ll keep you posted.

It’s going to be a fantastic year musically. January brings us the Air Jamaica Jazz fest January 24th to 27th, and the Barbados Music festival on the 27th too. Then all attention shifts to the soca mecca of Trinidad and Tobago, where the music is coming out fast and furious. With plenty of surprises yet in store.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 or check me out on Nurse Karen Etc at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net.

Now, back to de docta!

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The Prognosis - December 18, 2005

Soca Prognosis
Karen Richardson
December 18, 2005
385

Good Evening Soca lovers…
It’s your resident Nurse, Karen bringing you your weekly PROGNOSIS….
One week to go until Christmas…and I just can’t wait. I love everything about it. Food, fun and family. And the music of course!!

Our friends in St. Kitts, Monserrat and St. Croix are now in the middle of vibrant carnival celebrations. St. Vincent’s streets are bumping as they count down nine mornings. The parangderos are spreading that festive Spanish vibe all over T&T. Here…we’re buried under mounds of snow and credit card bills….but that’s OK. It’s still the best time of the year.
Following four days of eliminations, it was announced Thursday that 16 out of 53 kittitian calypsonians have advanced to the semi-final round of the 2005/2006 calypso monarch competition. It remains to be seen if defending champion Socrates will walk away with the title for his fifth time. The man is good, but the question is…how does he measure up against veteran favourite Ellie Matt. Matt has been absent from calypso competitions for several years, but the ten time calypso king of St. Kitts and Nevis is back for 2005. The final battle goes down December 30th.

Every week, I bring you the latest carnival news…and it’s always the same thing. King dis. King dat… Even here at soca therapy I have to play second fiddle to De Prince. But that’s OK. So, what about the queens? Caribbean carnivals always devote much time and attention to Queen Shows. (Errr…beauty pageants) And if you don’t already know, that is serious business in the West Indies. Antigua Carnival does not jump off until July, buy a bevy of beauties are working the make the cut right now. The Antigua and Barbuda carnival development committee starting taking applications for the hotly contested Queen of Carnival pageant yesterday. Ladies between 18 and 25 looking to represent their island paradise to the fullest have just two weeks to register.

Lastly, If you’ve been asking Santa for a ticket to Trinidad for Christmas, don’t fret if Santa saves some money and books it for January instead of late February for the parade of the bands. Good news is the calypso tents will be opening their doors on January 27th…and that just might be your best bet to witness the humour, politics and creativity that makes carnival so wonderful. So, just be smart….take the early ticket…then call your boss from Maracas beach and tell him you’re real sick. Doh worree….I go be sick too.
I’m Nurse Karen, And that’s your weekly prognosis

Send your comments to Soca at FLOW 935 DOT COM
Now back to de Docta

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The Prognosis - December 4, 2005

Soca Prognosis
Karen Richardson
December 4, 2005
Good Evening Soca lovers.
This is Karen the resident nurse here with your weekly prognosis.

First of all we at Soca Therapy would like to send our congratulations the Mighty King Cosmos for his win at the 7th annual Canadian Urban Music Awards. Cosmos took home the coveted CUMA for “best soca recording”. His single “Island Girl” helped him secured his spot as a favorite with the Urban Music Association. I caught a glimpse of the King Tuesday night decked out in black and dripping with the bling from head to toe. You go King Cosmos! Keep the roots of soca showmanship alive.

So congrats are in order for our very own Doctor Jay. Yet again, the big man in the business was nominated for a CUMA, but ah sorry to say he’ll have to pick up his trophy next year. Could be worse though…Flow’s own Starting from Scratch walked home with the title of DJ of the Year. And that’s cool with me. I mean, he cool. I can’t say I know too many other French-Canadian kids will a healthy helping of soca music in their mixmaster repertoire.


So it’s December now. And after waiting whole year to hear your island called out in the fetes. I have some great news for all my St. Kitts, Montserrat and St. Croix massive. I feel your pain. And I have a little sumthin’ that go make you feel betta. Big up your chests and large up all you small island people because it is Carnival time in your land. I’ll be bringing you the latest.
Cruzian Festival 2005 began yesterday and Montserrat Festival kicks off Wednesday with a variety concert. It will really get HOT HOT HOT over the weekend with a street jam and the official opening in Festival Village.

Speaking of HOT HOT HOT... Montserratian soca icon Arrow is helping his country bring back the tourist money after the volcano erupted a few years ago. Arrow spent last week promoting Monserrat in London England at the World Travel Market trade show.

Ok Trini posse, patience is a virtue….last week Dr. Jay told you about the passing of veteran pan arranger Clive Bradley. A wake was held for this musical genius at the Desperadoes pan theatre early last week before the funeral was held Friday at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Port-of-Spain.
I’m Nurse Karen…
Now back to de Docta

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