On De Scene : I Must be in Carnival - SluCarnival goesHD

This past January www.slucarnival.com went HD in order to be more user friendly for its users. Last Carnival Shane Larcher the one behind this website bought St.Lucia Carnival to the worldwide web by providing users with music, band information, liming spots, and different tips on the beautiful island.

This year, the site has been up and running since the opening the year because I MUST BE IN CARNIVAL , so there is hardly any excuse to not be up to date on the upcoming Carnival Season. You may say it is a bit early but from the information I have received from Band Leaders , most bands will be launched earlier than expected which is heightening the anticipation that this year will be MAJOR!

So , if you interested save the dates JULY 19th and 20th , 2010 . It is to early to tell when the official opening of Carnival will be but stay in tuned with us here and also www.slucarnival.com who will keep you up to date on developments as the season comes.

Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Qpid - Relieve Me Pressure!

Wanted to take a moment to send some birthday greetings to a very positive and hard working artist from beautiful, St. Lucia.....Q-pid!

Qpid had a great carnival this year, with "Relieve Me Pressure" winning the People's Monarch competition, despite some much talked about bacchanal at the Soca Monarch finals.  Clearly fans were singing her praises and hoping that this year she might be able to take home some hardware.  Having seen her performance with my humble eyes, it was obvious that Qpid's performance chops are mature and ready for anything.

The video, directed by Divina Lee shows of some very capable Lucian winery..and features a cameo appearance by my homey, popular SLU DJ and radio personally Scady P. LOL...he's the half nekkid doctor. Woyyy!

We've posted this video before...but perhaps you oughta take another look on behalf of the birthday girl.

It's the least you could do!

Enjoy...


Love and Soca,


Nurse Karen

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On De Scene: St. Lucia Carnival 2009 REVIEW

For the past few days , I have been struggling to write a review of the year's most anticipated event. And this struggle was by no means due to overwhelming excitment but rather disappointment. St.Lucia Carnival 2009 took to me " MANY years backward". I am not too sure whether it was the lack of music variety or the lack of organisation by Cultural Development Foundation , whatever it was, it LACKED! Many will agree there was "no vibe", I believe revellers played mas since it is the routine. Do not get me wrong, the parties and some events delievered, as this year I witnessed "A-CLASS" performances by our artists . The torrential showers on Carnival Monday, almost seemed like a cry for better, and boy did it pour!

Tony Nicholas from the Star St.Lucia Newspaper, put together this article which hit every single nail on the head. I am going to use this opportunity to share it with you all.

Maybe there was divine reasoning in the heavy showers which almost washed away the finale of Saint Lucia’s Carnival 2009, on Monday July 20 and Tuesday July 21. Maybe just maybe, it was a lesson taught, that a seed not properly grounded in fertile soil or rooted in anything, can easily be washed away. Then again maybe it was a spiritual cleansing of sorts too. Or could it simply be that those upstairs thought that there was so much uninspiring and uninformed commentary coming from those television commentators that it was best that they be washed away. Carnival 2009
did not have a pleasant scent and was more like a cheap bottle of imitation perfume bought on Canal Street. But truth be told some of the problems are perennial, like the lack of venues and facilities and even the toilet conditions at the Mindoo Phillip Park, which we couldn’t be serious about when we invite persons like Joey and his crew from CBS here. Then, we are still struggling to get it right with sound and starting
shows on time. Sure there were a few good events this year—Groovy Soca,
Inter-commercial house calypso, junior carnival and calypso semi-finals.
Added to that some of the non-CDF events helped put a spark in the carnival
engine like Colour Me Red, Wet Fete, Cooler Fete, NG Soca Stage launch party
and Outrageous-Sexy in Black. But coming down to the wire, Carnival experienced an anti-climax for me... Continue

As a lover of Carnival and Soca , I really do hope our players in the carnival scene from CDF , Sponsors, Band Leaders, Producers, and us all go back to the drawing board and make 2010 a replica of the good old years! It is high time we ALL stop accepting mediocrity for Carnival and I am not pertaining strictly to the parade; I mean everything that embodies Carnival !

"As great as Saint Lucia’s carnival has undoubtedly been over the last few years, it has turned into a selfish beast, with no place to rest its head, seemingly careless and without reasoning as to whom or what it devours. Therefore the beauty is being overshadowed even in the creativity and music, by those who really have no love for it and care less about its history and meaning."

Source : The Star St.Lucia

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On De Scene: Q-Pid is St. Lucia People's Monarch 2009

Q-pid , this past Carnival season has demonstrated her strength as a seasoned artist making it to all competitions from Groovy Monarch (placing 2nd) , Soca Monarch and Caribbean Soca Monarch. Her performance this season had an extra edge to it, which made it always a pleasure to watch her rev up the crowd. And her hard work has not gone unseen by her fans , as today she became the People's Monarch 2009 for her song "Relieve Me Pressure." Not far behind was Orion with "Bring the Iron back" and Teddyson John "Whine if You Whining" ; placing 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Qpid after Groovy Monarch 2009

On behalf of the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) Team we want to Congratulate Q-pid on a season well done!! Hope next year brings you much more success.





Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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On De Scene : Ricky T grabs another Title : Road March King 2009

Carnival Done in St.Lucia and what a season it has been. Carnival Monday blessed us all with heavy showers and wind but that did not stop the jump up. Revelers came out in hundreds for the annual street jump up. There were just a few songs dominating the road but there must be a road march .

Ricky T who is currently St.Lucia Soca Monarch, Caribbean Soca Monarch King and today he grabs the Road March title defeating contenders such as Illah Man, Plantium George, Ashanti, Invader, Q-pid , Private 6 , Orion.

I must congratulate Ricky T on another successful season and wish success in the coming months. Once again CONGRATULATIONS TO RICKY T!!!!

Results:

1. Ricky T - Like a Jumbie

2. Platium George - Looking Funny

3. Illah Man - I want my Money Back

4. Ashanti - Leave me Alone

5. Illah Man - Rockshun

6. Q-Pid - Relieve Me Pressure

Peace and Soca !

Rochelle

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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)

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On De Scene : Scruffy TV No.1 Live Broadcast of St.Lucia Carnival 2009

I must congratulate Scruffy TV on all the hard work which they have put in over the past few weeks covering St.Lucia Carnival live. And we had the honour of teaming up with them to bring to you live coverage as well.

On behalf of the Nurse Karen (ETC) team CONGRATULATIONS !

Monday 06, July 2009: St. Lucia's no.1 online Television Station Scruffy TV is
being recognized as the no.1 online medium for live coverage of St. Lucia
Carnival 2009. This is coming from the continuous coverage being provided by the
station owned by Carpet Media SLU."Online viewers are expressing their gratitude
to us every day, especially those overseas".. Says company CEO Greggar
Deterville. "We are now committed to making sure that we provide coverage of all
available events no matter where it is being held"The significance about using
the internet for broadcasting and advertising is the fact that the Internet is
not limited by geography like other traditional means of broadcast. Advertising
and programming on the internet to reach target markets is the fastest growing
marketing tool in the world today. It is up to us to grab on to this sky
rocketing trend and reap from its benefits.The possibilities are endless!So far
scruffy TV has been able to provide live coverage of all St. Lucia Carnival
events and persons who missed the event for some reason or the other can log on
to www.scruffytv.com and go to the On-Demand folder and view any event at any
time. Since the advent of Scruffy TV St. Lucians and persons abroad have been
afforded the pleasure of supporting their St. Lucian entertainers.The station
promises only to improve its programming with more local St. Lucian content.

Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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Booster Shot: Ricky T is repeat St. Lucia Power Soca Monarch!

(revised 9:45 am, Sunday July 12)

The crowd was thick at Mindoo Philip Park in Castries for the 2009 St. Lucia Power Soca Monarch competition. There were 19 competitors doing battle to dethrone the champ, Ricky T. But no dice. The star of the studio 758 camp, proved to be the crowd's favourite performer for the second year in a row. Ricky T's performance was a heart stopping show of colour, with old mas moko jumbies (stilt walkers), pyrotechnics, and beautiful dance. The onlookers rose to a new level of excitement after watching their soca hero burst into flames for about 5 seconds. In stark contrast to last year's performance, Ricky T's stage performance included creative input from by both himself and his father, as opposed to full reliance on his management team as in last year's competition. Specifically, Teasles dad coordinated the stunt in which the artiste's clothes were lit on fire.

Earlier this week, the cast met to draw for positions in tonight's show, in a rather unconventional way. After initial positions had been drawn, the floor was opened for bartering with sums of up to EC $2000 being exchanged in order to guarantee late appearances for some of the artists favoured to win. (One rep actually boldly admited to paying out $8000, to change his artist's place....mad eh?) After all that fuss, one artiste, Viking was absent due to responsibilities marking CXC's in Trinidad. (I guess soca ain't really paying well enough yet.)

Not my business, but the practice which has become the norm in St. Lucia for at least the last two years brings to light an uneven playing field that favours music camps that are financially well off. To their credit, they don't hide it. So who am I to criticize. Artistes know what they're getting into and stand to earn a little more than the guaranteed $1000 appearance fee if a top artiste is eying their spot.

The 2009 season has been interesting to watch thus far. St. Lucia on a whole has released fewer soca songs this year than in seasons past. Popular acts including Nicole David, Teddyson John, Ricky T and others contributed no more than one song to the carnival music mix. Nicole David was absent from the performance circuit after taking time out to deal with the tragic death of a relative in a vehicular accident early in the season. From what I've been able to see, other factors affecting the release of music here include things like computer difficulties and moreover, internal disharmony in some of the more powerful music houses. It was thought that some of those issues might affect how the soca monarch stage presentations played out. But, after seeing the show. Your nurse is still confident that that the cream always rises to the top.

Anyhoo, y'all don't want my 2 cents. Here's the info that pays...

Voila les resultats pour Lucian Soca Monarch 2009!

1. Ricky T - "Like a Jumbie"
Tent: Take Over Tent
368 points


Ricky T and Friends

2. Ilah Man - "I Want My Money Back"
Tent: NG Soca Stage
353 points



3. Superman HD ft. Teddyson John - "Up! Up! And Away!"
Tent: NG Soca Stage
349 points


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: St. Lucia Power Soca Monarch Streaming live!

Soca Posse!!! Rochelle and I are coming to you live and direct from St. Lucia Carnival! It is now 10:30 pm Eastern and St. Lucia's Power Soca Monarch has just begun an Mindoo Philip Park. Got a special treat for you. ScruffyTV is streaming it live, and we've got a direct link.


Watch with us now!

CLICK HERE

Stay tuned to Nurse Karen Etc for pics, video and highlights from tonight's main event. Don't miss anything!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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On De Scene : Skinny Fabulous joins the "Colour Me Red" Line UP

"De Beast Leggo " is on a rampage this year , recently grabbing the SVG Soca Monarch Title. It does not stop there. Skinny Fabulous song has been on HEAVY rotation in St.Lucia to de point a fete or lime cah end with out it bussing! The annoucement came today at the band meeting where they introduced him as part of the LINE UP (with the best soca artists from St.Lucia ) for Red Unlimited Carnival Band "Colour Me Red" set to take place Wednesday July 15th at Gaiety on Rodney Bay!

I know for sure this is a long anticipated show and heard from reliable sources , there is going to be something extra for that show! Well I know show go be sold out out with the recession promotion where tickets are priced at $20.00 EC (cheapest I have seen in YEARS!). I expect a sold out crowd , and anticipate a GREAT SHOW!

And this Thursday is the big Launch of this fete at the Jungle Bar and Lounge with Derek Yarde Project playing live should be an amazing Lime. Nurse Karen will sure give you the run down on this lime but save de date July 15th 2009 is :

COLOUR ME RED!

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Eye Unit : Q-Pid "Relieve Mi Pressure" (Offical Video)

Q-Pid is cementing herself as a leading soca artiste, having placed second in the Groovy Monarch this past Saturday with one of her Best performances to date. And I am amazed on her presentation and how she captivated the crowd.



This week is Soca Monarch and it is anyone’s crown. Q-pid Power “Relive Mi pressure” has been doing well making it to number 1 on the Wave top 5 at 5 countdown and considering how Groovy went I am anticipating another stellar performance. Til then indulge in the Offical video of her Power Soca, directed by St.Lucian Davina Lee .









Great Video Davina and Q-Pid!

Peace and Soca
Rochelle

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On De Scene : Alpha "What you Waiting for " (Free Download)

Soca Preliminary was the first time hearing this tune. Now, Rankin sent me the tune hours before the show but I decided to savour it differently so waited to hear it and see it delivered. And there was NO disappointment; the delivery was impeckable and the crowd quickly vibed with the song, singing the hook“What you waiting for” ! Power Soca King 2009??

Alpha and Myself

Alpha was the three time back to back Soca Monarch King who has been bringing a different flavor to the St.Lucia Soca Arena. Many say 2009 is his "COMEBACK" referring to an article I read plus the talk around town. Due to the fact he has made it into both Groovy and Power Soca Monarch as one of the strongest competitors. And gaining for the first time the Groovy Monarch Title 2009 on Saturday Night! But I will reiterate what I read in that article , "In essence, we had gotten use to accepting mediocrity and general criticized and yes ostracised others, like Alpha, who strive to raise their game and take us to another level. Comeback, what comeback, this is and will always be Alpha..."

Here is his Power Soca Single for St.Lucia Carnival 2009! Produced by Rankin Morgan & Adam Gilmor and Masterd by Leebo .Enjoy !!

Download!

Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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On De Scene : St.Lucia 2009 Groovy King

Alpha takes it in 2009 with one of his best performances of the season. "Cah Wait" which has been one of the favorites of the crowd going into the competition and stole the judges gaining Groovy King for the first time!

There were a total of 19 performers last night at Sammans Park with last year King skipping the competition due to illness. The results of the evening was like this!


3. TC BROWN - CARNIVAL COMING
2. Q-PID - JUST GO
1. ALPHA - CAH WAIT

One of the BIGGEST upsets was Teddyson John not placing with "Wine if you Winning" alot of mixed emotions departed de Park but I guess de judges "Cah Wait"

Congratulations Alpha !!!!

Bless

Rochelle

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On De Scene : St.Lucia Soca Monarch Finalists

Last Night, I know a few of you joined us as we streamed the Preliminary LIVE (by teaming up with scruffytv.com) and turned out successful . The crowd was relatively small competing with the Big Cricket Action this weekend in St.Lucia. Nonetheless the hardcore soca fans came out in numbers at the National Cultural Center. I came in after making a round in Piton Party in the Yard and upon entrance was Orion performing "Bring the Iron Back" which received an encore from the few persons already present.The night proceeded as a few artits came on , I will admit some of the tunes, well it was my first time hearing it and it would take a while to catch with me. But Alpha 3 time Soca Monarch king closed the first half off with his latest track out the studio "What you waiting for" which was one of the crowd's favorite.

Then the backing band switched over to T.E.M featuring Penn on the samplers which turned the show up a notch! This segment was by far the most well received one ! Q-pid "relieve her pressure" and mine too! Superman and Teddyson performed on the single "UP UP UP and Away" which was chasos! I was up front doing everything I was told and I had a time turning out to be one of my favorite performances that night. Private 6 did not fail with "I doe Care" and if at some point de liqour got to you and you began looking Funny Platinum George took care of that ! Boy the entire show came to a close in a firey way!! Illah Man flatten the place , real flatten "I want my Money Back" good gosh!!

All in all next week Saturday looks good. Hats off to those who did not make it but gave their best I applauded you guys! Nurse Karen you ready, Soca Monarch July 10th 2009 at Mindoo Philip Park with the 19 joining Ricky T !!

SOCA FINALISTS :

1. Winter
   
2. Nintus
   
3. Frost
   
4. Ilah Man
   
5. Private Six
   
6. De Arc
   
7. Superman HD
   
8. Alpha
   
9. Blaze
   
10. Esteban
    
11. Kakal
    
12. TC Brown
    
13. Q-Pid
    
14. Platinum George
    
15. Cocoa Farmer
    
16. Minelle
    
17. Mantius
    
18. Orion
19. Jessica

Source : www.luciancarnival.com

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On De Scene : Amy Winehouse said to jump St.Lucia Carnival?

Ricky T made note of this British singer in "Like a Jumbie" singing "If you come to get on mad like Amy Winehouse in Jazz just push dem down push dem down" which flavored de song with some humour . However, I personally did not expect this ,which has been the lastest gossip in the Carnival circles. Amy Winehouse , who has been enjoying the island for the past few months; has indicated interest in joining de Carnival celebration which is indeed embracing the island's culture. I read this interesting article on this little gossip and I thought I share with you.

Band offers Amy Winehouse free costume ?

Is there anything such as “too outrageous” when it comes to antics on our carnival route? And what type of behaviour would carnival bandleaders fear from the not so polished British pop star Amy Winehouse who has, according to sources close to her, expressed a desire to hit the carnival road for St Lucia carnival? Word is that
Winehouse has already made contact with a local carnival band, against the wishes of her father.Top carnival bands on the island like Red Unlimited and Just 4 Fun have indicated that there is room for the British star in their bands-—once Winehouse is willing to comply with the rules and regulations of their bands.Both bands are expected to be over 1000 revelers strong this year and Red Unlimited’s band leader Thaddeus Antoine said he was willing to offer a free costume to the British celebrity to be part of his band while Andy Delmar,
band leader for Just 4 Fun told the STAR that once in Just 4 Fun, Winehouse would receive special treatment, but would “still have to pay for her costume!”“I think carnival is open to everyone, we encourage foreigners to jump,” said Delmar. “There’s space in our band, we just launched another VIP section last week, Gucci.Comments from Red’s band leader were similar.“We don’t discriminate, there is room for Amy, and there is room for all. Amy would be added publicity for the band. We don’t take into account drinking or drug use when letting people into band, you just have to abide by the rules on the road.Amy is very welcome, in fact we have a free costume for her, she just has
to say when!”It may not just be abiding by regulation that has to be considered when it comes to Winehouse who has been hospitalized at least four times according to reports, because of “dehydration” and “fatigue” while on an “extended vacation” in St Lucia. There is no way to tell whether the frail looking Winehouse, would be able to cover the entire extended carnival route.It does seem, however, that Winehouse is attempting to connect with local events ...

Source: http://stluciastar.com/content/

What band should she play in ? Whichever one she decides, if she does ,I know she will become addicted to Carnival. So all other Mas from Caribana to Nottinghill right back to the Caribbean , look out a Carnival Junkie in the making!

Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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On de Scene : St.Lucia People's Monarch Competition

The Wave 94.5 is hosting yet again the People's Monarch which has turned out to be one of the most popular competitions among de masses.. In 2008 Herb Black took this title with his hit song "Suzette " which continues to move people. The public whether in St.Lucia or abraod have de opportunity of voting for whom they consider to be "THEIR MONARCH" so if you want to take advantage of this then continue to read !

Who will be The People's Monarch
2009

You can decide by voting for the artist of your choice
and the song they are singing!
Preliminary voting begins on Monday June 29th
and finals end on Thursday July 16th 2009 at 12 noon…

You can cast your preliminary vote by…

1. Sending a text message with the name of the artist and song of your choice
   via LIME text services, to 9283… Each text costs 50 cents… LIME phones only
   


2. cVisiting www.thewavestlucia.com and fill out our online People's Monarch
   voting form.
   

The eight song/artist combos with the most votes will qualify for the quarter
final stages… a draw will be made to determine the quarter final parings… A draw
will be made to determine the quarter-final pairings, which will be announced on
Monday July 6 th 2009 by 5:30pm.

The quarter-finals will take place on :

QF01: Monday July 13th 2009 From 8.00 AM - 10.00 AM.
QF02: Monday July
13th 2009 From 2.00 PM - 4.00 PM.
QF03: Tuesday July 14th 2009 From 8.00 AM
- 10.00 AM.
QF04c: Tuesday July 14th 2009 From 2.00 PM - 4.00 PM.

The semi-finals will take place on :

SF01: Wednesday July 15th 2009 From 8.00 AM - 10.00 AM:
SF02: Wednesday
July 15th 2009 From 2.00 PM - 4.00 PM:
The grand final will take place on…
Thursday July 16th 2009 From 2.00 PM - 4.00 PM.

You can cast your vote by…

1. Sending a text message with the name of the artist and the song of your
   choice via LIME text services, to 9283… Each text costs 50 cents. LIME phones
   only.
   


2. Vicsiting www.thewavestlucia.com and fill out our online People's Monarch
   voting form.
   Calling 451-6400
   Or faxing to 452-2633
   

The winner of The People's Monarch 2009 will receive $10,000
The People's Monarch… brought to you by LIME… Landline, Internet,
Mobile, Entertainment…A Better Place & St. Lucia Tourist Board… St.
Lucia, Simply Beautiful

The following rules apply to eligibility for
submission:

1. Must be released exclusively for Carnival 2009
   


2. Cannot be a wholesale cover version
   


3. Sampling of other songs is allowed
   


4. Must be available for airplay on The Wave 94.5/93.7 fm
   


5. Performer must be a resident of St. Lucia
   


6. Content must not violate The Wave's policy for airplay
   


7. The Wave 94.5/93.7fm's decision is final

What I love about this competition is everyone is on a leveled field because its the choice of the public. Maybe a glance into the past post of the countdown might give us a little idea of who may make it. But we all know how unpredictable the season can be. So I am off to cast my vote , are you ?

Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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On De Scene : St.Lucia Groovy Soca Finalists Announced

Last night the CDF hosted the final preliminary for the Groovy Soca Monarch which began just about 6 p.m. to close off 3 hours later. There were suppose to be a total of 30 competitors but only 28 performed in front of the judges to be the ones viable for the 19 spots . We have no confirmation as to the reason for the disqualification of Brandon (one of the competitors) and also as to de reason Manitus did not show up we at Nurse Karen Etc would love to know why ( so Manitus if you reading ,send us a nice email explaining to de fans what real going on) . So yes here you have it :

2009 Groovy Soca Monarch

Dean Roberts – Feeling Nice

Alpha – Cah Wait

Marlon – J’ouvert

TC Brown – Carnival Coming

Ashanti – Leave me Alone

Soca Princess – Watch Me

Zionomi – Who are you

Floopsy – Wave

Q- Pid – Jus Go

Toya – Feel the Rhythm

Nintus – Holy Hangover

Estaban – Wine on Estaban

Teddyson John – Wine if you Winning

Phyness – Time

Vickie – Dance

King – Fa Red – Reveler Girl

Lady Empress – Are You Ready

Maire Anne – Genie in a Bottle

Lady Ce Ce – I Come here to Whine


There are alot of new comers to this competition so I anticipating a tough competition. Who you think taking it this year ? Think Herb Black go be dethroned?

Peace and Soca
Rochelle

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On De Scene : Caribbean Soca Monarch Finalists Announced

Well this is de show dat pushes St.Lucia Carnival up to a higher gear , talking about the Caribbean Soca Monarch. The list of competitors are in so here it is at your disposal. There are a few islands whose arists have not been confirmed by CDF. But according to them , towards the end of next week they should be announced. So for now here is the list of artists that will join the 2009 St.Lucia Soca Monarch along with 2 other St.Lucian aritsts on July 19th at the Mindoo Philip Park. Boy I excited bout this show , saw at least two of the artists in Trinidad and they delivered! I am certain it will be a Great Show!



Caribbean Soca Monarch

Mikey - Explosion (Barbados)


Tino - So High (BVI)


Daddy Chess - Ready or Not (Dominica)


Miney - 1000 Masqueraders (Grenada)


Pupa Leendi - Rum Oye (Grenada)

Vanilla - Ah Coming (Guyana)

Rondell Meade - ( Song not Confirmed) (Montserrat)


Skinny Fabulous -Head Bad (St. Vincent)


To be announced (St Vincent)


Benjai - Drunk Again (Trinidad & Tobago)


To be announced (Anguilla)


To be announced (Antigua & Barbuda)


Nurse Karen, I know you itching to change your flight schedule. No worry ah go get on bad for two or for de whole Team!

Peace & Soca
Rochelle

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On De Scene : Contenders for St.Lucia Groovy Soca Monarch Final Preliminary

This past Saturday the first preliminary of Groovy Soca Monarch took place where they narrowed it down to 30 competitors who will take the stage this evening at the National Cultural Center for the Final Preliminary.

Vicke “Dance” South Calypso Tent
Nintus “ Holy Hangover” South Calypso Tent
Believe Me “ Ah Feeling” South Calypso Tent
King-Fa-Redd “Reveler Girl” N.G. Soca Stage
Zionomi “ Who Are You” N.G. Soca Stage
Q-Pid “Just Go” N.G. Soca Stage
Toya “Feel The Rhythm” N.G. Soca Stage
Platinum George “Lucian Girl” N.G. Soca Stage
Baby Blue “ My Life” N.G. Soca Stage
Blaze “Harder Than That” N.G. Soca Stage
Phyness “Time” N.G. Soca Stage
Kapry “Last Wine” N.G. Soca Stage
Teddyson John “Wine If You Wining” N.G. Soca Stage
Mantius “Remember Yesterday” N.G. Soca Stage
Lady Empress “ Are You Ready” Spectrum
Lady CeCe “ I Come Here To Wine” Spectrum
Esteban “Wine On Esteban” Spectrum
Top Dogg Zigginator “The Best Band” Spectrum
Marie Anne “Genie In A Bottle” Take over Tent
Sebo “Gimme” Take over Tent
Soca Princess “ Watch Me” Take over Tent
Ashanti “ Leave Me Alone” Take over Tent
Floopsy “Wave” Take over Tent
Roxie “Cyah Handle Me” Take over Tent
Alpha “Cyah Wait” Take over Tent
Black I “Pa Mele” Take over Tent
T.C. Brown “Carnival Coming” Ambassadors
Brandon “A Little Wine” Ambassadors
Dean Roberts “Feeling Nice” Ambassadors
Marlon “ J’ouvert” Ambassadors

Source: www.luciancarnival.com

For the first time the public is invited to view this preliminary round. I expect it to be a stiff competition tonight as there are 19 spots for the Groovy Soca Monarch finals, as to whom will dethrone (if they can) the reigning King Herb Black on July 4th 2009 at Sammans Park is something we have to stay tuned for.


Ah Carnival in full gear

Rochelle

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On De Scene: Calypso Controversy (St.Lucia Carnival)

Boy, there been plenty talk about the Government owned station Radio St.Lucia banning certain songs. Not until recent I got de whole story of what real going on there. But de talk shows on other radio stations been flooding with calls from the public outraged at de action taken. So here is what really going on :

Lady Spice at Take Over Tent ( Source : The St.Lucia Star)

This year, both Lady Spice and the STAR, um well the Star publisher for
now, are back on the controversial pages, of the 2009 Carnival season. Spice,
who reportedly flew in from Canada two weeks ago, had informed us last year that
she was about to retire and was giving her life to God. She sounded serious at
the time and we had no reason to doubt her. However with her Calypso home Soca
Village shutting its doors, at least for this year, Spice’s calling was to
return to Calypso under a new umbrella, this time the Take over tent, with whom
she made her debut On Wednesday June 10th. And what a debut it was. The
Calypsonian earned herself four encores for the song “Don’t blame me,” a song in
which she launched a scathing attack on the Stephenson King
administration.However, since then some who are close to Spice tell us that she
is not too comfortable with the song. Could it have something to do with her
rumoured once “cushy, cushy” relationship with the present Prime Minister who in
return, reportedly has more than just a sweet tooth for Spice? The song which
was written by Lord Help Me is embroiled in controversy due to its stinging
lyrics and has since been banned from the airwaves of State owned Radio Saint
Lucia. In a statement from RSL it is noted that “The decision not to air “Don’t
Blame Me” by Lady Spice was done collectively by members of the management
team.” It went on to say that decisions like these are taken frequently and
include all types of music not just Calypso.At a time when political
controversies seem to be dominating the media and watering holes, the
anticipation for great social and political songs was very high. And while so
far many Calypso fans say they are somewhat disappointed, in the tents, there
are a few political songs grabbing much attention. Among them, Dean Robert’s
“Just Go,” another song which is critical of the present government, with lines
like “we cyar wait for tomorrow it’s time to go.” The song has been receiving
encores each night and is also one on the “do not play” list of RSL. Management
has cited lines in the song like “criminals in Cabinet” as reasons for the
ban.On Wednesday night during Ambassadors Calypso tent’s third show for the
season, which was a tribute to Pelay, Dean Roberts was at his best doing the
song.

The show was one of the better tent showing’s so far for the season and
once again politics ruled, particularly anti UWP politics, with a few dashes of
Mr Wayne for good measure. Even Bingo jumped on the band-wagon with a song
entitled “Investigate.” In the song he offered the Ramsahoye Commissioner
several other things to investigate about the administration, including the
“deal” which gave the“Star-boy” one hundred percent concessions. Then there was
Pep, doing “Get off” a song in which he sings in the first person as the Prime
Minister, “I eh bending for no man again.” Pep sang about all of the persons Mr
Prime Minister would no longer bend for including “Bruce Tucker” and Wayne. It
was another song receiving encores.Another hit on the night came from Morgie
with his crafty “Tiwe’ Chou” a play on words on the Taiwanese ambassador’s name
and a Creole phrase.Whilst the season has been to a slow start, a period Pelay
described as “writer’s cramp,”—with new songs and new controversies, things
may just peak the interests of fans and ours as well.

Source : http://www.stluciastar.com/

Well it is a fact de season has been off to a very slow start but with all dis "row row" on de scence , people now paying attention to de music!

Peace and Soca
Rochelle

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