On De Scene : And the Ricky T Saga Continues!

Last Year July, Nurse Karen began reporting on Ricky T and his issues with his former Management SLU Records. This past week after the announcement of him making it to the International Soca Monarch SEMI-FINALS (still puzzled as to why he was not automatically entered into the Finals) on Sunday 24th January, 2010 ; seems like the disputes with his former management rose AGAIN and the talks began!

If you have been an avid reader you would have seen the developments between SLU Records and Ricky T after St.Lucia Carnival Season 2009.Radio Caribbean St.Lucia News Spin Edition on Thursday dedicated their show to the issue , where many persons called in giving opinons on it. Now I bet you wondering WHAT NOW!

Toni Nicholas sums this all up for you in his article in the St.Luca STAR which some of you may have opinions about.

Someone once said, “A raindrop coming in contact with fire loses its existence while that falling on a shell becomes a pearl. Therefore, people desirous of knowledge should avoid the company of ignorant people who believe in the motto—ignorance is bliss.”

Let me hasten to add that deliberate ignorance is a recipe for blistering failure. In light of the above, I strongly believe that part of the reason behind the stagnation of any semblance of a music industry here has to do with conscious ignorance and blatant greed, with little regard for the myriad of talent and expertise which it takes to make things work in the music industry. When this ignorance and greed is backed by an equally ignorant public and their perception and emotionally charged fans, and the media sometimes, the result is inevitable chaos.

This week’s issue surrounding the attempt by SLU Records to bar Ricky T from performing in Trinidad crystallizes my thoughts and the facts on the matter.

CONTINUE

There are no confirmed reports as to whether Ricky T will be here on Sunday but I sure hope he is prepared to match up the long list of competitors viaing for places in the Finals come Fantastic Friday! And on that note I say Good Luck to all !

Signing Out from Trinidad

Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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On De Scene : Teddyson John Launches "African Woman" (Video)

St.Lucia's Groovy Soca sensation Teddyson John, last night unveiled his music video for his latest reggae single "African Woman" produced by Studio 758 out of St.Lucia. Over the past year we have made mention of him not only in the Soca areana but also R&B and Reggae especially at St.Lucia Jazz 2009; where he performed at one of the main stage events.

The video was shot in St.Lucia and directed by St.Lucian Davina Lee . You may recall her work with Q-Pid over the past Carnival Season. The OECS Export Development Unit gave a lending hand financially in making this video a reality.

Must say kudos to such a great production from Studio 758; also Teddyson never fails in giving me goosebumps with his vocals and of course Davina continues to soar in her vidoes thus far. So hope you all enjoy it and gents pull your girl closer and take in this very seductive tune!

Singing out from Trinidad

Peace & Soca

Rochelle

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On De Scene: Artist and Management Changes at SLU Records

Ricky T was due to make an appearance at one of the promoted events for the Labor Day celebrations in New York. Which seem to be adding fuel to the already heated issue in St. Lucia concerning the soca star.

Back in July, Radio Caribbean International broke the story that Ricky T announced his “break” from SLU Records in their Midday News Edition, and Nurse Karen kept us all up to date as the story unfolded (CLICK HERE)

Since then, SLU Records / Studio 758 have been under heavy fire from the media and general public with Ricky T speaking out on certain issues. However, note as of July 2009, Ricky T’s three year contract with this record label had expired. According to SLU Records, this latest no-show in New York City was not affiliated with their management team, as they have not been responsible for his bookings over the past month.

Up to this morning, a press release was distributed where Irvin "Ace" Loctar announces to everyone the new approach and highlights some interesting points already touched on and others which may be shocking to you.

Irvin "Ace" Loctar

New Music Takes centre stage at SLU Records

St. Lucian hit factory, SLU Records is about to explore new music genres by adding Reggae and Pop to it’s already successful collection of internationally acclaimed Soca hits.

“It’s all about taking music to another level and presenting the best Lucian and Caribbean talent to the world!” says CEO Irvin “ACE” Loctar who takes the reigns as head of business operations in lieu of the recent departure of Dwayne Mendes, former Managing Director. “Dwayne also has new things in the pipeline and we’ll still work closely together in the future”, Mr. Loctar assures.

Choosing to go a different direction with his career, Ilah Man will no longer be cited as a SLU Records artist. “We had a good run, and wish him all the best!” says Loctar who also notes that while Ricky T’s contract with SLU Records has expired, the company is not considering renewing his contract at this time."

These are some huge changes and indeed has sent shockwaves my way!

Peace and Soca,

Rochelle

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Booster Shot: SLU Records responds to Ricky T announcement

Nurse Karen and Ricky T after his 2009 Power Soca Monarch win (July 11, 2009)

"Karen, take it fast I have to go and throw up, " Ricky T

Soca People!!! It has been a dramatic day on the island of St. Lucia. Title-winning soca artiste, Ricky T announced earlier today that he intends to take a break from music after completing his second consecutive hat trick of competitive soca titles. The artist who had previously enjoyed the administrative support of Studio 758 / SLU records for the writing and producing of his singles, as well as management and booking alerted the media of a breakdown in relations resulting in his decision to step away, at least for a while. If you haven't heard or seen what Ricky T had to say, check it HERE.

If you have, would you like to know what the management team has to say on the issue? I contacted them via email while St. Lucians were still weighing in about it on the popular Radio Caribbean afternoon talk show, News Spin. Ricky T's label mate Teddyson John was the first caller to share his views, implying that perhaps Ricky T does not understand how things work behind the scenes. Later, Executive Producer, Dwayne Mendes shared the studios point of view on today's events.

It seems like everyone has a different take on what has really been going on. No doubt many of you have read the email forwards and read the message boards. But around here, we go to the source. You've heard from the artiste, now hear from the management.

(Nurse) Karen (Etc) is giving you the other side of the coin...

Nurse Karen :What is at the heart of the breakdown between Ricky T and SLU/758?

Dwayne Mendes:

Ricky T. felt terrible for only getting 1 song for the season and he found that Ilah Man was given more attention. The entire mangement was not inspired by this season so hardly any music came from SLU Records a total of (4 songs) and Teddyson John's song was not even written by us, just produced. Ilah man was paid more attention too because he needed more work with his live performance and we would like him to have the same oppertunities that Ricky has enjoyed for the last two years. Ricky has turned out to be an excellent performer and becuase of the execution of the song throughout the season we were not worried about him retaining his crown and being very competitive.

Nurse Karen: When you were on air, you mentioned that your camp admitted fault in dealing with a particular matter in relation to Ricky T. What was that matter? and what did SLU apologize for?

Dwayne Mendes:

We are aware that a member of our team keeps going to the public about our affiars and this makes Ricky T feel bad. Its very unprofessional on our part and I hoping to deal with it soon.

Nurse Karen: Do you forsee a reconciliation between Ricky T and the team?

Dwayne Mendes:

Ricky clearly stated he has no intentions of leaving the team, he prefers to get out the spotlight than to do that. I am just trying to make him forget the negative and take full advantage of his oppertunities. The real problems we are faced with is that our St. Lucian society doesn't understand the industry, hence, Ricky is the first to break-out and he constantly being bombaded with comments from persons who try to advise him. They may have good intentions but most times don't know what the speak of. We wonder why St. Lucia doesn't have more Ricky T's or Darren Sammy's.

Nurse Karen: Can you address any misconceptions the public may have that may be aggravated by this situation?

Dwayne Mendes:

I am happy for the discussions, because it helps educate St. Lucia and because we had no entertianment industry on this level before us, I also accept the negativity that comes with it. I personally do my best to explain to Ricky that his writer in time of competition has to get paid. It was apparent this season when the writer gave him one song. However, there are 2 other songs that are ready for Ricky, but as stated earlier, the camp was just not feeling this season. I am not sure what it was, maybe a lack of competition or they would have accused us of payolla with more music on the air-waves.

Studio 758 / SLU Records executive team: Irvin "Ace" Loctar (L) and Dwayne Mendes (R)

PULSE CHECK: What do you think about Ricky T's decision / SLU Records' all-encompassing approach to its artists?

Feel free to share your 2 cents below:

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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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

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Booster Shot: Wedding Bells for Teddyson John

Teddyson John and Nurse Karen last month in Miami

Game over ladies! One of the sweetest male voices in soca music tied the knot mid-November at an elegant ceremony in St. Lucia. The 2007 St. Lucia Groovy Soca Monarch Mr. Teddyson John was said to be an emotional groom at the sight of his dropdead gorgeous bride. (Y'all, she really is a stunner!)

The song that won him the Groovy crown

The couple have been an item for six years, but the relationship was kicked up a notch when Teddyson flew his girl to Barbados for the day on her birthday. He had a grand scheme up his sleeve that included a dinner reservation, lobster and a diamond ring!

The newlyweds enjoyed a multi-island Caribbean cruise last week. In spite of poor weather conditions throughout the region, the sun shined on them in every port with the exception of Jamaica.

This earned Teddy a second place finish behind Herb Black's Suzette

Teddyson, an accomplished blues singer, is working to establish his brand in the soca market with the help of Studio 758 - the camp that bring us Ricky T.

Teddy we wish you two a long beautiful married life together.

Congratulations!

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Booster Shot: Ricky T is 2008 St. Lucia Power Soca Monarch

It's official, Ricky T dethroned Kakal as St. Lucia's Power Soca Monarch. I was there to see it!



SLU Records can boast an outstanding show at this year's soca monarch competition. The St. Lucian based music farm swept the top three positions, with impecable stage presentations, each generating a different energy from the energetic crowd.



Here are the results!

1. Ricky T - Wheel and Come Again

2. Mr. Pringles aka Superman - Socaritis

3. Ilah Man - Mad So

Ilah Man and Superman rejoice in the announcement!

SLU Records Family celebrate the sweep:

From Left to Right: Penn, Dwayne Mendes, Ilah Man, Ricky T, Ace

Superman enjoys his first taste of the limelight as a soca artiste!

I'll be jumping on a plane in a couple hours, but Lucian Carnival, is just warming up. The kiddies take a jump this afternoon, then it's music and mas till next Tuesday.

Had a great time...can't wait to come back!

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Booster Shot: Ricky T's 2008 St. Lucia Soca Monarch Performance (Video)

Booster Shot: Ricky T's 2008 St. Lucia Soca Monarch Performance (Video)

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