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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Booster Shot: Tizzy Exports Her Wine to France

Well, would you get a load of that?  What possibly could an Antiguan, or any West Indian have to teach the French about Wine? Well, the French certainly have us beat when it comes to Champagne, Chardonnay, and Merlot...but who better to teach the "Tizzy Wine", that Tizzy herself!

More evidence of important strides for Eastern Caribbean Soca artistes!  See what I mean in the press release below.

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

Tizzy exports her ‘Wine’ to France

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE St. Johns, Antigua - Tanzania “Tizzy” Sebastian returned to Antigua earlier this week from her first appearance in France where she headlined the Karibbean Bounce Carnival in Bordeaux .

 

Bordeaux a city known internationally for its wine got its first taste of the “Tizzy Wine” on Saturday, March 6^th. “We knew how popular ‘Expose’ was but I was surprised how well known her other hits like ‘Tizzy Wine’ and ‘Bounce’ are in France ” said Tizzy’s manager Rohan Hector. Apparently a youtube video of Tizzy demonstrating her signature dance during a radio interview went viral spawning the dance craze in France .

 

Tizzy and her band El-A-Kru have become fixtures on the entertainment circuit throughout the Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora since she received the award for “Best New Female Soca Artist” at the International Soca Awards in 2007. Having already performed in London , Saturday’s performance became Tizzy’s first in continental Europe .

 

Her popularity in France was clear as she was approached by fans asking for autographs while sightseeing in Bordeaux prior to the show. “People were running up to me in the streets to show me their ‘Tizzy Wine’” Tizzy answered when asked about her reaction in France . “It was amazing being onstage and having people who do not even speak English, singing our songs word for word.”

 

The show was a success with an above capacity crowd turning out to see Tizzy’s energetic performance. Forced to improvise when her microphone stopped working in the middle of a song, Tizzy taught the crowd the ‘Tizzy Wine’ until her microphone was replaced. She received several encores, the promoter himself said “she was very good, they loved her.”

 

“I believe Tizzy will be the first female artist to take soca Global,” says Brad Hemmings, CEO of Caribbean Entertainment Tizzy’s agency that has also booked reggae and soca artists to perform in exotic places such as Russia , Australia and the Middle East .

 

Tizzy is scheduled to return to other countries in Europe this summer of on her De Road Show Tour which included stops in Guadeloupe and St. Thomas prior to France and continues on to Calgary, Canada this week. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nurse Karen and Luta in Toronto (September 2009)

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

Nurse Karen and Edwin Yearwood in Toronto (November 2009)

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

Nurse Karen and Tizzy in Miami (October 2009)

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

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

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

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

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

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Eye Unit: Tizzy, Kamau and Problem Child liming in Florida

When I got back from Miami, I didn't waste time sharing with you about some of the places I went, and people I saw.  There was a post bigging up Barrie Hype for making it possible for artists, management and media to network in a meaningful way. If you didn't see it, read it HERE

Now if you actually want to SEE what I wrote about, now you can. I forgot to post this video the first time around.  Lo and behold, an entire month has passed, and I have lots of video to share!  Enjoy these rare shots of Tizzy, Problem Child and Kamau goofing around over food at Hibiscus Sports Bar in Sunshine Florida.

Enjoy!

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The Rounds: What happens in Miami, makes The Rounds!

Dr. Jay's Rounds: Originally aired on Sunday, October 18, 2009
"Soca Therapy" on Flow 93.5 FM

In this edition:
- Miami carnival round up (USA)
- El a Kru new album (Antigua & Barbuda)
- Crossovah's Ricardo Drue shoots a video with Patrice Roberts (USA)
- Lil Bitts starts a new charity organization (Trinidad & Tobago)
- Shurwayne Winchester and Y.O.U. about to celebrate 1st anniversary (Trinidad & Tobago)

Good evening soca lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. Even though it's carnival time in Los Angeles, I’m back Toronto! Last week at this time I was back stage in Bicentennial Park, Miami for the 25th Anniversary of Miami Carnival. This year two carnival committees joined forces to put on the biggest event in its history. The big show at the end of the parade was featured performers from all over the Caribbean, young and old alike. David Rudder, Swallow, Iwer George, Peter Ram, and Biggie Irie, Skinny Fabulous, Problem Child...DEEP BREATH...Fay-Ann and Bunji...the list goes on. This year, the parade had about 25 thousand paying patrons, not to mention the thousands that lined downtown Miami to see the bands roll by.

Antigua's King Swallow and Nurse Karen

I sure do miss the sun and the music, but I grabbed a lot of good info while i was away...especially for YOU. I got to interview Tizzy for a Miami radio station. Did you know that EL A KRU has a new album out featuring all of Tizzy’s heart pumping songs from Antigua Carnival 2009. It’s called “De Road Show”, and it’s available on iTunes and your favourite online retailers. She says her favourite song on it is a track called “Groovy”. So we all need to buy a copy and give it a listen.

Tizzy in Miami

The next night, I hosted some TV interviews behind the scenes at a fete called Miami Vice. That’s where I got to meet Florida’s own Caribbean boy band, Crossovah. Now, I know they don’t like me saying that..but when you have 4 cuties all you rep different islands, who are cute, fashionable and sing like R&B stars...what else do you call it? Patrice Roberts was there that night too. She told me that she will be featured on a new groovy track called “Nah Leavin’” by Ricardo Drue, who is the Trini member of Crossovah. Ricardo and Patrice shot the video for Nah Leaving yesterday.

Ricardo Drue of Crossovah

While I was in Florida, Trinidad’s bite-sized soca darling Lil Bitts was using her star power to affect change. She and three friends started a new organization called M2BC, that stands for Music to Benefit Charities. They held their first initiative called Do Re Mi Karaoke last week Friday. In a packed high school class room, they raised about a thousand bucks for charity. Nice work ladies!

Nurse Karen and Lil Bitts at the FLOW studios

Lemme see, what else... Shurwayne Winchester and his new Band Y.O.U, had just one official performance in Miami. They absolutely rocked University Fete with a stage performance like I’ve never seen before. There was great music, choreography and energy that was nothing short of contagious! Y.O.U. will be celebrating their 1st anniversary together on October 27th in Trinidad.

Shurwayne Winchester and Nurse Karen in Miami

Last night, I checked out performances by Ms Paige, Mista Vybe and Shyann Bailey at De Enforcas 15th anniversary party at Embers banquet hall.  Congrats you guys... it’s a big year for you. Especially with your first even best international DJ nomination at the Soca Awards. If you haven’t cast your ballot, as of October 6th voting has begun at triple w dot soca awards dot com. Make sure you surf on over to support your favourites.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information on these soca stories and more, visit me at Nurse dash Karen dot com. Or follow me....nurse Karen on twitter. Now back to de docta!

kanye west dead dies in car crash

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Nurse's Lounge: Girl Power...No AC Power

So, I dunno what it is about promoters in Miami, why they feel a fete is not a fete unless it's named after some major party in Trinidad.  That's just my personal gripe, considering the fact that neither the all the artistes or the patrons are even from Trinidad in the first place.  It seems a bit odd, but they've been doing it for soooo long, that I'm probably the only one who notices.  Anyhoo..whatever works.

Girl Power has long been THE THURSDAY NIGHT fete of Miami Carnival.  Behind it is IslandsUnited or something so.  The Trini Carnival fete is put on by Island People Mas...so I take it there's a connection. Anyhoo, much like in Trinidad, it's kind where everybody is supposed to be the night it goes down. The only competition I had heard of this year was supposed to come in the form of a fete called Contagious aka Glow, that got shut down at the last minute.  Want to hear bacchanal?  The entire Krosfyah band, and Lil Rick were flown in just for that ONE night to perform at Contagious, only to discover that not enough tickets were sold to warrant opening the doors.  My bajan boys left the city the next day.  Luckily, deposits were paid up in advance..but it can't be cheap flying that many musicians in for NO REASON.

Well, my experience with Miami Girl Power 2009 was memorable to say the least, but probably not for the right reasons. The cast was great.  I didn't get to see Tizzy and a few earlier acts, but I caught the tail end of Alison Hinds (no pun intended). Yet again, I allowed the "soca queen" to escape my grasp without taking a photo, but this time not for a lack of trying.   Girl Power was hot.  Dreadfully hot.  Hot like no air conditioning-sticky-nasty-sweaty-locker-room-meets-sauna-inside-the-mouth-of-a-hairy-dog HOT.  So when Ally came off stage, and I wanted pictures, Miss Lady wanted agua...and I don't really blame her.

During the inexplicable heatwave, I experience one of my highlights...Benjai took the stage and brought out Gailann, who we haven't seen on a major soca stage for a couple years.  Girlfriend was cool and in control, looking well funky in her little square specs.

Nurse Karen and former 1st Lady of the Godfather's Asylum, Gailann

I was backstage searching in vain for Dr. Jay who was one of the DJ's at the fete.  Little did I know the DJ Booth was in the middle of the dancefloor.  I was intercepted by a photographer who mentioned something to be about living in Buffalo.  Next thing I know, he took out two picture of me that were on constant rotation on the big screens on either side of the stage for the rest of the night. Would love to know who he was shooting for.  He caught me before the humid air did, and all other photos from that night looked like I went head to head with a tsunami...and lost. While wandering backstage I bumped into Peter C. Lewis from Trinidad's Synergy TV.  You read my blog, so you know how many times I have planned to meet this dude as his actual office with no luck! Well, we finally got our brief meeting after all.  (Sort of)

Good Old Peter C!

After Benjai, Machel Montano HD took the stage to do their thing. Patrice was first to do battle with the "weather".  Under the lights, and intense heat of the non-airconditioned Mahi Temple, Ms. Roberts sang and danced like it was nobody's business.  She shed a layer or two of clothing and ended up performing in her bra top.  I say this, not to cause alarm, but to illustrate just how steamy it got.  Those of us who watch Patrice know how modest she is when it comes to dressing.  I still remember seeing her perform at the 2009 Groovy Soca Monarch Finals in a one-piece mas costumer, reinforced with bicycle shorts.  She's not the type to peel her clothes on stage.

So highlight number two: Did anyone else see Machel fall when he was taking the stage?  Lemme put out a disclaimer.  I not badminding Boy Boy, but that ish was funny.  Patrice introduced the man of the hour, to come and sing his song on the riddim.  He runs out with a burst of energy and....kerrrrrrrrplop!  Don't worry Machel fans, he didn't buss his @$$ or vocal chords or anything that matters...and I don't think it bruised his ego for more than 10 seconds.  None the less, it made for a a hearty gaassssssssssssppp from all onlookers who were sober enough to notice.  (Naturally, followed by some real ugly belly laughing...mostly from me..and a lil from the rest of the crew liming by the DJ booth...which I finally found in the middle of the room)

People had fun...and I learned a few very important lessons.
1.  Fun is really what it's all about
2.  My new flat iron really fried all the kink out of my hair...cuz that humidity didn't mash me up at all!

All in all, a very informative night!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

P.S.  Big up Richard and Shawn, I appreci-love the support.

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Nurse's Lounge: Hype at Hibiscus Happy Hour

In this here soca world, no matter where you go, you will encounter the egos, the icons...and those who are blissfully unaware that they fit into either category.  There are other groups as well...my favourite being, the GRINDERS.  In South Florida, one of the hardest working soca advocate is a DJ by the name of Barrie Hype.  No doubt you've heard me mention the name before.  Apart from doing the radio DJ thing, and the TV host thing for Carib Link TV, Barrie looooooooooves the artists.  My man is requested time and again to run tracks for performances.  Several up and coming artistes, particularly from islands outside of Trinidad prefer to have him act on their behalf as manager whenever they are in town.  And...well...you know...I know...what goes on behind the scenes too....Barrie occasionally takes a lil cut as a booking agent (y'all didn't hear that one from me).

Barrie Hype making us jump like Carnival Tuesday

The business IS beyond all else, a hustle.  You have to know what you have to offer, and be pretty darn good at articulating that, or you get left behind.  It is what it is, and even though the one they call HYPE and me may disagree sometimes over how much is too much, when it comes to MC'ing over music, far be if from ME to knock ANYONE's hustle.


But none of that is the reason for this post.  Barrie Hype's game steps beyond hustle at every turn.  In my opinion, the Lucian born, Bajan educated DJ is a friend of the music.  You've got to be a friend, when you call up top promoters to offer services FREE of charge for causes you believe in.  You've got to be a friend when you invite artists, media and other hustlers to make use of your spare bedroom so you can personally expose them to the local scene.  Only a friend uses his BBM to assemble, artists, managers, DJs, media and anybody else who matters for in a humble Caribbean Sports Bar for Networking. 


Barrie mixed the tunes Live to Air for the listeners on 102.1 FM Real Deal Radio.  Hibiscus Restaurant took care of food and drinks.  Meanwhile, the room blossomed with activity as producers shopped rhythms to artists, international borderline collided, phone numbers were exchanged, and the soca world as you would have it in Miami, grew smaller...into a community.  

Nurse Karen and Tizzy after our chat

I took it in for myself last Thursday afternoon, so is not just talk ah talkin'.  I co-hosted an hour of the radio show with DJ Smallie.  Then Tizzy and Rohan from El a Kru  breezed through for a live interview.  I chatted with her about her new album "De Road Show", as well as some of her aspirations for the upcoming 2010 season. 


BVI's Mr. Network, Kamau was inna de Building.  He blew our minds with a couple of big R&B projects he's working on as a producer.  We also got to hear some more Caribbean inspired creations he had under his belt.  Don't be suprised if "somebody" who was in Miami for Carnival, ends up on one of those tracks.  St. Vincent's Problem Child showed up at Hibiscus directly from the airport...and caught some jokes, drinks and a good plate of food.

Problem Child just touched down 

It's times like this, that make us love what we do.  It felt good to lime with FRIENDS in the MUSIC. The next day I couldn't make it out again, but the lime grew to include Blaxx, Olatunji, Rita Jones, Bunji and Fay Ann Lyons.  I really wanted to go...but real talk...I had no ride.  


Next year, I'm getting a rental.  Barrie...thanks again for organizing that.  I think we all moved an inch or two in the right direction as a result! 


Love and Soca, 


Nurse Karen

Kamau at Hibiscus (Sunshine, FL on October 8, 2009)

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Booster Shot: Soca Awards Announces 2009 Cast of Performers

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

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

Calypso Rose 

Denyse Plumber

Tizzy of El-A-kru

Skinny Fabulous

Ragga 

Winston "Gypsy" Peters 

Shyann Bailey 

Tallpree

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

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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On De Scene: Caribbean Snow Storm Antigua

Party Flavours presented the annual pre-carnival fete Caribbean Snow Storm, more commonly known as White Fete. Even though it was raining heavily, partygoers still came out in their whitest white, which by the end of the night with all the rain and mud was not so white. Miraculously I was able to find parking close to the entrance, and was quite delighted until my shoes and pants was covered in mud.

As usual the venue was fittingly decorated but the pouring rain and mud distracted me and I was unable to enjoy the music or the drinks. However, my displeasure dissapated when El A Kru featuring Tizzy hit the stage and launched into an exciting and energertic set. Singing hits such as 'Expose', 'Bounce' and 'Rocket Launcher', the band fully prepared the crowd for the Carnival season.

Quite a number of partygoers were annoyed by the rain while others could not care less and danced to their hearts content, some even playing in the mud. Hopefully next year the promotors will make the necessary changes, so if it rains as heavily again patrons have sufficient shelter.

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Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Tizzy (Video)

It's Carnival Monday in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and somewhere out there the first lady of the Little Antigua Crew (El A Kru) is celebrating her birthday.

So, while I take another jump on the streets of Kingstown with the LIME and Mustique company t-shirt bands, I'll be taking a jump for Tizzy! She'll be my inspiration any time I need more stamina to keep going till late into the night. Who am I kidding, I'll probably be posting up on the truck as soon as my feet start feeling the pain!

Well this one is for you Tizzy!

Happy Birthday!

So join me people...time to take a BOUNCE!!!

Love and Soca from Carnival Monday in SVG!!!!

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: 2009 International Soca Monarch Finalists announced

Ok, be honest!  How many of you were watching that choppy live stream of Trinidad soca semis online yesterday instead of the Grammy's? I did AND I've got the results!  Soca is MY music.  So, I could barely wait for today to reach to find out who the judges were feeling.  

Yesterday, the Arima Velodrome played host to the precursor for Trinidad Carnival's most hotly contested event.  It's the place where careers are made, and soca stars are truly born....the 2009 bMobile International Power Soca Monarch competition and Whe International Groovy Soca Monarch competition.  

Respect where respect is due.  Sunday's Semis began right on time, and stage management was clearly handled with style and finesse.  What seemed like a million and a half semi-finalists managed to take to the stage between 4pm and midnightish , all hoping for one of a handful of spots on Fantastic Friday.  In the power category, there were only six available spaces to fill thanks to what I like to call the Caribbean Prestige Foundation's "Lesser Antilles Affirmative Action Plan." De man dem wan call de show INTERNATIONAL, so they made sure of it this year by actually guaranteeing a slot in the finals to each of the  reigning 2008 Soca Monarchs/Party Monarchs/Power Soca Monarchs from the soca power house islands; Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

I didn't catch all, but I watched long enough to know that there are quite a few artistes who seriously mean business this year!  The problem is, there just aren't enough spots at the main event for everyone who feels they paid they dues to get there.  It's ONE MILLION TT DOLLARS at stake, so you better believe the gloves are off!

Who will reign victorious? Hell, if I know...but one thing is for sure, there is no place I would rather be on February 20, 2009!

Congrats to all who made it through.  For all my soca family who didn't make the final cut, we all love your music just the same.  Keep giving your all this season. Besides, the fans are the only judges you need to worry about!  

Love and soca..

(Nurse) Karen

I don't wanna kill you with long talking. So, these are the lucky stars who shone bright enough to make their dreams come true.

Power Soca Monarch Finalists:

Bunji Garlin - Trinidad and Tobago (defending)
Claudette Peters - Antigua and Barbuda(seeded)
Khiomal Nurse - Barbados (seeded)
Luni Sparks and Electrify - Grenada (seeded)
Ricky T - St. Lucia (seeded)
Skinny Fabulous - St. Vincent and the Grenadines (seeded)
Berbice - Grenada
Blaxx - Trinidad and Tobago
Fay-Ann Lyons - Trinidad and Tobago
Iwer George - Trinidad and Tobago
Patrice Roberts - Trinidad and Tobago
Shurwayne Winchester - Trinidad and Tobago


Groovy Soca Monarch finalists:

Shurwayne Winchester - Trinidad and Tobago (defending)
Benjai - Trinidad and Tobago
Biggie Irie - Barbados
Fay-Ann Lyons - Trinidad and Tobago
Hunter - Trinidad and Tobago
Kerwin Du Bois - Trinidad and Tobago
Nadia Batson - Trinidad and Tobago
Patch and Mastamind - Trinidad and Tobago
Tizzy and Richard Trumpet - Antigua and Barbuda / Trinidad and Tobago
Zan - Trinidad and Tobago
Zoelah - St. Vincent and the Grenadines


Check Up
Ok, I know some of your favourite artists are missing in this list. That's because they didn't score high enough! In case you need a refresher, view the original list of semi-finalists here. Comment below. I'll save my comments for later!

CLICK HERE 

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Nurse's Lounge: Soca Or Die 9, you voted - Dr. Jay delivered

No time is like the present to discuss the importance of voting. If you are reading this from the United States, today is your change to make a change. YES WE CAN! The whole world is watching.

When you have a chance to have your say, speak you must. Let me take the liberty to show you how this relates to SOCA!!! If you're into soca and you live in Toronto, there's no doubt you know about Dr. Jay de Soca Prince and his groundbreaking mega-fete Soca or Die. Dr. Jay is the DJ who hosts Soca Therapy, the same radio program that I go on every Sunday to give you "The Rounds." If you're still not sure, I'm going to tell you.

Nurse Karen and Dr. Jay (At KoolHaus earlier this year)

Last Saturday, the two-time soca award-winning "best international dj" and three-time stylus dj award winning "best soca dj" threw a huge fete in celebration of his birthday. Incidentally, I'm a soca scorpio too, so it was a real pleasure sharing the evening with all the other Carnival babies (De Docta, Marxman, Destra and Problem Child)

With Soca Therapy DJ, Marxman (Trinidad 2008)

This event is becoming an institution in Toronto. The KoolHaus, a concert venue which holds a legal capacity crowd of 3500 sells out each time. Patrons get to see performances from acts seldom brought together for a show. This year, he took the concept to a whole new level.

Earlier this Fall, soca lovers in Toronto had the chance to VOTE for the cast of this much anticipated show.

Fans spoke up, and Dr. Jay assembled a line-up no city has seen before. The favourites from 6 countries were given a mandate from the Toronto electorate: Soca or Die!

Here are the top vote getters:

Antigua - Tizzy of EL A KRU

Barbados - Lil Rick, the Hypa Dog

Grenada - Berbice

St. Lucia - Ricky T

St. Vincent - an alleged tie called for both Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous

Trinidad - Machel Montano. However, a scheduling conflict with the World Creole Music Festival in Dominica meant that Destra Garcia would rep the Twin Island republic.

Here's my shortish, but oh-so-sweet review. This fete was refreshingly different.

1. International - The international cast drew out soca fans with roots throughout the Caribbean. KoolHaus looked like carnival with every nation's flag waving high and proud.




Grenada's Berbice, minutes before showtime














2. Equal playing field - There were no bands, so all of the sets were equal. Each performer had about 20 minutes to leave a lasting impression on the crowd regardless of their experience level in the business, popularity of their prepertoire or nationality. This meant people like Problem Child could remind us about his older hits, and Tizzy could introduce the crowd to songs they haven't really previously given a chance.




Problem Child, ever so dapper. How does he do it?








3. Supportive - Maybe you've heard. Ricky T was a no-show. Shortly after the end of Berbice's set, a recorded apology was played indicating that the St. Lucian entry was absent due to some family business at home. I won't mislead you, I was disappointed too...(mostly cause he's good vibes and has a killer wine when he's ready to lehgo). But some fans were irate. Following the announcement there were chants of "F*ck Ricky T" rising from one section of the crowd.
   
   
   
   Thankfully, artists emphasized the importance of putting family first....and the refrain of "Oh Oh Oh Oh Ohhhh, Wham to Dem!!", was a familiar call and response throughout the night. Fans: Ricky T will be in Toronto at Doh Cry Ah Leaving in February. Cool? Cool.





Ricky T and I just three weeks ago in Miami











4. High Quality - Artists brought FIRE. I could tell that the performers were exuding a special confidence from knowing that the crowd asked for each act directly. The line-up was unconventional with a multi-year chart-topper in Destra performing ahead of Lil Rick who is often considered a niche artist, Tizzy (who spent Trini Carnival 2K8 as a special guest in Destra's band).

With Lil Rick backstage...a not-so-hyper dog.

Skinny Fabulous closed the show. That decision was even surprising to him up until about ten minutes before showtime, as Toronto is still largely unfamiliar with his eight-year repertoire. No one was thinking about that when he gave his Barack Obama style motivational speeck on Caribbean unity, or when he took a running leap off the stage into a sea of flags and his 140 lb frame was thrown into the air over and over. The acts flowed seemlessly, and everything made perfect sense in the end.

If you missed it, don't miss my humble video blog, and be sure to check out the pictures and video EVERYWHERE. People will be talking about this one for a while!

Dre from TriniJungle Juice crossed the border to get in on the action. In so doing he dragged Nadine from Much Music along to host TJJ TV.

Here's what you'be been waiting for....Clips from Soca or Die 9!

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Nurse's Lounge: Jr Carnival and Vincy Insomnia

SVG Day Two, here's what's in store!

Ok, so my partner in crime has landed on the island. Let’s call her Slimmy. As for me, now Carnival is officially ON! We went up to this lil bar for Roti’s and Hairoun. At the bar, we met a sweet smallie who was very interested in learning about Canada. Turns out he was about to have lunch with the father he hasn’t seen since he was a baby. Big Poppa must of thought one of us was cute, cuz he ended up buying lunch for us and offering to take us out to Chappy’s that night. Mmmm….nice gesture and stuff, but Sir, spend some time with your offspring. I hope you didn’t wait 22 years to return home, just to holler at girls less than half your age. Well, I’m not sure. But I hope so. Thanks for lunch anyway.

Nelson Bloc Junior King

Kiddie’s Carnival…check! The crowd wasn’t the largest I’ve seen, but the costumes were CRAZY. My favourites were the fish and humming bird sections SVG players. Bounced up an old friend from the days when I used to write for The Vincentian (Duh, that’s a Vincy Newspaper). He was up in the VIP section video taping the event. Can I tell you that was the sweetest lime in a long time? Slimmy and I got caught up on the latest soca, we learned the 2 Knee dance, and we gave our livers a taste of better things to come. Um, Dragons placed 2nd at Junior Carnival…and my Junior King – bad man dat!

Insomnia: Well there’s good news and there’s bad news. I’ll give you the bad news first. The fete ended at 4 am. WTF? You know what I mean? That’s regular ending time, the sun was barely in the sky. Well, I was there long after sunrise, but the music done lock off.

Vincy people know how to make their own fun. Clips from Insomnia, Check it out!

Ready for the good news? That was a fete man. I had so much fun. Touching down in SVG is always a home coming for me. The performances were energetic and spirited, the drinks were too strong as usual, and bacchanal was the order of the day back stage and in the general crowd. Big up Hy Rollerz crew. Nothing better than fit men pelting waist! Yum yum.

So, I slipped back stage and ALL the characters were there. We are now entering the name dropping portion of the blog:

Skinny Fabulous

Blakie

Danielle Veira

Icon and his lady love, Tempress

Problem Child

Vyrus

Vincy Soca Dans:
Jamesy P

Fireman Hooper and Luta

Jalena

Hot 97 DJ’s:

Too Cool Chris

Scratch Master and Top Notch Swift. Swift... you real cool.

I like “chippin" by the way. The jury is still out on We Don't Care. LOL

Plus there was Bomani...(ever protecting his head from the rain)

Landlord

Maddzart

Kevin Sardine. He used to be called Shady in years gone by.

So Many artistes and industry types, I failed to mention Zoelah, Tabia, DJ Tarrus, Scratch Master from Hot 97, Afterdark, Kubiyashi. Oh, and I spotted Kevin Lyttle. He wasn’t peforming, but I caught him wining up in the crowd.

So Destra, I have to hand it to you lady...

To me, that was your best performance I’ve seen this year. So that includes 3 times in Trinidad and once in Toronto. I loved seeing you join in with your dancers. You looked and sounded great!

Tizzy, hope you know that the only reason no one moved during your first song is cuz de man dem were mesmerized by your outfit. WOW! And with that, I’m gone….

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BOOSTER SHOT: 2008 SAO Soca Awards Nominees Announced

Copied below is a press release, just posted from the Soca Awards Organization. Congrats to all who are nominated! Before allyuh get vex with me for bad grammar and spelling and all dem odda ting dey...understand, all I did was cut and paste. I'm giving you my two cents before you read on. I respect the SAO for taking time out to recognize achievement in the genre of soca. However, I urge all persons involved in the business of Caribbean Entertainment to stand up and take some pride in what they do. The first step would be...making an effort to spell the names of the artistes correctly.

Tell me...who PROBLUM CHILD be? EDWIN YEREWOOD? MACHEL MOTANO???? Allyuh serious?

Dat nah mek it dread!

How do we expect the rest of the world to learn their names if we don't?

So many more comments...but I'd rather see yours...

Anyhoo....this was yours truly at the 2007 SAO Soca Awards in Queens, NY. The handsome dude next to me is Atlanta's DJ Tony Tempo ( Note: I can't find his name on the list)

The 2008 Soca Awards list of Honoree Recipients and Nominees

As promised here is the eagerly anticipated list of Honoree Recipients and Nominees for the 6th Annual International Soca Awards, this information was officially announced this morning at 10:00 am live on - ZIZ TV, ZIZ Radio, Win FM 98.9, Sugar City Roc 90.3 FM, Radio One 94.5FM - St. Kitts. Red Hot Radio 98.1FM - Antigua, thefrontlineradio.com, socaawards.com (iSA RADIO).


This year's awards will be held at the St. Kitts Marriott Center under the kind patronage of the Honorable Minister of State for Tourism, Sports and Culture, Senator Richard "Ricky" Skerritt. This red carpet, star studded gala will bring Soca entertainers and Soca lovers from all across the world together to pay accolade to those deserving of the honor.

Voting is scheduled to begin on Friday June 6th.
We encourage you to stay linked to http://www.socaawards.com/ for up to date information and more exciting news on the 2008 International Soca Awards.


Support for iSA6 is provided by St. Kitts Tourism Authority, St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, b Mobile, HYPE TV, Royal St. Kitts Hotel & Casino ZIZ TV, ZIZ Radio, socaawards.com, socatvonline.com, Win FM 98.9, Sugar City Roc 90.3 FM, Radio One 94.1FM, Red Hot Radio 98.5FM, sknvibes.com, Club Kactus, sknentertainment.com, Shabeau Magazine, Shabeau Style TV, Pour Moi – Cognac, JTE Spirits, W4 Tours & Promotions, tropicalfete.com, thefrontlineradio.com, toronto-lime.com and wukupnuff.com, http://www.socaordie.com/, caribbeanmecca.com, tswradio.com, Soca Mix, Turner Video Productions, V.I.P Connected.




SAO Lifetime/ Achievement Award McLean “King Short Shirt” Emmanuel
SAO Hall of Fame Ellie Matt
SAO Legend Award Winston “Gypsy” Peters
SAO Technical Award Eddie Grant and Leston Paul
SAO Trustees Award Ignatius "De Invader" Tisson




Best New Female Soca Artist

• SHEKERA

• JULIETTE MILLS

• MARIE ANNE

• KIMBERLY DOPSON

• ZOELAH

Best New Male Soca Artist

• Sizwe C

• KAMAU

• DON TRENT

• PROBLUM CHILD

• SKHI

Female Soca Vocalist of the Year

• GO DOWN BY LIMA CALBIO

• CHEATERS BY MARIE ANNE

• LOVE OF MY LIFE BY NADIA BATSON

• MO WUK BY PATRICE ROBERTS

• GO DOWN LOW BY ZOELAH

Male Soca Vocalist of the Year

• IT FEELS LIKE AM HOME AGAIN BY EDWIN YEREWOOD

• FIRE BY KEVIN LYTTLE

• NEVER LEAVE YA BY KERWIN DU BOIS

• CARNIVAL PLEASE STAY BY SHURWYNE WINCHESTER

• ME & YOU BY DON TRENT

Female Soca Performer of the Year

• NNIKI FRANCIS

• DESTRA

• FAYE-ANN LYONS

• TIZZY

• ZOELAH

Male Soca Performer of the Year

• BUNJI GARLIN

• EDWIN YEREWOOD

• MACHEL MONTANO

• RIKKY T

• LIL RICK

Soca Duo or Group of the Year

• 2NTRIGUE

• 3 CANAL

• 3 SUNS

• LUNI SPARKS & ELECTRIFY

Soca Song Writer of the Year

• KERNEL ROBERTS & MACHEL MONTANO - (UNCONDITIOAL LOVE, BLAZE D TRAIL, MAKE LOVE)

• KERWIN DU BOIS - (BREATHLESS, NEVER LEAVE YA, GYAL FARM)

• NADIA BATSON - (MIND YUH BUSINESS, LOVE OF MY LIFE, CONFUSION)

• FAYE-ANN LYONS - (GET ON, ROAD CALL, WHO STANDING)

• BERBICE - (TRAFFIC, WATER, CARIBBEAN GIRL)

Best Soca Collaboration Grove

• PROBLEM CHILD & JADINE - SECRET AGENT

• KERWIN DU BOIS & SHAL MACHEL - GYAL FARM

• JAMESY P. & CECILLE - DO ME BABY

• MR. VEGAS ft. DESTRA - ON THE FLOOR

• MACHEL MOTANO ft DAVID RUDDER - OIL & MUSIC

Best Soca Collaboration up Tempo

• SHURWAYNE WINCHESTER & JONNY KING - WHOLE DAY

• PATCH & DA MA$TAMIND - DE TAIL GONE

• MACHEL MOTANO & MIGHTY SPARROW - CONGO MAN

• DESTRA & SEAN PAUL - FREE IT UP

• LUNI SPARKS & ELECTRIFY

Over All Female Soca Artist of the Year

• DESTRA

• FAYE-ANN LYONS

• NADIA BATSON

• NNIKI FRANCIS

• ZOELAH

Over All Male Soca Artists of the Year

• KERWIN DU BOIS

• BERBICE

• MACHEL MONTANO

• RIKKY T.

• MR. DALE

International Soca DJ of the year

• BACK TO BASICS

• DJ SPICE

• MISS BOOMARANG

• DR. JAY

• SOCA TWINS

Best Soca Compilation Album/CD of the Year

• DE RED BOYZ PRESENTS - SOCA BONFIRE - VARIOUS

• BEST OF THE BEST - SOCA HITS 08

• SOCA .758.

• SOCA GOLD - VARIOUS ARTISTS 1 2008

• THE REAL DEAL - STRAIGHT FROM BIM

Best Soca Compilation Rhythm

• SLU RIDDIM

• BANJO RIDDIM

• BARBER SHOP RIDDIM

• GYAL TOUCH RIDDIM

• RESPONSE RIDDIM

Soca Humor of the Year

• PHONE CARD - (REPLY) BY SILVER

• DE TAIL GORN BY PATCH & DA MA$TAMIND

• STRANGE NAME BY BLACKIE

• PHONE CARD BY CRAZY

• RAMCONPONG BY PETER RAM, CONTONE & PONG

Favorite Groove Soca - Female

• GO DOWN LOW BY ZOELAH

• SADDLE BY DESTRA

• MO WUK BY PATRICE ROBERTS

• KICK IT OFF BY TIZZY

• WUKKING UP BY PATRICE ROBERTS

Favorite Groove Soca - Male

• WHINNING SEASON BY MACHEL MONTANO

• OUT ON DE ROAD BY ZAN

• SOKA JUNKIE BY MR. DALE

• NAUGHTY SHAUTY BY SMALL AXE BAND E.K

• PARTY ANIMAL BY PROBLEM CHILD

Favorite up Tempo Soca - Female

• GET ON BY FAYE-ANN LYONS

• LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION BY CLAUDETTE PETERS

• MAS BY NNIKI FRANCIS

• MY POSSE BY NADIA BATSON

• FLY AWAY BY ZOELAH

Favorite up Tempo Soca - Male

• BREATHLESS BY BLACXX

• PRESSURE BOOM BY RICKY T.

• TRAFFIC BY BERBICE

• BOOM BAM BAM BY GRAND MASTER FT. SMILEY

• FIREY BY BUNJI

Soca Artist Album/CD of the year

• WATER BY BERBICE

• UNSTOPPABLE BY CRAZY

• WORK OF ART BY JAMSEY P.

• CARIBBEAN GIRL BY NADIA BATSON

• FLAME ON BY MACHEL MONTANO

Soca Song of the Year

• GET ON BY FAYE-ANN LYONS

• SOKA JUNKIE BY MR. DALE

• PRESSURE BOOM BY RICKY T.

• GYAL FARM BY KERWIN DU BOIS & SHAL MACHEL

• PARTY ANIMAL BY PROBLEM CHILD

Favorite Soca Info Website

• www.tropicalfete.com

• www.toronto-lime.com

• www.bajanfuhlife.com

• www.socaordie.com

• http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/

Over All Soca Band of the Year

• RED HOT FLAMES

• EDWIN YEARWOOD & KROSFYAH

• SMALL AXE BAND

• NU VIBES BAND

• MACHEL MONTANO HD

SOCA PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

• RED BOYZ - (BAND ON FIRE, ME & YOU, CHIPPIN’)

• KASEY PILLIPS - (ROBOMAN, MY POSSE, MIND YUH BUSSINESS)

• PARRY JACK - (AH NOT GOING, BASHMENT FREAKS, DO ME BABY)

• NEIL BERNARD - (GET ON, HAVING AH TIME, PELE PELE PA)

• KERWIN DU BOIS - (BREATHLESS, 2 DAYS, GYAL FARM)

Best Soca Music Video

• ROLIN‘- BLAZIN' D TRAL MEDLEY BY MACHEL MONTANO & PATRICE ROBERTS

• SOKA JUNKIE BY MR. DALE

• DESIRE BY SKHI

• PUMPIN‘ BY PETER RAM

• CAN’T WAIT BY LIL RICK

• PASSA PASSA BY CASEY

• WINE DOWN LOW BY DEVON MATTHEWS

• STRANGE NAME BY BLACKIE

• MONIKA – SOCA ELVIS

• THINK IT OVER -TERRY SEALES

Best Soca Re-Mix Collaboration

• PATRICE ROBERTS ft MACKA DIAMOND - WUKKIN’ UP REMIX

• FARM P ft KERWIN DU BOIS - SEXY CHOCOLATE GIRLS - REMIX

• PETER RAM ft AIDNIA - PUMPIN REMIX

• FARMER NAPPY ft ANHONY B. - CHIPPIN’ REMIX

• RICKY T. ft. MR. VEGAS - PRESSURE BOOM (REMIX)

Best Dj Soca Mix CD of the Year

• DJ MIX BY THREEKS SOUND BERLIN

• SOCA FEEIN” 2008 pt2 BY DJ REE

• 2008 XPLOSION MIX 2 BY DJ STEPHEN

• WE GOT THE FLAVOR BY LeXXXus SOUND & CENSORED

• 2008 SOCA MIX VOLUME 1 BY DJ SPICE

• 2008 SOCA MIX BY DJ CHOICE-ONE MD

• UNITE DE SOCA 2008 MIX Pt 1 BY MISS BOOMARANG

• ADDICTED 2 SOCA BY SOCA TWINS

• 2008 GROOVY SOCA MIX EXCLUSIVE BY JESTER X-CALIBER SMASH SQUAD DJ's

Over All Soca Chutney Artist of the Year

• HUNTER

• RIKKI JAI

• DE HITMAN

• RAVI B

• RAYMOND RARNAIN

Over All Soca Chutney Band of the Year

• DIL E NADAAN

• GEMINI BAND

• JMC TRIVENI

• KRAMA BAND

• SUPER TONES BAND

Soca Chutney Song of the Year

• FIRE WATER BY DE HITMAN

• INTOXICATED BY RAYMOND RARNAIN

• BRING IT BY HUNTER

• AKLA RUM IS MEH LOVER BY RAVI B

• MONIKA – SOCA ELVIS

Favorite Soca Online Radio

• WWW.THEFRONTLINERADIO.COM

• WWW.RADIOBAJAN.COM

• WWW.SOCA919.COM

• http://www.wackradio901fm.com/

SOCA ROAD MIX OF THE YEAR

• FARMER NAPPY - CHIPPIN’ (ROAD MIX)

• KERWIN DUBIOS & SHAL - GAL FARM (ROAD MIX)

• LEHGO ME RIDDIM - RICKY T - PRESSURE BOOM (ROAD MIX)

• FAYE-ANN LYONS - GET ON ROAD MIX

• ROY CAPE ALL STARS FT. BLAXX – BREATHLESS (ROAD MIX)

Best Soca Chutney Collaboration of the year

• HUNTER & BUNJI GARLIN - I WANT MEH Rum (RE MIX

• D HITMAN & BUNJI GARLIN - BRING D RUM

• D'HITMAN & BLAZER DAN - BHANGRA PARTY

• DIL - E - NADAN Ft. BUNJI GARLIN - BAND ON FIRE

• RIKKI JAI & SHAWN NOEL - PAGAL

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The Rounds: Homeless alcholic releases a popular soca track

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and this is your Victoria Day LONG weekend edition of Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Last night we finally got to cross Soca or Die 8, part one off our lists of things to do. And what can I say?..we dunned it one hundred po-cent! Check the lingo.

Maximus Dan with Nurse Karen

Kerwin Du Bois brought smooth vocals, and raw energy to the crowd at KoolHaus before Atlantik took to the stage for an action packed show featuring the ever-hypnotik Tizzy of El A Kru, a svelt version of my soca super-hero Maximus Dan and Miss Destra Garcia performing hit after hit in some awe-inspiring fish net stockings. Yes girl, I see you!

Destra Garcia with Nurse Karen

If you missed out, try and get your act together for tonight. It’s a showdown of epic proportions at Palazzo. Faye-Ann, Bunji, Nadia and Iwer are bringing they toppa top acts direct from Trinidad’s Power Soca Monarch Show. Be there or ...well Soca or DIE...this is not a joke thing!

Atlantik backstage at Soca or Die

One quick Big Up to Farm P as he wraps up production of the Sexy Chocolate Girls video today. The video was shot in Trinidad and Canada, directed by Royette of Caribbean Vibrations TV.


In other news....the summer carnivals are heating up nice and lovely. St. Lucy Parrish in Barbados hosted the 3rd NCF cavalcade of the Crop Over season last night. The evening featured free performances by some of BIM’s most respected music vets; Red Plastic Bag, Gabby and GRRRRrynner. Jabae was there too, and from all reports Barry’s diet is going real well. He go have he sexy back in time for August. This year the events are coordinated by Peter Boyce who most people know for his outspoken criticisms of the crop over festival in the past. Now he is sleeping with the enemy, trying to develop respect for the local music industry through the rural cavalcades.

Dr. Jay and Nurse Karen

St. Vincent’s Jamesy P cancelled all gigs over the past week to be close to the fam this weekend. Very fitting after the release of his new tune “We will survive,” which pays tribute to his wife for her tireless commitment to the man who got famous off a chune called Nookie! Today, he’s quietly ringing in his birthday in Tortola with his wife and son.

Tizzy with Nurse Karen

But the biggest news out of Vincy Mas is a song called “No More Long Talk” by Skinny Fabulous... and a guy called Blakey. Believe it or not Blakey is what you might call a vagrant. He now lives on the streets of Kingstown after a losing battle with alcoholism and cocaine robbed him of his earlier life as witty calypsonian and talented painter. Non-Fiction Recordings has embarked on what they’re calling “Project Blakey” to restore the man - artistically and physically - to his former glory.

Nadia Batson with Nurse Karen

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Catch me online at the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) blog at Mustard Seeds dot Net for more soca news, and as always download the podcast to get the rounds on the go. Now, back to de docta!

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