Booster Shot: 2009 International Soca Awards Nominees are up!

Ok my friends....

Here's your first look at the nominees for the 2009 Soca Awards!

Let the discussing begin!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

The Official list of Honoree Recipients



Calypso Rose-----------SAO President's Award, the Colin Jackman's Award

Denyse Plummer------ SAO Lifetime/ Achievement Award

Fay-Ann Lyons---------SAO Hall of Fame Award

Singing Francine------ SAO Legend Award

Singing Sandra---------SAO Trustees Award

Ella Andall----------------SAO Trustees Award

Allyson Hennessy---------SAO Technical Award





Soca Awards Organization, Inc. (SAO) Official list of Nominees and Categories


Best New Female Soca Artist

• Alaine - Tonight

• Shyann Bailey - Sweetness

• Cha'randi - Put It On Me

• Blue - Watch Meh

• Tabia - Feeling It

• Tarah Holdipp - All Night



Best New Male Soca Artist

• Shawn “Da Ma$tamind” Noel - Rum & Roti

• Jade Lopez - Bum Bum

• Skinny Fabulous - Head Bad

• Pupa L'eendi - Rum Oh

• TC - Frontline

• Ashanti - Wine On Your Boom Boom

• Trevor Gore - Mama Yo



Female Soca Vocalist of the Year

• Destra Garcia - Hott

• Shyann Bailey - Sweetness

• Alison hinds - Bumpers

• Nnika Francis - Do Meh What Yuh Want

• Zoelah - Wine up on me



Male Soca Vocalist of the Year

• Edwin Yearwood - Not Missing Me

• Kes - This Feeling

• Zan - Slip Away

• Biggie Irie - Bigg Girlzz

• Ragga - Chippin Down De Road

• Rupee - Single Ladies



Female Soca Performer of the Year

• Denise Belfon - Licks

• Destra Garcia - Sassiness

• Faye-Ann Lyons - Heavy T

• Alison Hinds - Bumpers

• Claudette Peters - Bring It On



Male Soca Performer of the Year

• Bunji Garlin - Clear De Road

• Edwin Yearwood - Not Missing Me

• Machel Montano - Push Yuh Bumper

• Skinny Fabulous - Head Bad

• Ricky T - Wheel and Come Again



Soca Duo or Group of the Year

• 2Ntrigue - Kryptonite

• 3 Canal - Boom Up History

• 3 Suns - Give It Up

• Luni Sparks & Electrify - Clear De Way



Soca Song Writer of the Year

• Ricky T - (Party Cya Done, Wheel and Come Again, Toxic)

• KMC - (Am Not Drunk, Yeast, I Will)

• Destra Garcia - (Bacchanal, Hott, Sassiness)

• Faye-Ann Lyons - (Heavy T, Meet Super Blue, Wine Faster)

• Edwin Yearwood - (Not Missing Me, In A Jam, We On De Way)

• Benjai - (Drunk Again, Tanty Say, Whole Day)



Best Soca Collaboration Grove

• Destra ft Alison & Saucy - Obsessive Winners

• Machel Montano ft Collie Budds - Fly Away

• Iwer George ft Ziggy Rankin - We Like It

• Patrice Roberts ft Machel Montano - Tempa Wine

• Shurwayne Winchester ft Serani - AlI Need

• Benjai ft Scarface - Tanty Say

• Shurwayne Winchester ft Maxi Priest - Make it yours



Best Soca Collaboration up Tempo

• Luni Sparks & Electrify - Clear De Way

• Beenie Man ft Trini Jacobs - Superstar

• Ms Alysha ft Alison Hinds - Fly Away

• Nadia Batson & Ms Alysha - Road Block



Over All Female Soca Artist of the Year

• Destra - Hott

• Faye-Ann Lyons - Meet Super Blue

• Alison Hinds - Drop It

• Claudette Peters - Bring It On

• Zoelah - Wine up on me



Over All Male Soca Artists of the Year

• Ricky T - Wheel and Come Again

• Edwin Yearwood - Not Missing Me

• Skinny Fabulous - Head Bad

• KMC - Yeast

• Machel Montano - Push Bumper



International Soca DJ of the year

• Back 2 Basics - New York

• Soca Twins - Germany

• DJ Tony Tempo - Atlanta

• D' Enforcas - Canada

• Alicia D Duchess - Trinidad

• Techno Sound - Turks & Caicos

• DJ Stephen - Atlanta

• DJ Spice - New York



Best Soca Compilation Album/CD of the Year

• Feel Nas - Straight from BIM Vol 2

• Best of the Best - Soca Hits 09

• Soca 919 FM - Trini Bashment - Soca Compilation

• Soca Gold - Soca Gold 2009

• Machel Montano - HD Family

• Best of the Best - Soca Grooves 2009

• The Red Boyz - Mo’ Fire Blazin’



Best Soca Compilation Rhythm

• La Duma Riddim by (Daryl Braxton) TNT

• Coconut Tree Riddim by (Mostapiece Productions) Barbados

• Bad Boy Riddim by (Dwain "Dwaingerous" Antrobus) Barbados

• Step Out Riddim by (Madmen Productions) TNT

• The Feel Nas Riddim by (Dwain "Dwaingerous" Antrobus) Barbados

• Fix It Up Riddim by (Madmen Productions) TNT

• Veteran Riddim by (Penn & Ace) St. Lucia

• Bus Stop Riddim by (Madmen Productions) TNT



Soca Humor of the Year

• Crazy - It Hard

• Impulse - 2 Notes

• Bunji Garlin - Banana

• Ninjitsu - Mango

• Berbice – Beat It



Favorite Groove Soca - Female

• Zoelah - Wine up on me

• Destra - Hott

• Shayne Bailey - Sweetness

• Faye-Ann Lyons - Heavy T

• Alison Hinds - Bumpers

• Tizzy - Wuk Meh

• Nadia Batson - Bumpers Rule



Favorite Groove Soca – Male

• Zan - Slip Away

• KMC - Am Not Drunk

• Benjai - Drunk Again

• Red Plastic Bag - Wrong Gal

• Machel Montano - Push Bumper

• Lyrikal - All Over De Gyal



Favorite up Tempo Soca - Female

• Faye-Ann Lyons - Meet Super Blue

• Claudette Peters - Bring It On

• Destra Garcia - Bacchannal

• Nadia Batson - Play Mas

• Patrice Roberts - Sway In De Mas



Favorite up Tempo Soca - Male

• Stabby De Guard - Go Stabby

• Ricky T - Wheel and Come Again

• Skinny Fabulous - Head Bad

• Blaxx - Tusty

• Red Hot Flames - Musical Bomb



Soca Artist Album/CD of the year

• Destra Garcia - Hott

• Berbice - Demon

• Machel Montano - Heavenly Drum

• KMC - I Am Who I Am - KMC Imperium



Soca Song of the Year

• Faye-Ann Lyons - Meet Super Blue

• Skinny Fabulous - Head Bad

• Red Plastic Bag - Wrong Gal

• Destra Garcia - Bacchanal

• Edwin Yearwood - Not Missing Me

• Benjai - Drunk Again

• Machel Montano - Push Yuh Bumper



Favorite Soca Info Website

• www.tropicalfete.com

• www.trinijunglejuice.com

• www.toronto-lime.com

• www.bajanfuhlife.com

• www.smallislandmassive.com

• www.pointalive.com



Over All Soca Band of the Year

• Red Hot Flames - Antigua

• Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah - Barbados

• Machel Montano HD - TNT

• Destra Garcia & The Band - TNT

• Roy Cape All-stars - TNT

• Kes The Band - TNT



Soca Producer of the Year

• Red Boyz - (Wrong Gal, Feet Don’t Fail Me Now, Make It Yours)

• Daryl Braxton - (Heavy T, Banana, Tanty Say)

• Sheldon ‘$hel $hock’ Benjamin - (Hott, Ravin, Sway In De Mas)

• Neil Bernard - (Bacchanal, Sweetness, Meet Super Blue)

• Kerwin Du Bois - (Put Me Out, Tusty, Obsessive Winners)



Best Soca Music Video

• Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts - Looking Hot, Push Bumper, Tempa wine

• Destra Garcia - Hott

• Peter Ram - Tight

• KMC - Am Not Drunk

• Iwer George - Ready

• Lil Bitts - Hold Meh / Dis Year

• Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah - Nah Missing Me

• Shurwayne Feat Maxi Priest - Make It Yours

• 3 Canal - Boom Up History

• Blaxx - Tusty



Best Soca Chutney Music Video

• Dulari Nanny By Ravi B

• Rum & Roti By Patch & Da Mastamind

• Radica By Kenneth Salick

• Go Nah By Rajin Dhanraji

• Bison By Nisha B

• Jep Sting Naina By Hunter, Anil Bheem, Andy Singh, Ravi B, Hitman & Drupatee



Best Soca Re-Mix Collaboration

• Pupa L'eendi ft Blaxx - Rum Oye

• Tizzy ft Richard Trumpet - Wuk Meh

• Ragga ft Skar - Chipping Down De Road



Over All Soca Chutney Artist of the Year

• Hunter - Jep Sting Naina

• Kenneth Salick - Radica

• Hitman - Whole Day ah Liming

• Ravi B - Dularie Nanny

• Soca Elvis – Drunkard



Over All Soca Chutney Band of the Year

• Dil E Nadan

• Gemini Band

• JMC Triveni

• Karma Band

• Anil Bheem BMRZ Band



Soca Chutney Song of the Year

• Tek Mi Gyul “Rat Boy” By Hitman & Ravi B

• Radica By Kenneth Salick

• Jep Sting Naina By Hunter, Anil Bheem, Andy Singh, Ravi B, Hitman & Drupatee

• Dulari Nanny By Ravi B

• Rum & Roti By Patch & Da Mastamind



Favorite Soca Online Radio

• www.redhotflames.com

• www.thefrontlineradio.com

• www.soca919fm.com

• www.wackradio901fm.com



Best Soca Chutney Collaboration of the Year

• Rum & Roti - Patch & Da Mastamind

• A bottle - Alison Hinds, Hunter & Peter Ram

• Basanti - Destra Garcia & Gaymond Ramnarine

• Drunkard - Soca Elvis ft Hitman, Tracy D & Andy Singh

• Andy Singh ft Blaxx - Beating Meh Rum



Best DJ Soca Artist (Dj that sings)

• Lil Rick - Thunder
• Third Bass - Obama
• Devon Mathews - Bumpers
• Super Jigga TC - Frontline
• Shal Marshal - Bum Bum Vile



Ragga Soca Song of the Year

• This Time by Ziggy Ranking

• All Over De Gyal by Lyrikal

• Banana by Bunji Garlin

• Fly Away by Machel Montano ft Collie Budds

• Tight by Peter Ram

• Private Wine by Problem Child

• Doh Tape Meh by KMC

• Nobody’s Goin Home by Tony Matterhorn

• Plenty Gyal by Bunji Garlin ft Beenie Man



Soca Chutney Artist of the Year

• Ravi B - Dularie Nanny

• Hitman - Whole Day ah Liming

• Hunter - Jep Sting Naina

• Andy Singh - Beating Meh Rum

• Kenneth Salick - Radica

Read more...

Booster Shot: Destra gives keynote at Grenada Jr Achievement Grad

Destra and Nurse Karen in Toronto

Staying connected to the community is so important to me. No matter what you do in life, others are watching. It's good to know how you plan to use that influence. It's an opportunity, not a burden once you look at it the right way.

On May 28th, Destra Garcia made an appearance in Grenada that will likely be cherished in the minds of students there forever.

The Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce's held its 2008/2009 Junior Achievement Programme Graduation, and the usually sassy Destra was there offering words of inspiration to the youth. about 350 students from 19 Grenadian secondary schools attended the presentation at Charter Hall, St. George's University.

I think it's wonderful that Destra agreed to give a speech, and even cooler that somebody from the Junior Achievement program thought to ask her in the first place. She's more than batty and breasts you know! (Pardon my french, but I feel some of you fellas could use the reminder)

Naturally the room roared with applause as she took the stage. Destra congratulated the youth on their success, encouraged further education, and asked them to be role models. Sweet eh?

Here's a little quote from the soca diva to send you on your way:

Failure is only a stepping stone to success

- Destra Garcia

Read more...

Booster Shot: Did Destra drop Atlantik?

If you happen to be in Trinidad, or you pay particularly close attention to the whole Trini scene, then you must have noticed something I been seeing this season.

The big soca band Atlantik is no more!

Destra and Nurse Karen in Toronto, May 2008

All of the published ads and radio commercials advertising performances by Destra Garcia make no reference to the band Atlantik. Rather, when the artist is billed it reads Destra and her Band

So what does this really mean?

Lemme sort you out...

Yes! Destra will be performing throughout the 2009 season backed by a complete soca band.

No! She isn't working with a different set of people.

Yes! Dem cuties from Atlantik like Dean (Guitar) and Ricardo (Keys) will still be at all the shows!


So what happened?

A decision was made to drop the name Atlantik, so as to focus the activities of all-parties involved on the lead vocalist, Destra! As one band member says it, "She now owns her own future!"

What to say to that except, WOMAN IS BOSS!
In Destra's case management hasn't changed, and her fiery energy is back with a vengeance. We can think of it like Machel Montano HD, or Shurwayne Winchester and Y.O.U., where the artist is at the centre of it all. Business as usual - just a new energy, an exciting new sound, and a playlist of unbelievable music for 2009!

Do yuh ting gyul! And all the best for the season.


Karen's Check-up:
How do you feel about the decline of the soca band in recent years? Do you think that soca culture will change as a result of it?

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Booster Shot: Destra is PREGNANT!

Yep...a few of you have been guessing this for a while now. As luck would have it, I haven't seen Destra in living colour since February, so I wasn't able to confirm it for you. But kiddies....now it's public knowledge.

Destra Garcia is pregnant, and the high energy 31 year old soca star is expecting her first child in January 2010.

So to answer your questions of the past, who is Destra's man? It's Brian Morris. He has also been her manager for the last 9 years.

Is she getting married? No word on a wedding as yet, but they say it's something they've always wanted to do.

For more information, check out this interview from the Trinidad Express

Congrats Destra and Brian! So exciting...(I wonder if the name go be "Bacchanal"?)

Love and Soca BABIES!!

Nurse Karen

P.S. photo property of Trinidad Express

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Booster Shot: Saucy gives Destra some motherly advice...

Soca survivors! How are you doing? Greetings and salutations from New York City!

Your nurse decided to trek down here to make some headway on a few creative projects...and hopefully catch a lil piece of the West Indian American Carnival action too. (oooh, but it's all about Boston first!)

I saw this article over the weekend and thought you might get a kick out of it. On Friday, Digicel sponsored a big FREE concert at Adam Smith Square in Woodbrook, Port of Spain. Naturally a cast of "RED" people took to the stage (that is the people and dem slogan, doh vex). There were therefore performances from Karma, Kes the Band, Destra and her band and more!

It was a big deal for a lot of people, being that it was Destra's first show on home turf since she released the news about the bun she's baking. Denise was there too, and it sounds like the ladies cooked up a little spectacle for the fans....

TRINIDAD EXPRESS

Denise coaches Destra Wayne Bowman wbowman@trinidadexpress.com Sunday, August 23rd 2009

In her first performance at home since revealing her pregnancy, soca siren Destra Garcia delivered an energetic, no holds barred show at the Outta Control Tour at Adam Smith Square, Woodbrook on Friday ... READ MORE HERE

It's obvious that the two soca divas have come a long way since their much touted spat of years gone by. What are we, if we don't change, right? Speaking of change, Ms. Belfon is entering a new phase of her career, having started working with a new manager this week.

I've been told I was the first one to know. LOL...well that cat's out of the bag!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Welcome Destra to Motherhood!

Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM "Soca Therapy" with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince (Sunday, January 17, 2010)

In this edition:

-  Chutney artists donate to Haiti (Trinidad and Tobago)

-  Nicole David to star in "Island Secrets" TV show (St. Lucia)

-  Shaunelle McKenzie's is expecting (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

-  Destra welcomes her baby girl (Trinidad and Tobago)

-  Fire Empress to defend her title at Tobago Soca Monarch (Trinidad and Tobago)

- 12 advance to Mashramani Soca Monarch (Guyana)

___________________________________________________________


Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. It’s five days after the tragic earthquake in the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The fiercely proud republic is scrambling to put the pieces back together as international aid begins to trickle in, and I just wanted to take a moment to make my humble appeal to you the listeners to help in any way you can. To start, why not follow the example of Trinidad’s Chutney Artists who together have already donated $20,000 from the organizers of Chutney Soca Monarch to the Haiti Disaster fund set up by the T&T Red Cross Society. They even set up an account at the Republic Bank for those wishing to donate. More than $100,000 dollars was raised on the first day of collections. Great to see Caribbean people assisting their brothers and sisters in need. Please join in and do the same.

Down in St. Lucia the island is abuzz over a new television drama series called Island Secrets. The small screen soap opera is written by soca artist Jose Torso and stars former Road March queen, Nicole David as a wealthy house wife that secretly manages the mythical island’s illegal drug trade.

Nurse Karen and Nicole David in St. Lucia (2009)

            I’ve got an island secret to share, that takes place on St. Vincent. HS Phaktor lead vocalist, Shaunelle McKenzie is celebrating a birthday today. This birthday is particularly special as it’s the last one she will celebrate before she becomes a mother in a few short weeks. For those who didn’t know, the veteran artist who performs alongside Bomani is pregnant with her first child.

Speaking of babies!!! A certain somebody isn’t pregnant anymore!!! Destra Garcia gave birth to a bouncing bay girl on Thursday, January 14th in Trinidad on day before her scheduled due date. Not sure of the correct pronunciation, but the baby’s name is Xaiya (spelled, X-A-I-Y-A). Mommy and daughter are both doing fine!

Destra

       In the meantime Destra’s band is back to work this weekend, backing Fire Empress has she defends her Soca Monarch Title tonight in Tobago. The Ricky Bobby band made the trip to Trinidad’s sister isle yesterday to lend their support to Fire Empress’s performance of “De Session Done”.

It’s Carnival time in Guyana too. 12 artists just found out that they have been selected to proceed to the Semi Finals of Mashramani Soca Monarch on January 30th. Three of the 12 do not live in Guyana. Stay to tuned to Dr. Jay’s Rounds and the Nurse Karen Etc blog for more.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. To get the latest in soca news, check out Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me, Nurse Karen on Twitter. Now, back to de Docta!

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Nurse's Lounge: All's Well that Ends Well

I'm stuck in Trinidad!!!

My flight to St. Vincent was to be early in the morning. As much as LIAT is known to be the source of much grief for many - this one isn’t their fault…well not entirely, anyway. So the flat tire issue of last night was easily resolved by borrowing a vehicle, so that getting to the airport would be no problem. What we didn’t realize is that somebody else had a key for the car we were to use – and they put it to use sooner. I can’t lie. I was sooooooo stressed. My travel arrangements for the Vincy leg of my “mission” were made by the generous sponsors of Vincy Carnival 360. www.toronto-lime.com/360 . The way, I see it, my role was to show up on time and get where I need to go, no matter what. I definitely didn’t want to have to make any calls asking for flights to be rescheduled or reaching for lame apologies.

In the end, I got to Piarco only 30 mins before the flight was set to take off. The passengers hadn’t boarded, and it actually left quite late, but they didn’t let me on anyway. (insert “steups” here)

I was put on standby (yet again) for the next flight 4 hours later. Little did I know that that flight would also be carrying Destra Garcia and Atlantik to St. Vincent for the Insomnia Fete at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

Destra Singing at Insomnia SVG 2008



Destra and I had a good chat about St. Vincent. She told be about her Vincentian Grandfather who passed away last year. I think she said he was 89. He never lost his accent. She shared the story of his coming to Trinidad to work as a fisherman, and her desire to reconnect with people from that branch of her family. If you’re an Alexander from Union Island or Sion Hill…you never know, you could be cousins with Destra!

That flight was uber late which just left some time to catch up with more members of Atlantik. I don’t mind that at all, considering that girl Destra surrounds herself with some very talented and GOOD LOOKING musicians!

Some of the exceptional "talent" in Atlantik.

Boys, I’ll be sure to get you some more Honey Roasted Soy Beans in time for Caribana! I promise.

I got to SVG and wasted no time getting up to the countryside to visit MY Grandpa. He’s not a Vincy, but he has been living there for more than 60 years, so I guess that counts for something.

I wasn’t quite ready to plunge right into the feting action, so I spent my first evening in St. Vincent helping out in the Dragon’s Cultural Organization Mas Tent.

"Third World" building the Junior King

Before you get all impressed with my involvement in Vincy Mas, I might as well tell you that one of my roommates this week is Andrew “Afterdark” Sutherland. He is the King ofhe band. If the name is familiar, that would be because he’s an upcoming soca producer.

He put together the Ragga Soca Monarch title-winner “Gimme Mo” for Dani-O.

This is Miss Dani-O wukkin de muscle at Soca Monarch Semis! Hot, eh?



Afterdark also produced Crazy Vybe for Skinny Fabulous ft Jamesy P.

I guess we can also blame him for enabling Top Notch Swift to make the transition from Hot 97 DJ to Soca Artiste.



(By the way, Skinny is one of our roommates too for the carnival calendar. He says he wants to throw a victory party in our big fat MTV-style crib after he wins soca monarch. Big talks skinny man, semi’s aren’t even over yet!

Introducing: Afterdark!

The Dragons are working overtime putting the finishing touches on the King and Queen costumes for Junior Carnival. Your nurse administer a little bit of her loving care to the Junior King costume. I’m officially a mas’ woman now! You better believe I’ll be in Park tomorrow to see it cross the stage. Nothing more exciting that seeing the future torch bearers of our culture, enjoying their first carnival experiences. Not to mention, the mas is usually amazing!

Nite Nite

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Booster Shot: Destra to release HOTT album in NY

T&T Carnival has been over for nearly two months, but the spirit lives on through the music. 

Soca Survivor Destra Garcia had a successful year, with a collection of songs that reminded her fans...she's still here, and HOTT as ever!

This Saturday night, Destra will be launching her latest album HOTT internationally at SOB's in New York City.  

 

Destra and Nurse Karen, Toronto 2008

For more posts where Destra is mentioned, CLICK HERE

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Q&A: What is Destra's phone number?...and more!

The Nurse answers your questions!

In this edition: Bunji Garlin, Destra Garcia, Fay Ann Lyons, Machel Montano, Sheldon Benjamin,  St. Lucia Carnival, Aex Jordan, Tobago Soca Monarch.

Q.  When did Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons get married?

A.  Trinidad’s IT  couple tied the knot in Trinidad on December 23, 2006.

Q.  When was Fay-Ann’s baby born?

A.  Baby Alvarez, Syri,  is the daughter of Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez and Ian Alvarez aka Bunji Garlin. She came to the world via C-Section, on Saturday, February 28, 2009.

Q.  Did Machel Montano have a show in Toronto on March 7? 

A. There was a facebook event advertising an appearance by Machel Montano HD on March 7^th.  However, Machel Montano did not have a confirmed booking in Toronto on that date.  The fete that ensued featured performances from Patch (T&T), Berbice (Grenada) and  Fireman Hooper (SVG)

Q.  Is Shel Shok ill?

A.  This question requires some sensitivity on my part. So, I’ve allowed Sheldon Benjamin to address this one himself.

“I don't go by the name Shel Shok anymore and I am not on soca and carnival. As for health, I am very sick but it will be a long road to recovery. I have to be in bed all the time staying off my feet, ”

Sheldon Benjamin (March 28, 2009)

Q. What was the name of Byron Lee’s band in the seventies?

A.  Mr. Lee’s band was none other than Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.  He started the band in Jamaica way back in 1950, by Byron Lee and his friend Carl Brady.  It continues today, even after the death of Byron Lee on November 4, 2008.  So, in the seventies, it was the very same band!!!!

Q.  When is Destra Garcia’s birthday?

A. Soca star Destra Garcia was born on November 10, 1977 in Trinidad.

Q. What is Destra Garcia’s phone number?

A.  LOL.  You must be mad!  You can always ask her manager for that.  Keep in mind he’s also her man, so, try yuh best!!

Q.  When is Fay-Ann Lyons birthday?

A.  Fay-Ann Lyons was born on November 5, 1980....of musical stock.  She is the daughter of Calypsonian Lady Gypsy, and Superblue!

Q.  When is St. Lucia Carnival 2009?

A.  It’s coming soon!  Carnival Monday and Tuesday are July 20^th and 21^st.

Q.  What is Lava Man’s real name?

A.  When he’s not sending Grenada’s soca crowds into frenzied madness, Lava Man is known as Marcus James.

Q.  Did Alex Jordan leave the BBC 1xtra Soca show?

A.  I asked Alex the same question a few months ago.  Here’s what she said:

“I did. First DJ to ever resign from Radio 1. Well I decided that I wanted to move back to Barbados for a bit as I've been missing my family - and after initially discussing if I could do it from there, logistics wouldn't allow. They are having DT do it and are looking for someone full time in the meantime. My move is to the islands to involve myself in radio/TV/music there, so I'll still be on the scene.”

Alex Jordan (December 5, 2008) 

 Q. Who were the competitors for Tobago Soca Monarch 2009?

A.  The Tobago Soca Monarch competition was held at the Golden Star Entertainment Center, Crown Point, Tobago on February 13^th 2009. You already know that Fire Empress took the crown, but here are the rest of the finalists who did battle that night; 

 Baby Vybz, 

Culture B, 

Dave Sampson, 

Jackie Reid, 

Kabasi, 

Kerrecia de Defender, 

Lion, 

Mauri Hall, 

Mr. Fusion, 

Princess Adana, 

Rheena Riley, 

Sando, 

Ware, 

Wendell Frederick.

More questions?  Post your comments below, or add me on Twitter 

 

 

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Booster Shot: Soca Awards 2009 Results!

I have good news and bad news.  Good news first:  The results have been published for the 2009 International Soca Awards.  Bad News?  Um, well they never actually had the awards show....and it ain't gonna happen.  A press release was issued today saying,

"The promoters felt that if the event was to fall short of iSA’s already remarkably high esteem in any aspect, that the 2009 Awards Show must be cancelled in order to continue in the cultural realm that Soca has evolved into."

I would love to know what the "unforeseen" circumstances are, considering that the initial date for this year's shindig was set for October 30th. It was then rescheduled till December 4th, and now gone the way of the dinosaurs.

Over here it's a beautiful Sunday morning, and I can't wait to enjoy it. So before I go, how about some of that GOOD NEWS?!?!?


Congratulations to all the winners:
(As always, let the discussions begin !!!)

1. Best New Female Soca Artist

Tabia 2. Best New Male Soca Artist Skinny Fabulous

3. Female Soca Vocalist of the Year

Zoelah - Wine up on me Shyann Bailey - Sweetness 4. Male Soca Vocalist of the Year

Edwin Yearwood - Not Missing Me 5. Female Soca Performer of the Year

Faye-Ann Lyons Destra Garcia 6. Male Soca Performer of the Year

Skinny Fabulous Machel Montano 7. Soca Duo or Group of the Year

Luni Sparks & Electrify 8. Soca Song Writer of the Year

Faye-Ann Lyons - (Heavy T, Meet Super Blue, Wine Faster) 9. Best Soca Collaboration Grove

Obsessive Winners - Destra ft Alison & Saucy   10. Over All Female Soca Artist of the Year

Faye-Ann Lyons

Destra Garcia

11. Over All Male Soca Artists of the Year

Machel Montano Skinny Fabulous 12. International Soca DJ of the year

Techno Sound - Turks & Caicos DJ Stephen - Atlanta Alicia D Duchess - Trinidad DJ Spice - New York 13. Best Soca Compilation Album/CD of the Year

Machel Montano - HD Family 14. Best Soca Compilation Rhythm

Bus Stop Riddim - (Madmen Productions) TNT 15. Soca Humor of the Year

2 Notes by Impulse 16. Favorite Groove Soca - Female

Heavy T - Faye-Ann Lyons Wine up on me - Zoelah  17. Favorite Groove Soca – Male

Push Bumper - Machel Montano Drunk Again - Benjai   18. Favorite up Tempo Soca - Female

Meet Super Blue - Faye-Ann Lyons 19. Favorite up Tempo Soca - Male

Tusty - Blaxx Head Bad - Skinny Fabulous  20. Soca Artist Album/CD of the year

Destra Garcia - Hott 21. Soca Song of the Year

Head Bad - Skinny Fabulous 22. Favorite Soca Info Website

www.toronto-lime.com 23. Over All Soca Band of the Year

Machel Montano HD - TNT Roy Cape All-stars - TNT 24. Soca Producer of the Year

Kerwin Du Bois - (Hangover, Tusty, Obsessive Winners) Neil Bernard - (Bacchanal, Sweetness, Meet Super Blue) 25. Best Soca Music Video

Destra Garcia - Hott (Eldon Pernel) Peter Ram - Tight (Jay Will) 26. Best Soca Chutney Music Video

Drunkard - Soca Elvis ft Hitman, Tracy D & Andy Singh (On “D” Rock productions) 27. Best Soca Re-Mix Collaboration

Tizzy ft Richard Trumpet - Wuk Meh Slammer Cutter ft Hitman - Hangover 28. Over All Soca Chutney Artist of the Year

Kenneth Salick 29. Over All Soca Chutney Band of the Year

Karma Band (TNT) 30. Soca Chutney Song of the Year

Radica - Kenneth Salick 31. Favorite Soca Online Radio

www.redhotflames.com www.soca919fm.com www.wackradio901fm.com 32. Best Soca Chutney Collaboration of the Year

Rum & Roti - Patch & Da Mastamind 33. Best DJ Soca Artist (Dj that sings)

Lil Rick - Thunder Super Jigga TC - Frontline 34. Soca Chutney Artist of the Year

Kenneth Salick 35. Ragga Soca Song of the Year Tight by Peter Ram Banana by Bunji Garlin

Fly Away by Machel Montano ft Collie Budds 36. Best Soca Collaboration up Tempo Luni Sparks & Electrify - Clear De Way

And there you have it!
Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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