Booster Shot: Berbice counteracts the drinking trend in soca

Berbice and Nurse Karen backstage at Trinidad Soca Monarch 2009

Have you heard Berbice's new tune, "Doh Give Me More Rum"? Nice to know that one artist is allowing his music to be used as a Anti-Drunk Driving campaign during Grenada's Spice Mas carnival. The song will likely make for a nice cool down on the road, as Berbice croons the risks of consuming too much alcohol. Although, if you ask me, the song is really about a person who already had too much to drink. Me eh know.

The New York based artist was the 2007 Grenada Road March King for the mas anthem "Traffic". He was the only non-seeded foreign artiste to make it through to the finals of Trinidad 2009 International Soca Monarch (Power Category). Not bad for a two year old song!

Berbice is on his way home to Grenada to participate in this year's Spice Mas action. However, he will not be competiting in soca monarch in 2009. After Spice Mas, he heads to the UK for Notting Hill Carnival.

Here's a listen!

Doh Give Me More Rum (2009 Grenada Carnival) - Berbice

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Berbice in negotiations for movie soundtrack

Berbice and Nurse Karen, Trinidad 2009

It's the gift the keeps on giving.  When Grenada's New York-based soca ambassador stepped into the booth to record Traffic for Spice Mas 2007, he had no idea that it would remain a favourite for so long. 

He won Spice Mas road march in '07.  It impressed the crowds at Notting Hill and Brooklyn Carnivals that year too. I should know, I jumped up with de jab jab posse to it on both sides of the pond.  It wasn't until Summer 2008 that Traffic began to have a major impact on Toronto and Miami, and then boom, Trinidad and Tobago sealed the deal.  The aggressive road anthem decorated the airwaves for month leading up to Carnival 2009.  

There, Berbice would be the only non-Trinidadian to make it past the semi-finals in the International Soca Monarch (Power) competition.  The other region artists all made it there as winner's of their own Island Soca Monarch competition.  Berbice has never won that crown, whether home or abroad, but he's beginning to see benchmarks of success that many title-holders have yet to reach. 

For starters, the song Traffic has been licensed to be used by the Universoul Circus in this season's presentation.   But an even bigger opportunity is in the works that place Traffic on the soundtrack of a feature film.  I don't wanna jinx anything.  So, that's all for now.  Hoping to let you know the good news soon!

For more posts that mention Berbice....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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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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Free Download: Hyper Active's Soca Bashment Miami-Style 2K9

Nurse Karen and Hyper Leon in Brooklyn, September 2009

When you travel a lot , you soon figure out that every city definitely has it's own flavour when it comes to which songs and artist are hot for Carnival.  The timing of local festivities factors in too.  So when I saw this mix from Hyper Leon, I thought a few of you might get VERY excited.  This mix shows of the top tunes of Miami Carnival 2K9, nothing more, nothing less.  If you were there....this was pretty much what they played at the fetes and on the roads.


So, I gotta say a big thank you to Hyper Leon of Hyper Active Entertainment in New York for letting me post this for you. He's a busy guy, between playing all over the US and keeping the music pumping on FIRE 104.7 FM's" Free Up Fridays" (3 - 6pm) and "Soca Arena Saturdays" (6 - 9 pm).


You can check him out at the links below:

           TWITTER.COM/HYPERLEON
           FACEBOOK.COM/HYPERLEON
           HYPERACTIVESOUNDS.COM

OR check out his DJ styleeeee by downloading his latest CD right   HERE

Full track listing below:
HYPERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS SOCA BASHMENT "MIAMI PARTY MIX 2K9"

SPONSORED BY THE BIG TRUCK ALLIANCE
~~~RIDE OR GET RODE ON~~~

Track 1. Intro  By HYPERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Track 2. Hold Yuh To Soca(Hyper Lee Mix)   By  Gyptain
Track 3. Fly Away By Machel Montano HD & Collie Buddz
Track 4. Break Up 2 Make Up By Ziggy Ranking 
Track 5. Shake Remix By Jamesy P & Luta 
Track 6. Jep Sting Remix By Hunter Ft Kes The Band & Ravi B
Track 7. Rum & Roti By  Patch & Da Ma$taMind
Track 8. Doh Give Me More Rum By Berbice
Track 9. Hold You Down By  Zan
Track 10. Bumpers By  Devon Matthews & Ziggy Ranking
Track 11. Wine For Me  By  Baba Shanta
Track 12. Wickedest Wine By Denise Belfon
Track 13. Standing Up Is Against The Law By Rupee
Track 14. 1 Juk By Lil Rick
Track 15. Glory Glory(Special) By Skinny Fabulous
Track 16. Waistline Roll By  Patrice Roberts
Track 17. Wine To Deh Back By  Allison Hinds
Track 18. Picante By Busy Signal
Track 19. Addicted By Bezo
Track 20. Wine Fast By Zan
Track 21. Looking To Wine By Farmer Nappy Ft General Grant
Track 22. Slow Wine By Machel Montano HD
Track 23. Work It By Patrice Roberts
Track 24. Murdah  By  Shurwayne Winchester
Track 25. Wuk Up On It/Im Not Drunk By  King Shepard/KMC
Track 26. Hot Sun & Riddum(Hyper Lee Mix) By Terencia TC Coward
Track 27. Dah Style Deh(Hyper Lee Mix)/All Nite Tll Morning By  Busy Signal & Statement
Track 28. Fun Fun By Benjai
Track 29. Hard For Me By Problem Child
Track 30. More Sweetness  By  Shayne Bailey
Track 31. Sweetness By Shayne Bailey
Track 32. More Water  By   Zoelah
Track 33. Woye Mama By Berbice
Track 34. Hold Dem/Obsessive Winers  By Lyrikal/Destra, Allison Hinds & Denise Belfon
Track 35. You A Mi Baby(Soca Mix)  By Vybz  Kartel
Track 36. She Cyah Wait(Hyper Lee Mix) By Demarco
Track 37. Plenty Gyal By Bunji Garlin & Beenie Man
Track 38. Yeast By  KMC
Track 39. Whole Night Long By Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah
Track 40. Awright(Ramajay) By Machel Montano HD
Track 41. Thunda Mix By Kes The Band
Track 42. Heavy T Belly By Busy Signal & Fay-Ann Lyons-Alverez
Track 43. We Done Dey By Bunji Garlin
Track 44. Tanty Say By Benjai Ft Scarface 
Track 45. Drunk Again By Benjai
Track 46. Staggerah By Fadda Fox
Track 47. De Lumbah  By Wayne Marshall
Track 48. Jumper Cable By Young Voice
Track 49. First In Line By Zan Ft General Grant
Track 50. I In Dat By WildFIRE
Track 51. Drunk Man By Tallpree
Track 52. Bachaanal By Destra Garcia
Track 53. Won't Stop By Machel Montano HD
Track 54. Doan Hold We Back By Machel Montano HD
Track 55. Turn It Up By Patrice Roberts
Track 56. Spread Out By Lil Rick
Track 57. Antz In Yuh Sugar Pan By Jamesy P
Track 58. Juk Juk Juk By Stabby
Track 59. Meet Super Blue By Fay-Ann Lyons-Alverez 
Track 60. In De Middle Ah De Road By Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah
Track 61. Mad House By Problem Child
Track 62. De Beast Leggo By Skinny Fabulous
Track 63. Tusty(Special) By Blaxx
Track 64. Wicked Jab By  Tallpree   



Love and Soca, 


Nurse Karen
P.S.  Never miss an update, follow me on twitter

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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

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The Rounds - August 19, 2007

Good evening Soca Lovers, I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s rounds. Grenada carnival wrapped up on Tuesday. And Congratulations are in order for Berbice. Traffic was THE chune heard most often on the road, beating out Ah Cyah Hear by Lava Man, and Tall Pree’s Trees.
Sadly, There won’t be any carnivals in the West Indies for a little while now, but THEY can’t expect the rest of us to stop de jumping. Yuh gah be real athletic to keep up with all the carnival action, so ah feel we ought to light a torch and send it rrround the world just like they do for the Olympics. So from Grenada, we passing we soca torch to Ottawa, then it’s going to Boston and Notting Hill, England. We blazing right back to Barrie, Ontario on September 1st. They will be hosting their first ever CaribFest just north of Toronto. Then dat torch lighting up the sky in Brooklyn a few days later.
I’ll be completing MY personal carnival marathon for the Summer in London and New York. Next Monday, you’ll find dis Vincy Vixen on the road with Poison UK before crossing the ocean for the 5th Annual International Soca Awards.
I f you haven’t cast a vote yet, now is the time to show your support for our very own reigning BEST INTERNATIONAL Soca DJ…Dr. Jay de Soca Prince. He’s looking to take the title again this year, but that can only happen if you take the time to VOTE. Head over to triple W dot Soca Awards dot com and show dem boys exactly why Toronto IS Soca City.
Well, if back to back wins isn’t reason enough to believe dat Dr. Jay is a soca Olympian, how about this? VP Records is bringing the 7th edition of D’Soca Zone to a record store near you. The two disc collection of soca favourites from the year gone by, features a bonus CD mixed and hosted by de docta he-self. So if you’ve been wondering where to LEGALLY buy songs like We Ready to Go, Hott Spot or Flames. Here’s your chance.
Speaking of great BAJAN chunes…A date has been set for the 2008 edition of the Barbados music awards. If you love the creativity and sweetness of Bajan music of EVERY genre, January 27th is THE night. The Sir Garfield Sobers Complex will come alive to celebrate the very best.
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Doctor Jay’s rounds. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-35. Now back to de Docta!

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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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Free Download: Eden Miami Carnival Mix by D'Bandit and Private Ryan

Miami Carnival is basically here. I spent half of my day trying to find a flight itinerary that I never printed in the first place. Sad eh! I guess that's what happens when you're excited. Last year, after going to both Miami and Broward Carnivals, I went to Walshy Fire's After U Rave All Day party in South Beach, called Eden. I had such a great time.

If you wanna see the review from last year, check here.

Well the fete returns. EDEN goes down at GRASS LOUNGE, on Sunday, October 11! This time there have been a few adjustments to the DJ line up and it promises to be a sweeeeeeeeeeeet party. Say hello if you see me!

To get you in the mood, a couple of said DJs have provided you with a FREE DOWNLOAD. Big up to D'Bandit, Private Ryan, Hypa Hoppa, Mr. Slaughter and Walshy Fire!

See you in Miami homeys!





OK ladies, oil up your waist good....

Track List: Eden Miami Carnival by D'Bandit and DJ Ryan

Radica - Kenneth Salick

Dat Girl - Verse

Tight -  Peter Ram

On De Spot (Scratch Master Plate) - Skinny Fabulous

Lock On - Alison Hinds

Against The Law - Rupee

Ya Never Know - Patrice Roberts

Carnival Juks - Lil Rick

2 Days (Drum Mix) - Kerwin Dubois

Push Bumper   - Machel Montano

05 Backbon E Mastered - Zan

This Is What We Do Remix - Natahlee Ft Splashband & Big Red

Cyah Wait (Drum Mix) - Alpha

Wuck Up Pon It -  King Shepherd

Whole Night Long - Edwin Yearwood

Floor On Fire Pitbull Ft Machel - Lil John

Won't Stop - Machel Montano

Ready Monsta Piece Remix - Iwer

On The Spot - Skinny Fabulous

Mad House - Problem Child

Leggo De Beast (Scratch Master Rd Mix) - Skinny Fabulous

Like A Jumbie- Ricky T

Meet Super Blue (Scratchmaster Edit ) - Fayann Lyons Ft Super Blue

Traffik (Let It Go)  - Berbice

Major Stabbing Pain - Stabby

Tusty - Blaxx Feat Roy Cape All Stars

Tusty (Shot Master J Road Mix) - Blaxx Feat Roy Cape All Stars

Bacchanal *** - (Razorshop Roadmix) - Destra 

Slop Dem – Richie Stevens
Making Me High – Toni Braxton
Plant it – Mad Cobra
Goggle – Tanya Stevens
Hice It up – Lady saw
Oyster & Conch – Beenie Man
Foundation – Beenie Man
Impossible Mission – Innocent Crew
Everyone Falls In Love – Tanto Metro & Devonte
Nuh Get a Bligh – Sean Paul
Do You Wanna Diss – Beenie Man
Up Close & Personal – Buju Banton
Big Ninja Bike – Tanya Stevens
Dwayne – Red Rat
Pengeleng – TOK
Online – Elephant Man
Log On – Elephant Man
Feeling It – Wayne Marshall
Give It To her – Tanto Metro & Devonte
Keep it Blazing – TOK
Tigerbone – Sean Paul 7 Mr Vegas
Girls Time – Mr Vegas
Full Hundred – Lexxus
No Beg – Hawkeye
We Nah Support Dem – Chico
Badman ah Badman – TOK & Bounty Killer
Shake Yuh Bam Bam – TOK
Slow Wine – Machel Montano
Wuk it – Patrice Roberts
Gimmi A Taste – Tian Winters
Murdah – Shurwayne Winchester
More Water – Zoelah
Staggarah – Fox
Hot Sun & Riddim – TC
Sweetness & Shayne Bailey
Obsessive Winers – Destra & Denise Belfon
Ramajay – Machel
Tell Me – Machel
Lumbah – Wayne Marshall
Bumpers Rule – Nadia Batson
Plenty Gal – Bunji
Yeast – KMC
Middle of the Rd – Krosfyah
Doan Hold Me Back – Machel Montano
Turn It Up – Patrice Roberts


How HOT is that mix looking? No more long talk.
DOWNLOAD IT HERE

While you wait, take a look at this party promo video.  These guys are working over time to get you in the club. :)  See you there!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen
Don't forget to follow @nursekaren on twitter for the latest on my Miami Carnival 2009 experience!

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Free Download: Various Island Soca 2009 by DJ Bass

DJ BASS

Afternoon Nurse Karen Posse!!!

Tuesdays are perfect for new music. Luckily today, I'm giving you something extra special with the kind compliments of Toronto's own DJ Bass. If you live in THIS oddly humid city, then you probably know Bass as a co-host of CIUT 89.5 FM's Island Breeze Program, Friday evenings from 6 to 8 PM.

He took it over from 15-year host Jaro sometime last year...and I've got to say, he's doing a fine job of "lifting up everything and anything its path".

Several years ago...Island Breeze became a favourite weekly tradition of mine, as I would drive into the city from the West End to host my weekly open-mic event, La Parole. I would always get the latest soca...and since I usually tuned in a little bit late I was treated to the "Bass Mix" or something so. That was my DJ friend's exclusive uninterrupted weekly mashup of the best of the best.

He's always had an ear for the obscure, and never been afraid to run tunes that other DJ's may not be playing...or rather... some tunes other DJ's have never even bothered to listen to . Well, that's their problem. DJ Bass is an equal opportunity music man, sampling sounds from multiple Caribbean Islands and giving fans a chance to appreciate the music in its many facets and expressions.

So with Grenada crossing the stage for Carnival Tuesday this Morning, the Caribbean-based Summer carnivals have nearly run their full gamut. Wouldn't you say it's time for a recap of some of 2009's hidden gems?

I present to you "Island Breeze, Various Island Soca 2009 by DJ Bass"

VARIOUS ISLAND SOCA 2009 - AKA OECS PLUS OTHERS

89.5 FM's Island Breeze

Download it HERE

VARIOUS ISLAND SOCA 2009 - AKA OECS PLUS OTHERS

MIXED BY DJ BASS

1. Bomani (SVG) - Do Something (Good Times )
2. Fullclip (SVG) - Wine Girl Wine
3. Tian Winter (ANU) - Baby I
4. Frank White (BIM) - Wine Fuh Me Gal
5. Alison Hinds (BIM)- Gimme De Juk Juk
6. Rupee (BIM) - Standing Up
7. Patrice Roberts (T&T)- Waist Line Roll
8. Peter Ram (BIM) - Real Tight F.Che'Nelle (JA)
9. Lil' Rick (BIM) - One Juk For The Carnival
10. Zan (T&T) - Back Bone
11. Farmer Nappy (T&T) - Go Brave
12. Biggie Irie(BIM) - One More day
13. Farmer Nappy (T&T) & General Grant (T&T)- Looking to Wine
14. Patrice Roberts (T&T) - Wuk It
15. Machel Montano - Slow Wine
16. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood - Carnival on my Mind
17. Tian Winter - Gimme a Taste
18. Shurwayne Winchester (T&T) - Murdah
19. Benjai (T&T) - Fun Fun Fun
20. Uncle Sam (USA)- Serves a Purpose
21. Danielle Veira (SVG) - I Wan me Soca
22. Biggie Irie (BIM) - Slow Wine
23. Shyann Bailey (T&T / CAN) - Pure Sweetness
24. Machel Montano (T&T) - Ramajay
25. Statement (BIM) - All Night
26. T.C. (BIM) - Hot Sun & Riddim
27. Gorg (BIM)- Keeps Drinks Coming
28. Mr Dale(BIM) - Come out
29. Luta (SVG) - Shake
30. Fox (BIM) - Staggerah
31. Ziggy Ranking (T&T) - Staggerah
32. Wayne Marshall (JA) - Lumbah
33. Pupa Leendi(GRE) - Same Strength
34. Maddzart (SVG) - Is me Friend
35. Maddzart (SVG) - Let Go Yo Waistline
36. Jamesy P (SVG) - Horna Man
37. Statement (BIM) - Its Carnival
38. Lavaman (GRE) - Dey Do You
39. Skarpyon (SVG) - Want Back Dem Days
40. Pupa Leendi (GRE) - Ft. Lyrikal (T&T) - Get on Bad
41. Lively(SVG) - Condom
42. Berbice (GRE) - Gasoline
43.Fryktion (SVG) ft. Problem Child (SVG), and Parry Jack (SVG) - Yo Woman Buttin Me
44. Pupa Leendi (GRE) - Ovaz
45. Lil Rick (BIM) - Bajan Wuk Ups
46. Lively (SVG) - Mash Up
47. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood (BIM) - Socaholics
48. Problem Child (SVG) - Rude N Freaky
49. Luta (SVG) - Water
50. Lil Rick (BIM) - Riding
51. DJ Tarrus (SVG) - Rum in ah me Head
52. Avalance (USVI) - Get A Drink
53. Jamesy P (SVG) - Patriots
54. Problem Child (SVG) - Anything
55. Chow Mein the Black Bajan Chinese Executive Chef (BIM) - The Chinese Connection
56. Salt (BIM) - See Me
57. Luta (SVG) & Jamesy P (SVG) - Bruk she Waist
58. Lavaman (GRE) Ft. Von - More Horn
59. Lil Rick (BIM) - Wuk Pon Top Ah Wuk
60. Pong (BIM) - Wood
61. Stabby (BIM) - Major Stabby Pain
62. Ricky T (SLU) - Like a Jumbie
63. Skinny Fabulous (SVG) - Leggo D Beast
64. Blood (BIM) - Chaos
65. Mikey (BIM) - Riddum Sekshun
66. Krosfyah Ft. Edwin Yearwood (BIM) - In De Middle ah de Road
67. Problem Child (SVG) - Madhouse

You may not be aware that this mix represents a lot more intra-regional cross pollination than one might expect. Many of these artists are based in the US or other locales, and work with producers who wave different flags. Also, the bulk of the songs marked "T&T" were produced by Bajan producers, and released therefore for Crop Over. Working together is becoming the norm, rather than the exception...and THAT...is a very good thing.

You'll notice the selections heavily favour Bajan and Vincy releases. Clearly there are some toppa top Lucia, Antiguan, and Grenadian tunes that could easily find their home on a mix like this...but dudes...this is just ONE mix. All that means, is I'll have to hit you back with another one just now!

In the meantime show some love to the DJ who JUST hooked you up:

MySpace

Twitter

Enjoy!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: 2010 Trinidad Groovy Soca Monarch Semifinalists

The following artistes have advanced to the semifinal round of the 2010 Trinidad Groovy Soca Monarch competition:

Ainsley King
Alicia
Alpha
Angel Moses Charles
Berbice
Biggie Irie
Cassie
Chucky
Crazy
Chrystal Daniel
Devon Matthews
Falco
Gary Cordner
Keith Frederick
Kerwin Du Bois
KMC
Lil Bitts
Lyon-I
Nnika Francis
Oscar B
Patrice Roberts
Pelf
Randy Isaac
Ricardo Drue
Rikki Jai
Rondell "RD" Greaves
Shawn G
Shurwayne Winchester
Shyann Bailey
Skhi
SW Storm
Symphony
Super Jigga C
Terri Lyons
Tommy Sanchez
Umi Marcano
Xion
Young Voice
Zoelah

Good Luck to all competitors!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen
Follow me on Twitter!

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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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