Booster Shot: 2011 International Soca Monarch Results

Power

4. Fay Ann Lyons
3. Bunji Garlin
2. Iwer George
1. Machel Montano HD

Groovy
4. Blaxx
3. Destra
2.  Benjai
1. Kees

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The Rounds: Benjai walks away from Soca Monarch...

Originally aired on Sunday, January 24, 2010 on "Soca Therapy", FLOW 93.5 FM

In this edition:
- Soca Monarch Seminfinals (Trinidad)
- Benjai backs out of Soca Monarch (Trinidad)
- Fire Empress is Tobago Soca Monarch (Tobago)
- Poongalunks Factory dominates 2010 Chutney (Trinidad)
- Sizwe C helps send aid to Haiti (USA)

Good Evening Soca Lovers,


I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. January 24th is a big night for soca in Trinidad! This is the evening when the semifinalists for international soca monarch, show their stuff for the judges to determine who will make it to the finals.

Notably absent today is Benjai, who was successfully named as a groovy semifinalist. He said and I quote. "I Benjai will be pulling myself out of the soca monarch. It is because as artists we are too good and honest to be a part of dishonesty. People need to speak out."

People have, and people will continue to do so...but that won't be ME tonight!

Benjai and Nurse Karen (Miami, October 2009)

What I will tell you is that Tobago, for the first time ever has a guaranteed competitor in the Power final on Fantastic Friday. Last Sunday, Fire Empress successfully defended her Tobago Soca Monarch title, placing ahead of Princess Adana, and Dave Samson. Her winning song may be called "De Session Done", but if you ask me....her SEASON has just begun.

Fire Empress and Nurse Karen in St. Vincent (July 2009)

For all my Chutney lovers out there, the Chutney soca monarch goes down on January 30th. ...And Kenneth Salick will have to defend the crown that "Radica" won him last year. 12 competitors will compete in the final, and check this out 11 of them will be singing songs produced by Big Rich of Pungaloonks Factory fame. So no matter what happens on Saturday, one studio will come out as winner!

As you are well aware, the struggle to rebuild Haiti continues, and the generosity of caring people around the globe is very inspiring to see.

Several soca artists have been busy doing their own part to make a change. Many people don't know that Sizwe C is an active member of the American Armed forces. He told me that he spent 5 days on the Air Force base in Miami loading tons of cargo, specifically water, food, and power generators destined for Haiti. There is a chance he may be deployed there, and if that be the case, he is ready, willing and able to serve.

Sizwe C

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. For more information on anything you heard today, Check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com or follow Nurse Karen on Twitter. Now back to de Docta!

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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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Booster Shot: The Asylum Family sticks it to Miami promoters

More than other penny pinching promoters throughout the socaverse, Miami party promoters are known to cut corners when hosting events. I talk to artists all the time, and it may suprise you to learn that for Miami Carnival MOST soca perfomers have to pay for their own flights, hotel stays and meals. Several promoters are known to pay up late, or not at all. Some of the biggest events only pay about 20% of their billed artistes, while the other cast members perform just for the hope of greater exposure.Of course, you have those who also advertise artists and DJs who aren't even confirmed, then have the nerve to ask patrons to pay handsomely for tickets that would probably cost less in any other city. I'm no artiste, but that kinda treatment would be enough to discourage me from my craft. If you can't even expect to profit from performances in front of huge crowds that earn US dollars, when can you expect to make a buck?

I dunno if any of you have heard about this new fete happening in Miami during Columbus Day weekend this year. But, there's a little something called Miami Vice, happening on Friday, October 9th on the actual set of Miami Vice, the Ice Palace.

I felt like personally throwing my love behind this event for what it represents. So before anyone is too quick to talk. This is not a paid advertisement. I wrote this because, I support the music, the music-makers, and anyone who believes in excellence.

Miami Vice was the brainchild of Fay-Ann Lyons. After several bad experiences fighting for the respect of persons who feign to

PROMOTE the soca artform, she and husband Bunji Garlin thought it would be a good

idea to put their money behind a Miami-based event that would showcase soca in a professional manner.

So beyond the fact that the thing goes down at a mansion/film studio made famous by a TV series that literally put the city of

Miami on the map, there are other noteworthy factors that make this fete worth supporting with your dolla-dolla bills y'all:

1. ARTIST DRIVEN: I told you all that. The Asylum camp ARE the promoters.
2. CONFIRMED CAST: Bunji and Fay called up a few of their best buddies in the business. They WILL be there; Beenie Man, Benjai, Biggie Irie, Denise Belfon, Hunter, Kevin Lyttle, Peter Ram, Problem Child, Sizwe C,

Skinny Fabulous, Trini Jacobs...
3. NO TRACKS! The entire cast will be backed by the Asylum Band. Dem boyz are working overtime in rehearsals learning the music for that long @$$ list of guests. Most of these artists do not travel with bands, so this is a rare chance to catch the kind of energy live music alone can inspire.

4. PRICE: It's 35 Bucks...what is that $2.50 per artist? It's cheaper than most of the other local offerings on the same night.

Knowing what most of these acts charge, I really have no idea how they're even making money on this event.

I love soca, but I freely admit that there are a lot of things that

happen behind the scenes making this business very dirty and cruel at times. So congratulations to all of the people working hard behind the scenes to make Miami Vice a success. From what I understand, regular people have been volunteering

their time and creativity to make sure the word gets out. I sincerely hope that in doing this, all of you begin to send a strong message to some of the players in the game who have been breaking the rules for far too long.

I will be there, and if anyone wants to join me, you can buy advance tickets HERE

Miami Vice Ad - Fay-Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Hunter, Skinny Fabulous, Problem Child

Love and higher standards in soca,

Nurse Karen

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Eye Unit: Fay Ann and Bunji at Fire Fete, St. Vincent

Fay Ann was in fine form two weeks ago at Fire Fete in St. Vincent. Tonight the action moves to St. Lucia for Outrageous: Sexy In Black. Your girl Rochelle will be there to check out the vibes.

I recently saw the Asylum crew do their thing at Caribbean Wet Fet in Barbados and Fire Fete in Vincy (portrayed below). The two shows were different in structure and vibe. More on that laste. But I must say, Fay Ann connected with the crowd in SVG a way that most artistes would shy away from. The Vincy crowd was jumping, waying, running, and storming the VIP section, and rolling on the ground all under her command.

Here are a few clips to show you the kind of mood that took over Victoria Park on July 2nd.

Intro:"Superblue" and "Clear De Road" Freestyle


"Heavy T" and "Banana"


Benjai adds his flare:


there's more...sit tight for my Nurse's Lounge on Fire Fete.

But in the meantime...enjoy!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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On De Scene : Caribbean Soca Monarch Finalists Announced

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



Caribbean Soca Monarch

Mikey - Explosion (Barbados)


Tino - So High (BVI)


Daddy Chess - Ready or Not (Dominica)


Miney - 1000 Masqueraders (Grenada)


Pupa Leendi - Rum Oye (Grenada)

Vanilla - Ah Coming (Guyana)

Rondell Meade - ( Song not Confirmed) (Montserrat)


Skinny Fabulous -Head Bad (St. Vincent)


To be announced (St Vincent)


Benjai - Drunk Again (Trinidad & Tobago)


To be announced (Anguilla)


To be announced (Antigua & Barbuda)


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

Peace & Soca
Rochelle

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Eye Unit: Bunji and Fay Ann give first performance after childbirth, with Benjai (video)

Yo!! Wassup everybody.  You have no idea how busy this week was for the entire Nurse Karen Etc team.  No worries!  We still fixed you up with some great sights, sounds and info from the soca world! Here's one really worth checking out.

You all know the story.  Fay Ann Lyons entered the height of Trinidad's 2K9 carnival season 8 months pregnant.  She ripped up every fete with her big belly, then went on to win all the competitive soca categoried in carnival.  She man, sweet sweet Bunji, did his thing too.  He tied for second with Iwer George at International Soca Monarch for spite.  LOL. They had a great year.  Then, just couple days after the season done, baby Syri came along, one month early on February 28, 2009. 

Well...there's the recap. ....and here's now:  Trinidad's hottest celebrity couple has risen out of their 2.5 month performance hiatus!  They hit the ground running for what promises to be a very busy year following an historic carnival season.

That first show happened on Saturday.  It was right here in my hometown, Toronto.  Respect to Dr. Jay for bringing up Fay Ann, Bunji, baby Syri, Benjai and he Asylum Band to bring the energy of Carnival 2k9 to the KoolHaus.  

Sorry to say, a lot of people missed out on what to me was an outstanding show.  But now, you don't have to. Here are a few poorly lit clips I captured just for you from the side of the stage.

Enjoy!

I'm sure you noticed Benjai getting his drink on during the show.  Pure comedy!  Oh Lawd, Drunk Again!  Special shout to Soca Dread from IslandMix.com for snapping this shot of Benjai and moi just 2mins before showtime!

If you missed earlier posts about this pretty-dayum-amazing show, check them below:

The Rounds: The Day After

Historic Caribbean Concert Hits Toronto this Weekend

Love and Soca, 

Nurse Karen

 By the way, if you want to be alerted of updates to (Nurse) Karen (Etc) as they're posted...do yourself a favour and follow me on twitter!!

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The Rounds: Bajan songwriter to open for Beyonce

In this edition:

• Bunji and Fay-Ann give frist concert following the birth of baby Syri
• Happy Birthday Super Jigga TC
• Happy Birthday Skinny Fabulous
• Carnivals; Atlanta, Orlando, San Francisco
• Shontelle Layne to open for Beyonce's UK tour
• Synnnah signs a recording deal

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Where were you when Benjai, Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons gave their first full length soca concert following a historic 2009 Trinidad Carnival season? Me? I-WAS-THERE at I LOVE SOCA...Watching every glorious moment of the much anticipated event. ...As Benjai did his funky dance moves. ....As Bunji literally bounced with jitters to get back on stage as the band 

struck the opening chords. I was there when Fay-Ann made us “Focus” on her fit body, that just 10 weeks ago was fat-and-round-and-pregnant! That show was full of highlights. Big up Dr. Jay for consistently coming through for Toronto with top rate entertainment!

Birthday Boy TC and Moi! (Toronto, 2009)

Yesterday, Trinidad’s Super Jigga TC was marking an historic occasion yesterday too! It was his 32nd birthday! So b-day shouts go south to the DJ, radio and TV personality, host of Synergy Soca star, songwriter and soca artiste! Hope it was wonderful. Speaking of birthdays, St. Vincent’s Skinny Fabulous is revving up for his 26th birthday this Wednesday. He recently wrapped up his penultimate semester at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, just in time to kick it at home for Vincy Mas! First stop, Atlanta Carnival.

Skinny will be a joining a cast that includes Iwer George, Red Hot Flames, Superblue, and more at Atlanta’s Festival Village next Saturday and Sunday. But, America’s biggest city in the sSuth will be teeming with activity as 3 ( count em) THREE different festival committees host separate Caribbean carnivals over Memorial Day weekend.

The Nurse and the Skinny, (New York, 2008)

A few hours down the I-75, the city of Orlando will be jumping up for carnival too. San Francisco also traditionally celebrates Carnival this time of year. The party continues in 2009, with a decidedly latin feel. So, if you’re looking for soca ...you’re better off on the East Coast.

Bajan singer songwriter, Shontelle Layne will be on a completely different coast from now until at least June 9th. The award-winning soca songwriter, who is turning heads as she launches her career as an R&B diva, will be the opening act for all 15 date of her UK tour. Congrats girl! Knock ‘em dead.

The Grenadian artist who brought us "10 Commandments of a Jab Jab" recently signed with a small US label to make his music available to international audiences. Synnnah will be working with Sam Michaels and Dan Matthews of Klubjumpers. That duo are grammy winners who have worked with the likes of Mariah Carey and Lil Wayne in the past. Synnnah’s new sound will evolve into something more clubby than usual, but he hopes that eventually he will be able to introduce the US market to that real deal type of soca.

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more information, you already know to check me out at Nurse dash Karen dot com. Or follow me – Nurse Karen on Twitter. Now, back to de docta!

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Booster Shot: Historical Caribbean Concert Hits Toronto this Weekend

Dr. Jay de Soca Prince, Soca Therapy and KOS Entertainment Presents:
FAY-ANN LYONS, BUNJI GARLIN & BENJAI
IN THEIR FIRST PUBLIC PERFORMANCE FOLLOWING AN HISTORIC CARNIVAL SEASON
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009
KoolHaus - Toronto, ON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, ON (MUSTARD SEED MEDIA) – Trinidad and Tobago’s royal family of soca is gearing up to end their 3-month performance hiatus this week, thanks to Dr. Jay de Soca Prince, Soca Therapy and KOS Entertainment.

Fay-Ann Lyons shattered records and broke boundaries earlier this year when she became the first female in Trinidad and Tobago history to win the annual International Soca Monarch Competition (“Meet Superblue”).  She walked away from the carnival season with a historic 4 competitive soca titles to her credit, winning; Groovy Soca Monarch (“Heavy T”), Peoples’ Choice and Road March as well – all while an incredible eight months pregnant!

Now the soca pioneer will dazzle audiences internationally for the first time since the birth of her daughter in Toronto, on Saturday, May 16 at the city’s premier concert  venue, KoolHaus.

"To be honest with you, Toronto coming like a second home," says Fay-Ann.  "Much love to New York, and everybody else, the Caribbean and everything, but when it come to Toronto, the kind of love you get from the people is something that you don’t get to get from even the few shows that you do in Trinidad and Tobago. So you must, must, must, make an effort to come and please your Toronto fans."

But she’s not coming alone. With her will be husband and four-time International Soca Monarch, Bunji Garlin whose own music career began in 1998 with title winning hits like, "Down in the Ghetto," "Warrior Cry," and "Blaze the Fire." Bunji Garlin has a cult like following internationally, for his signature ragga soca style, and dynamic freestyle performances.

The pair will be joined by Benjai and backed by Trinidad’s 15-piece soca band Asylum.  Benjai himself was an active member of Bunji’s Godfather’s Asylum until 2005, when he left to pursue his solo career.  There he made a huge impact on the soca world with the anthem, “By the Bar.” Benjai’s music pervaded Carnival 2009, placing third in the Groovy Soca Monarch competition with “Drunk Again.” Saturday’s event will be the first time the two have performed together internationally in four years.

Fans look forward to an exhilarating full length live music experience, featuring all the 2009 hits, plus countless favourites of years gone by. Then dance the night away to the sounds of DJs;  Doors open at 10:00 p.m., 19+, Valid I.D. Required.

This exclusive post Trinidad Carnival, post-pregnancy debut is brought to you by Toronto’s premier soca music promoter, DJ and FLOW 93.5 FM on-air personality, Dr. Jay.

To purchase tickets - now available for only CAD $40 –  log on to: http://www.ticketbreak.com/event_details/2789

In Toronto, tickets may be purchased in person from the following retail locations:

----DOWNTOWN/CENTRAL---- Play De Record - Downtown (416.586.0380) Eaton Centre at Big It Up Clothing - Downtown (416.597.6773) Emerald Vacations - North York (416.663.5111) Yorkdale at Big It Up Clothing - North York (416.785.3770) ----WEST----  Charlie's Food Mart - Mississauga (905.896.3663) Square One at Big It Up Clothing - Mississauga (905.803.8407) Drupati's Roti & Doubles - Etobicoke(416.745.4189) Radica's Hot & Spicy Doubles and Roti - Brampton (905.487.0888)  Loc n' Twist - Brampton (905.463.1747) ----EAST----  Sunshine Sound & Lighting - Scarborough (416.265.3600) Mona's Roti - Scarborough (416.412.1200) A Kut Above - Scarborough (416.839.1489) Islandmix Restaurant & Lounge - Pickering (905.831.1649) Modern Edge Hair Design - Ajax (905.426.6894)

 

For additional inquiries, you may also contact Dr. Jay at socaprince@gmail.com

Media Alert: Fay-Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin and Benjai will be available for interviews. 
                       Please send your requests to c_management@mac.com

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The Rounds: Big Baby Announcement!

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. This is a big news week.  So listen to my every word, you don’t want to miss a very big announcement coming at the end.  

The drama continues after The Caribbean Prestige foundation staged their prize giving ceremony in Port of Spain last week Friday.  Triple crown carnival star Fay Ann Lyons and her husband, Bunji Garlin, still haven’t receive prize money for their 1^st and 2^nd place finishes at the International Soca Monarch competition, held in February.  Instead, they got all dressed up to bring home letters, saying the cash and prizes were withheld because they didn’t to sign contracts before the show.   So it’s their fault, right?  Wrong!  According to management, the Soca couple didn’t get even get contracts to sign until after the competition... and when they did, the paperwork in question enforced a mandatory donation be made to the Foundation.  That’s like buying a roti, and you not allowed to eat it unless you give back  a piece of goat to de cook.  Steups...I wouldn’t sign that either.  So many artists are kinda vex with the situation, although some did sign the contracts to get 95% of their appearance fee.  Others signed NADA, and still got paid the taxed amount.  Can you say unprofessional?

There is one soca monarch competitor, who’s actually smiling after news they received from the Caribbean Prestige Foundation.  St. Vincent’s Skinny Fabulous got a call to tell him that he was awarded the honour of “Best Stage Presentation”, for his space age rendition of Head Bad (On the Spot).  If you didn’t see it, Skinny filled the stage with an army of Jedi space men, dressed in white...and appeared in a flying saucer....well, it wasn't FLYING! But it WAS a pretty spaceship, hand built and welded mas, covered in shear silver fabric.  The original concept earned him a trophy.  Cash...mussee hard to come by these days.

Benjai, who placed 3^rd in the Groovy Soca Monarch turned 33 last Sunday.  To celebrate, he partied it up at the 601 Liquid Lounge in San Fernando Trinidad.  He even treated the audience with a special live performance.

As I move away from all things to do with Soca Monarch, Antiguan artist Pince of Fame is making a temporary move away from Soca.  He released dancehall track yesterday called “Sweet to the heart, bitter to the belly”.  It’s on the Don Official label distributed by VP records. Prince of Fame rose to popularity last Summer with The Times Table song, for Antigua Carnival.  But no fear, there will be soca music on his upcoming album, due out in June.

Last but not least!  Just 4 weeks and one day after the birth of Bunji and Fay Ann’s beautiful baby girl...I finally get to tell you what her name is.  I spoke to the proud parents this morning, and got their blessing just for you. Ready?  Announcing Syri Lyons Alvarez, that’s S-Y-R-I, Lyons is the middle name, and well...you get it.  Congrats again to the new parents, hope allyuh get your money. 

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  For more soca news, check out the Nurse Karen Etc blog at Mustard Seeds dot net. And scoop up the podcast at Soca Therapy dot com slash the rounds.

Help the campaign to Bring Soca to MySpace.  Soca Now!

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(Eye Unit): Happy Birthday Benjai!

Benjai turned 33 recently and he marked his big day with a performance on Friday at the 601 Liquid Lounge in San Fernando, Trinidad.  The artist whose real name is Rodney Le Blanc, is recognized for his quirky antics and signature sayings on the mic.  Many current day soca artistes have been compared to their dancehall counterparts for their aggressive chatting style, but in my opinion, Benjai's sound harkens back to the golden age of dub, with a laid back sing songy playfulness that reminds you more of jazz scatting than fire flinging lyricism.

Carnival 2009 reminded Trinidad and Tobago that Benjai is very much alive and well.  After a couple of seasons bumping around with the HD Entourage, he was seen in concert gracing the stage with an updated version of his original band of Guntas, Asylum.  

So today, lemme pay a wee tribute to the guy who had had me forgetting that I was in Trinidad to work!  When the tunes "Tanty Seh" and "Drunk Again" came on the loud speaker, I was a screaming 14-year-old girl, just loving the carnival.

Thanks Benjai, and Happy Birthday!

Take in his much criticized stripped down, but completely infectious performance of "Drunk" again at the Grooy Soca Monarch Competition on Carnival Friday 2009. For this, he landed a 3rd place finish with nothing but a smile and his music.

See-me-ne-me-ne-me-ne-now!

Need more?  I posted the video once before with commentary.  Check it.

http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2009/02/eye-unit-benjais-groovy-soca-monarch.html

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Eye Unit: Benjai's Groovy Soca Monarch performance (Video)

Here it is. So, a few of you know that when Benjai chopped his locks a couple years back, I was on the radio telling the ladies I had developed a genuine soca crush. So, it was real hard not to smile from ear to ear during his Soca Monarch Unplugged performance of Drunk Again.

I know you're supposed to get points for all manner of things at these competitions...and de boy just came out with his mic and sang! Usually, I'd have words about something like that. Maybe I would call de man lazy, or cheap, or whatever. But I can't hate he had the crowd from start to finish with this one. Plus, de man smart. He's keeping his whole appearance fee!

Big up Brenn - de manager. Great to meet you in the flesh.

...Swanky!

Ok allyuh, here's the artist who put the icing on top (Nurse) Karen's 2009 carnival carnival cake..Benjai!

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Booster Shot: Fay Ann takes it all!!!

The goods....

2009 Play Whe Groovy Soca Monarch Results

 

1. Fay Ann Lyons – Heavy T Bumper
2. Shurwayne Winchester – Make It Yours
3. Benjai – Drunk Again
4. Zoelah – Wine Up On Me

 

2009 bMobile International Soca Monarch Results

1. Fay Ann Lyons – Meet Superblue
2. Bunji Garlin – Clear De Road (tie)

2. Iwer George – Ready(tie)
3. 
   
4. Blaxx – Tusty

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Booster Shot: Trinidad 2009 International Soca Monarch Semi-Finalists Announced

The Caribbean Prestige Foundation annouced the names of the semi-finalists for the the 2009 bMobile International Soca Monarch competition yesterday in Trinidad.

The Semi Finals will take place on February 8th at the Arima Velodrome. Groovy begins at 4p.m., followed by the Power Soca Monarch.

Here's what you came here for:

Please note: This list does not include the reigning Soca Monarchs and Party Monarchs from around the Caribbean who have been guaranteed a spot in the finals on Friday, February 20th. Therefore five places in the finals have been reserved for Claudette Peters, Khiomal, Luni Sparks and Electrify, Ricky T and Skinny Fabulous.

Groovy Soca Monarch Semi-Finalists

• Alicia Lee
• Ansel Joseph
• Benjai
• Biggie Irie
• Blazz
• Cassie
• Cedonia
• Chucky
• Edwin Yearwood
• Erphaan Alves
• Esther Dyer
• Farmer Nappy
• Faye-Ann Lyons
• Fireball
• Gary Jackson
• Hunter
• Iwer George
• Kerwin Du Bois
• Patch
• Nadia Batson
• Patrice Roberts
• Pelf
• Peter Ram
• Sean Caruth
• Shal Marshall
• Shyann Bailey
• Skhi
• Sugar Raye
• Tracey D
• Tizzy
• Zan
• Zoleah
  

Power Soca Semi-Finalists

• Anslem Douglas
• Benjai
• Berbice
• Blaxx
• Blaze & JW
• Blazer Dan
• Choppa
• Faye-Ann Lyons
• Ivy
• Iwer George
• Jermeeka Mundy
• TC ( The King of Swag)
• Knycky Cordner
• Lil Bitts
• Nadia Batson
• Ninjitsu
• Nnika Francis
• Olatunji
• Patrice Roberts
• Russell Cadogan
• Shurwayne Winchester
• Soca Tech
• Terri Lyons
• Tony Prescott
• Trevor Gore
• Tyra Matthews.
  

Quick comments:

Interesting to see Faye-Ann Lyons name included in the mix, considering that just last year she told the media that she would no longer enter her name in future Soca Monarch competitions. By media I mean the Trinidadian media and myself, when I interviewed her for the cover of WE magazine about one week after Carnival. Beyond that, Faye-Ann will be just shy of 8 months pregnant on the date of the semi-finals. The decision to enter is indeed surprising, but she's been receiving rave reviews for her mid pregnancy performances thus far.

For those of you who don't know the name Terri Lyons, that's Faye-Ann's sister, yes people another one of Superblue's girls. She's been releasing songs for the last few years, however, she hasn't had much success with that. However, Terri is quite gifted in the area of dance, having worked with the Black American Circus in New York.

I would love to see your comments. What do you think about who's up there and who's missing?

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The Rounds: Benjai is sick, so Machel's off the hook till next month!

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds . I hope you are listening well, cause there’s a lot of info to catch this week.


About three years ago, a major development in Caribbean Entertainment began to reduce the distance between those beautiful islands. The MTV TEMPO TV channel was launched and last night St. Kitts played host to Tempo Forever – The Trilogy, the 3rd anniversary party and concert. As you all know, smack dab in the middle of hurricane season, this past week has been a wild one for rainfall in the region. So, Tempo Turns 3 was moved from Friday to Saturday night. It was a star studded show. Crowds were treated to performances from calypso greats the Mighty Sparrow and David Rudder AND from Soca circles; Destra Garcia, Denise Belfon, Claudette Peters and Machel Montano and company...

Speaking of Winer Boy himself, that old court case got pushed back again! Apparently Benjai, who is also one of the accused is ill with a chest infection, and is presently stuck in England and unable to travel. The case is adjourned until October 8th. So check me after thanksgiving for more detail on that front.

The big news out of Trinidad this week comes from the Caribbean Traffik Jam Camp. Lead singer Shurwayne Winchester has called it quits. Together the artiste and band have enjoyed a number of successful carnival season with road march wins and soca monarch crowns to boot. Doh look to me for Bacchanal, Shurwayne is just looking to develop his career in other ways. So we wish both HE and Traffik all the best. The departure becomes official on October 16th. So if you’re planning to see the whole act sometime soon....yuh still safe.

Now down to St. Lucia, last weekend a popular local soca artiste was shot by police. He goes by the name of Yardie. The incident happened in Vieux Fort after a woman called the cops about someone attempting to forcibly enter her home. Crazy story really. Police came. Yardie had already hightailed out by foot. He was then shot in the upper thigh...read groin...and forced into the back of a police van...where he received a swift kick in the chest. Not cool.



Rumour on the ground has it that the woman involved has been romantically linked to both Yardie and the police officer with the gun. However, she made a statement on Lucian TV on Thursday negating those stories. There you have it!



I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. For more detail on any of these stories, visit me online at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at http://mustardseeds.net . Never miss your dose of the rounds by downloading the podcast from Soca Therapy dot com. Now back to de docta.

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The Rounds: Machel on the cover of Billboard this week!

Grenada crowned its first ever road march Queen this past week. Miney ruled the road with her reveller's anthem 10,000 masqueraders. The song was produced by grenada's Shawn "Mr. Roots" Mitchell…who also plays bass for Machel Montano HD. The song was co-written by Wayne Green of Homebase Ent, who worked with Kasey Phillips from Trinidad's Precision Productions to create the roadmix that had the Carenage jumping on Tuesday.

In the ongoing saga of who-beat-up-who outside Zen Night Club in Port of Spain in April 2007…the names oftwo of the accused have been cleared. Victim Russell Pollonais told the magistrate that Zan was not involved in the beating, and that Kernal Roberts did not assault him. He emphasized that his memory did not need jogging.

Here I am in Trinidad with Kernal Roberts, drummer/musical director/producer extraordinaire

So that leaves two soca celebs yet on the hot seat: Machel Montano and Benjai. Here's an upate on what those guys are doing, instead of worrying their heads over the charges. Machel Montano continues to blaze the trail to international soca stardom. Look out for your favourite Winer Boy on the cover of Billboard Magazine on shelves now.

Liming with Machel

Machel is the first ever soca artiste to grace the cover page, however, fellow Trinidadian calypso greats the Mighty Sparrow and David Rudder shared that honour in 1993. Machel was interviewed by Veteran writer Pat Moschino while in Barbados for Crop Over.

As for Benjai - He's getting ready to head to Berlin for the first time for a couple of shows on September 6th and 7th alongside Germany's Soca Twins.

Hanging with the Soca Twins

That's all fine and dandy, but the real news is this. Benjai's management is looking to launch a new band for the artist…and all of the musicians will be female. So, if you're a GIRL and you play keyboards, drums, guitar, bass, or violin. There might be a job out there for you!

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The Rounds: Machel Mania...

Good Evening Soca Lovers,



I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.



As the countdown to Caribana continues, a delegation of Toronto’s Carnival Elite are packing their bags to represent our city at Chicago’s Sister Cities Festival, tomorrow through Wednesday. In the crew you’ll find the likes of Steel Panist Earl La Pierre Jr, Calypsonian Macoomeh Fifi and Tribal Knights Bandleader Dexter Seusahai. They will be taking to the stage for three days hoping to urge our friends to make the trip north for North America’s Largest Outdoor Festival.




Trinidad’s Mr. Slaughter celebrated his 31st birthday last Wednesday after a memorable weekend at the best of the best show in Miami. The DJ turned soca artiste has also been trying his hand at reggae in recent months, lending his voice to the Devil’s Angel rhythm on a track called Highest Grade. Sticking to his original DJ roots, you can look forward to hearing DAWG-E on the 1’s and 2’s in Toronto on June 14th at the next edition of Soca Sweetness’ signature party – THE BUZZ.

In Toronto, we're wishing a happy belated b-day to soca artiste Slammer Cutter, whose big day was yesterday. Also celebrating a birthday TODAY, is the lovely and talented Alison Hinds. Now 38, she’s showing no signs of slowing down as she prepares for the Square One Reunion Concert in Barbados on July 26th.

Farm P, Nurse Karen and Slammer Cutter at the Flow 93.5 studios in Toronto.

For those of you Machel fans out there. He seems to be focused on Barbados these days too. Mr. Montano was heard on a popular bajan radio station announcing his plans to perform on the road with the Kadooment Band - Cable and Wireless Contact for the next 3 years. Most likely, that means there’s pretty much no chance that HD will be gracing any stages for Caribana any time soon. Speaking of HD...time for a new lingo. Caribbean Planet! You heard it here first, High Definition is soon to be a thing of the past. The Xtatik family are setting their sights on world domination with a brand new theme for 2009.

Still didn’t get your Machel Montano fix? Well last week, the trial finally began for that alleged assault incident at Zen night club involving Machel, Zan, Benjai and Kernal Roberts. It was delayed a few days due to his engagements in Miami. And boy were the courts unhappy about that, even though Montano’s lawyer says that a letter was issued on March 5th saying that he would not be available for the scheduled date. So, it finally kicked off on Thursday and continues throughout this week. I’ll be keeping an ear to the ground as until we can finally lay this thing to rest.




I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Please send me your comments at the Nurse Karen Etc blog at triple w dot mustard seeds dot net. And don’t forget to grab the Rounds podcast at soca therapy dot com. Now, back to de docta!

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The Rounds: Rihanna says she might sing soca

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.

Is it just me, or is everybody and the brother talking about Barack Obama? If you think it's just Hollywood actors and pop stars, think again! At the beginning of the month, Calypso's living legend Slinger Francisco aka The Mighty Sparrow added his name to the list of Barack supporters. He released a song called "Barack the Magnificent". It's a glowing reference letter for the Democrat's leading candidate. PERSONALLY, I have plenty respect for anyone who want to take a stance against war and genocide. But how I'm not an American, I would let dem Yankees sort theyselves out. So you could consider THIS to be your antiviolence edition of the Rounds.

Guyana's Mashramani Carnival came to an end yesterday with the annual float parade. Mashramani is an Amerindian word that means "Celebration of a job well done." The parade happens each year on Guyana's Republic Day of February 23rd. But this year the occasion was overshadowed by recent tragic killing sprees in the communities of Lusignan and Bartica. While some chose to boycott the event due to the atmosphere of mourning, several churches, government ministries, mas bands and citizens came out to enjoy a moment of levity in celebration of the nation's 38th year of independence.

Last night the island of Jamaica hosted the Smile Jamaica – Africa Unite concert and Rihanna performed there for the first time. Now, we all know the world renowned good-girl-gone-bad doesn't sing soca….but while in Jam Down she did tell a journalist that she is open to trying new things and will probably try her hand a singing soca music one day.

Still high off her first Grammy win, Bajan pop icon Rihanna is enjoying all the attention it brings. This past week, she dipped home to Barbados for a national celebration of her success. The government honoured the 20 year old singer by naming her the county's Cultural Ambassador. And just to be sure she doesn't forget where she came from, they actually gave her a plot of land in St. James parrish.

Finally a date has been set to hear the assault case of Machel, Kernal, Zan and Benjai. That's right…I AM STILL talking about the fight that took place at Zen night club last April that left two men injured. In your last update, I told you the magistrate was going to wait until after carnival to get this thing started. And so it goes. The four will appear in court on assault charges May 26th, 29th and June 2nd. They better get it all sorted out, cuz I hoping they go be here for Caribana! Just say no to violence!

I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 or post them on Nurse Karen Etc at Triple W dot Mustard Seeds dot Net. Now, back to de Docta!

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