Power
4. Fay Ann Lyons
3. Bunji Garlin
2. Iwer George
1. Machel Montano HD
Groovy
4. Blaxx
3. Destra
2. Benjai
1. Kees
Good evening soca lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jays rounds. Happy 2010! It’s a new year here at Soca Therapy and I look forward to bringing you the latest insider information from the soca world every Sunday...just like you’ve come to expect.
This year already proves to be a busy one for many soca artists with Carnivals wrapping up in the Bahamas, St. Kitts, Monserrat and St. Croix...and carnival bubbling to a boil in Trinidad, Dominica and Guyana.
BVI soca artist and producer Kamau brought his brand of music to St. Croix for New Years, performing jazz saxophone at one event and jamming with a traditional band at another.
Fay-Ann Lyons (soca artiste): ’My wish is for peace on earth and goodwill to all mankind. I also pray that my daughter grows up to be a loving and joyful little lady. For the nation, I pray that there will finally be a reduction in crime and for my family, I wish that we will all be happy and learn to truly love each other.’
Blaxx (soca artiste): ’Most importantly I wish that my fellow artistes will seek to have better lyrics in their songs and be more responsible. Some of them are not setting good examples for the younger ones wanting to come into the arena because of the sexual and violent lyrics. I also really want to see something serious done about the crime situation. All my other wishes have come true already. I got married and I have good music for the season.’
Blaxx and Nurse Karen in Toronto (August 2008)
Kees Dieffenthaller (artiste/musician): ’I always want the same thing every year and that is to really push the music of Trinidad and Tobago and achieve something on a global scale. This year we are working to get closer to that realisation. Also, for a developing Trinidad, things will be even tighter financially next year with the recession and I really hope we don’t lose our sense of community and spirit of giving because of these tough times. I pray that we would not forget our neighbours as we seek to get ours in those tough times and we will look out for each other. As for crime, as we work to that 20/20 vision, with growth come bigger problems such as crime. We are losing that village lifestyle where everyone raised the children. Listen to what the children and youth are saying.’
Iwer George (soca artiste/owner Soca 91.9FM): I pray for a miracle as far as crime is concerned, that the murder rate will read minus zero at the end of 2010. I would also like to see more young soca artistes get an opportunity to make it. For me, I am hoping that God will deliver what I have asked Him for, it’s a personal thing, in the coming year.
Warning: This one is debatable. Even so, you heard it here first!
Event: Dr. Jay's Return Fete
Promoter: Dr. Jay, Soca Therapy, KOS
Venue: Kool Haus Toronto
. Dr. Jay, congrats on another great event. Welcome back!
For the rest of you, this is how we do it where I'm from Enjoy!
If you missed the event play-by-play, I can break it down for you here
Read more...My lovely soca family. I ent gonna lie. When I come back from the Caribbean in the winter, the last thing I feel to do is party and celebrate. This weekend was no exception. Dr. Jay and de crew held their annual Return Fete at Kool Haus. The crowd was packed the way I like it: plenty people all over but a good amount of space to spread out and dance.
From the time I got inside, I knew it would be a great night. The crews were out in full force. The energy was high. I was armed with my recorder and some thought provoking questions for the cast. The artistes were amped for a good show. So, let the games begin.
First up was Shawn "Mastamind" Noel. For readers of this blog, you know him best as a top producer, who in just 4 years has produced 6 albums, lodging the Mastamind name firmly in the mind of soca heads like me.
The goods....
2009 Play Whe Groovy Soca Monarch Results
2009 bMobile International Soca Monarch Results
This week the big talk in soca circles is who will win the titles of International Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch. If you didn't have a chance to watch the semis last Sunday, I've collected a few clips to help you not sound chupit in music conversations:
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.
The Caribbean Prestige Foundation annouced the names of the semi-finalists for the the 2009 bMobile International Soca Monarch competition yesterday in Trinidad.
Groovy Soca Monarch Semi-Finalists
Where US-based West Indian events are concerned, Miami is carnival on crack. After the party is the afterparty, after the afterparty, is the after-the-afterparty party...and so on. So, on we go!
Inside there were brief performances from Iwer George and Skhi. OUTSIDE...the patio lime. As my Toronto posse can attest, no good soca fete is complete without a guest appearance from our very own hometown hero NBA Center, Jamaal Magloire. The Toronto-native was recently traded to the Miami Heat. Unfortunately, he managed to royally mess up his left hand in an exhibition game in Paris. He's out for 4 to 6 weeks.
Jamaal, and his CLUB. It's so not funny....but boooooyyyyy dah real funny jed!
Good Evening Soca Lovers,
Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. This month we’re marching straight into spring with a little help from Jamaica Carnival. Thanks to organizer Byron Lee, Jamaica can now boast 18 years. Last year, Mr. Lee was battling personal health issues and the road parade was cancelled. But in 2008, it’s all systems go. Organizers are excited to announce confirmed appearances from Biggie Irie, Peter Ram, Iwer George and Destra Garcia. Every weekend this month, warm up fetes will take place ALL across the island. Friday night, Alison Hinds got in on the action, headlining at Wet Fete Dreams. AND finally, Byron Lee and his Dragonaires (including X2's Jumo from Guyana) will parade on the streets of Kingston to close out the month on March 30th.
Looking ahead to another important carnival only…1, 2, 3, 4, 5 months from now! The Barbados National Cultural Foundation is happy to have the nation’s largest cultural festival back under their control. At the end of last season former Prime Minister Owen Arthur snatched Crop Over out from the NCF mandate in an effort to separate the organizations commercial and developmental arms.
Well, there’s a new chief in town, and Prime Minister David Thompson is running things HIS way. His government announced that Crop-Over would undergo a few innovations in 2008. What are the changes you may ask? Steve Blackett, the Minister of Community Development and Culture wasn’t specific when he addressed the press last week. But here’s what I was able to glean: 2 things…increased sponsorship, and a greater connection to the emanicipation season which might alter the calendar of events here and there. As always, your nurse will keep you up to date.
If you’re a soca lover in Toronto, Spring is YOUR time. Believe it or not, the Caribana band launches are RIGHT around the corner. Before you know it, exciting new music will be pouring in from all the Summer carnivals. Let me know which country you think will provide the best soundtrack for the Summer. I've heard some nice little samples out of St. Vincent. My 2 cents: expect to hear the name Skinny Fabulous, over and over again.
While you're waiting for those new caribbean releases, make sure you take advantage of the next few quieter months to legally get your hands on some of the best CDs from Trinidad 2008.
Look forward to some amazing fetes that make this city a soca hotspot like no other. From Fire Fete, to the all-new Toronto edition of Gyal Farm (and all things in between), be sure to support events and products that support soca artistes - any way you can.
I’m Nurse Karen , and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 or check my blog online at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net. Now back to de docta!
Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I'm nurse Karen, and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds. Shhhh…. If you listen real close, you can probably hear the voice of reigning groovy soca monarch Shurwayne Winchester singing:… "Carnival please stay, don't go away, for another day…I'm beggin yuh, I'm beggin yuh." OK, Maybe you can't hear it, but for all of us in the studio, we have some combination of those lyrics haunting our memories. We've just returned from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival and boy LET ME TELL YOU. Coming back to Toronto is ONE shock to the system. From 30 degrees celsius to minus thirty with the wind chill. From dehydration and sunburn to hypothermia and frost bite…winter in Canada is not easy at all. And I really wish we could have brought a LITTLE piece of carnival back for all of you.
So here's what you missed. Last Friday night was the final showdown of international soca stars: The Bmobile International Groovy Soca Monarch and Power Soca Monarch Competition. Last year Biggie Irie surprised the world and himself by becoming the first non-Trinidadian to capture the groovy crown. Well, that was all fine and good for 2007, but Shurwayne Winchester was all too pleased to bring the title back to the twin island republic with a performance of Carnival Please Stay that was immeasurably better than the one I just gave. Then Miss Patrice Roberts filled the stage with abevy of beauties to secure at second place finish for Mo' Wuk. Kerwin DuBois and Shall Marshall weren't happy with the judges decision to put Gal Farm in 3rd place. Toronto's own producer/writer extraordinaire transformed the stage into a Western ranch as the pair rode in a horse and a pony, creating a feast for the eyes. Farmer Nappy chipped into 4th place with his own woman…sorta.
In the power category, it was battle royale. Bunji Garlin blazed through Queen's Park Oval with his revived interpretation of Maestro's "Fiery", complete with an exploding car to snatch the soca monarch crown out the hands of defending king Iwer George. The popularity of Bunji's remake actually inspired a neew event called the Retro Soca Monarch, that should be staged in time for the 47th anniversary of T&T's independence. So anyway, De Boss placed second with Over Your Head… in front of 3rd place finisher Fay-Ann. Call it robbery, call it politics. Most people who attended fantastic Friday call it a crying shame that Lyons wasn't crowned the first ever female soca monarch for her flawless performance of Get On. FayeAnn has told the media that she won't be performing in another Soca Monarch show in the future. She knows and even Bunji admitted his wifey gave a performance worthy of beating him.
Well her redemption came four days later when GET ON was pumped out for the judges nearly twice as often as its nearest competitor to win Road March. Faye-Ann is once again the road march queen five years after Display became a carnival anthem. Second place was Breathless by Blaxx…and third went to Machel Montano's Blazin De Trail.
No matter the song - out on the road…dey with MY friends I enjoyed two days of Carnival in the Caribbean sun with King Curtis Eustace's new band, Evolution. The whole KOS was there keeping the music flowing just the way I'm accustomed to. So much to discuss, and sadly there's just not enough time. So, if you want to know everything I got up to in Trinidad, including a day-by-day blog, complete with pictures…check out Nurse Karen Etc on triple W Dot Mustard Seeds Dot net.
I'm Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay's Rounds, please send your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 now back to de Docta!
Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. We’re two weeks into 2008, and the year is full of possibilities. January 2nd was jump up day in St. Kitts. You already heard it! Grand Master’s Band song called Boom Bam Bam unexpectedly beat out Small Axe Band and King Konris for road march.
In St. Croix, they started a new tradition at Cruzian Christmas Festival. They proved that anything can happen when they crowned their first ever Party Monarch. Congrats goes out to Toby Derima aka Toby Dee of the Xpress band for wowing the judges with his performance of Hands High.
In Trinidad, the possibilities are endless for carnival 2008. The hype has begun for the International Power and Groovy Soca Monarch competitions. The Caribbean Prestige Foundation released the list of semifinalists this week. From the looks of it, the competition is becoming more international than ever! Tizzy is repping Antigua. Mr. Dale, Peter Ram AND Lil Rick made the cut for Barbados. For Grenada, Nnika Francis is back, along with Luni Sparks and Electrify. Then there’s St. Lucia boasting 4 semifinalists in Ricky T, Teddyson John, Allan Piper and Mariann. Then for meh Vincy peeps, it’s Problem Child, Jamesy P and Zoelah.
Highlights on the home turf include the return of Bunji Garlin, who’s in the semi’s with his wife and she daddy…my boy…SuperBlue. Seem’s like Crazy made an impact on the veterans last year cuz Rootsman is trying a ting for 2K8.
Understand, the 62 semifinalists still have to duke it out to see who will compete against defending champs Biggie Irie and Iwer George for this year’s crown. There will only be ten competitors in each category on February 1st. I’ll keep you posted.
It’s going to be a fantastic year musically. January brings us the Air Jamaica Jazz fest January 24th to 27th, and the Barbados Music festival on the 27th too. Then all attention shifts to the soca mecca of Trinidad and Tobago, where the music is coming out fast and furious. With plenty of surprises yet in store.
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5 or check me out on Nurse Karen Etc at triple W dot mustardseeds dot net.
Now, back to de docta!
Soca Music is a young medium that is still fighting for international respect and acceptance. So it’s a VERY hard road when artists can’t even expect their local radio stations to play their songs outside the Carnival season. So the pay off comes from a grueling tour schedule that takes some artists away from their families for months at a time…like Bomani, who’s spending his birthday on de road in Toronto tonight while promoting tourism as Caribbean Week comes to a close. Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Doctor Jay’s rounds. Did I ever tell you how much I LOVE SOCA. Well, if you pay attention to the way WE music getting popular right here in Toronto, it’s clear that I not the only one!
Alison Hinds is now Rolling it all over Much Music. Zoelah Going Down Low, right here on Flow…and anywhere you find Caribbean people, you can find carnival. And DAT is a thing of beauty, ah tell yuh. For all you who thinking that de parties and dem done, now that school is back in session, remember that Fall is a season full of fete!
It’s Caribbean Week in Toronto from September 26th to 30th in Toronto. Head over to Yonge-Dundas Square on Wednesday for a FREE live performance from Nookieman Jamesy P. For other details check out triple W dot Caribbean Week dot C.A.
Down in New Orleans, Cultural Diversity Day has returned to Marconi meadows park after a two year hiatus. The city was robbed of nearly all of it’s cultural celebrations when Hurricane Katrina caused thousands of residents to leave their homes behind. So this year, they ready to party it up again with the help of Montserrat’s Soca King Arrow.
Most of you know that Miami Carnival is in just 3 weeks. Right in line with our Thanksgiving weekend So, if school is really getting your goat. You might want to treat yourself to a hot weekend getaway. The 23rd annual Caribbean festival hits the road on October 7th, featuring Shadow, Iwer George, Biggie Irie, and many more.
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