Booster Shot: Skinny Fabulous makes it three!

The 2019 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soca Monarch wrapped up about four hours ago.  As usual the crowd was wild with excitement as soca favourites vied for the top prize of Vincy Mas.

Congratulations to Skinny Fabulous on winning the title three consecutive times.

For those who missed it, here's who came out on top at Vincy Soca Monarch 2010

1. Skinny Fabulous - Charge Up (Duracell)
2. Fireman Hooper - Soca Battlefield
3. Maddzart - King Road
4. Problem Child - Delinquents


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Dr. Jay launches monthly initiative to fight hunger in Toronto

In a music genre born out of a cultural celebration of excess, it's not everyday a promoter caters to the 'have-nots'.  I've got to hand it to my bredren Dr. Jay for leading the way on a project that will literally help thousands of men, women and children here in Canada. Please support this if you can...

Love in soca,

Nurse Karen

Monday, May 17, 2010

Source: Mustard Seed Media

Dr. Jay launches monthly initiative to fight hunger in Toronto

TORONTO, May 17, 2010. - Popular Caribbean-Canadian DJ, Dr. Jay de Soca Prince is encouraging his young sassy partygoers to help fight poverty year round with the new club event, “BFF” – BEST FETE FOREVER.  Now in its third instalment, the monthly event in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank offers patrons live performances from international soca music artistes, for a reduced admission price when a minimum of five cans of food are donated upon entry.

The title “BFF” is a re-adaptation of the pop-culture abbreviation of 'Best Friends Forever'. The Dr. Jay version is ‘Best Fete Forever’, where fete is a pan-Caribbean term for party, as borrowed from the French Creole that informs the dialects of many islands of the Caribbean archipelago. “BFF” is about giving the best and getting the best.  Patrons party with a purpose, enjoying a night of high quality entertainment regularly giving back to their community.

 “My goal is to do this monthly for a year and raise over 4000 pounds of food for the Daily Bread Food Bank,” says Jay, who is best known to Torontonians as the high energy radio host, Dr. Jay de Soca Prince of Flow 93.5 FM’s Soca Therapy radio programme.  Since commencing “BFF” in March, a total of 938 lbs has been collected. Past events have featured LIL RICK, (2009 Barbados Music Award – Entertainer of the Decade), ALPHA (2009 St. Lucia Groovy Soca Monarch) and FARMER NAPPY and KERWIN DU BOIS (3^rd Place Winners, 2010 Trinidad Groovy Soca Monarch).

“I think it’s very commendable”, says PROBLEM CHILD (2008, 2009 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Road March King and June “BFF” featured performer. “As an artiste who gave my first road march earnings to charity myself, I totally concur with this. Props to Jay for this venture. It’s generally morally proper to assist others less fortunate with every opportunity that arises.  It’s plain and simple – the right thing to do. The others need to follow.”

According to the Daily Bread Food Bank’s 2009 Hunger Statistics, 49 per cent of its users were not born in Canada, much like the audience who patronizes Dr. Jay’s events.  Many food bank patrons are working poor, whose wages simply can not provide the necessities of life for their families.  After being touched by the images of devastation in the Caribbean nation of Haiti following the tragic earthquake in January 2010, Dr. Jay who is a first generation Canadian of mixed Trinidadian and Guyanese ancestry, decided to commit himself to doing something about hunger and poverty in Greater Toronto, where he calls home.

The public is invited to join in the spirit of giving at “BFF” May and June. 

Friday, May 21st

Featuring: PATRICE ROBERTS

plus special guest RICARDO DRUE

Venue: TROPICAL SUNSET - 1957 Kennedy Road, Scarborough

Music and hosting by: DR. JAY, LOUD MOUT CHINEY, EMAN, 2TOUCH, DIRTY DEZ, INFINITY SOUND CREW, DJ FLIP

Admission: $10 before 11 pm with 5 or more canned goods.

Friday, June 18^th

Featuring: PROBLEM CHILD
Venue: Tropical Sunset Lounge - 1957 Kennedy Road, Scarborough

Music and hosting by: Dr. JAY, LOUD MOUT CHINEY, EMAN, 2TOUCH, DIRTY DEZ, INFINITY SOUND CREW, DJ FLIP

Admission: $10 before 11 pm with 5 or more canned goods.

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Eye Unit: Problem Child - Doh Run

Well well well, Problem Child has released his signature hybrid down-tempo early tune for Vincy Mas 2010.  This time around there's a little promo video too - for the fellas!!!  The song has a nice warm-up-the-party vibe to help you loosen up your waist for the rest of the night.  Check it out...




If you're in Toronto like me, and you want to catch the Vincy Bad Boy live, you should check out Dr. Jay de Soca Prince's charity event, "BFF" on May 21st. Problem Child is the guest performer!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen
twitter.com/nursekaren

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Booster Shot: Problem Child heading to Berlin Carnival

As a person of that good West Indian bouillon stock, I always find myself marveling about those who fall in love with our culture on their own time and champion it as if their lives depended on it.  Don't get me wrong.  I was raised an educated in Canada, so often people find it odd that I care so deeply about spreading the good news of soca.  but then you meet dudes like the Frankie and Boone - The Soca Twins, a couple of turntabling Germans who rep our music to the fullest.  They DJ Caribbean grooves, the promote Carribbean-style parties, Boone Chatta is beginning to make strides as an artiste....AND...they have their own mas band at Berlin's Carnival of Cultures.


This year, the twins are celebrating 8 years in the soca world, and Problem Child is among the artists they have invited over for the party.


Check out the official word from Problem Child's camp...

Thursday, 1^st of April, 2010

Problem Child’s First Trip to Germany: Berlin Carnival 2010

NEW YORK – Soca artiste Problem Child will be traveling to Germany for the first time at the end of May to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines for Berlin Carnival 2010.

 The Berlin Carnival weekend will start with ‘Carnival Jump-Up 2010’ on Friday, 21^st of May at the Icon Club. This Carnival warm-up party celebrates the 8^th birthday of the Soca Twins, well known German soca DJs and self-proclaimed soca ambassadors.  Problem Child will be headlining the fete, which will also feature renowned international reggae DJ David ‘RamJam’ Rodigan, Germany’s own Count Shortleg and hosts, the Soca Twins.

 Problem Child will also perform on the Soca Twins’ truck for Berlin’s 2010 Mas on Sunday, 23^rd of May. Berlin Carnival attracts visitors from all over Europe. The turnout is expected to be between 500,000 to 1,000,000 masqueraders and spectators. 

For more information on The Soca Twins and the Carnival of Cultures, visit the links.

Never miss your Booster Shot.
Follow @nursekaren on Twitter

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The Rounds: Unprofessionalism in soca?

Originally aired on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 on Flow 93.5 FM (Toronto) Soca Therapy with Dr. Jay de Soca Prince.

In this edition:

- Alton Bertie recognized at Top 7@ 7 awards. (B.V.I)

- Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival warms up (Jamaica)

- The Return Fete is a hit (Canada)

- Happy Birthday to Kees Dieffenthaller

- Doneo and Problem Child, the Party Hard Saga (UK, St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

- Fire Empress Video Shoot (Tobago)

Good Evening Soca Lovers, 

I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.  I have always made a point to recognize excellence in soca.  I just believe that when we start to celebrate ourselves, the rest of the world will also. 

Last night was the Top 7@ 7 awards in British Virgin Islands, a show that honours songs and artistes who made it to the number one position  on a popular radio station’s daily charts.  Local producer, Alton Bertie received an award for his contribution to the music industry, particularly as an in house instrumentalist and producer for Shuwayne Winchester and Y.O.U.

Alton Bertie and Nurse Karen, Miami 2009

Bachannal Jamaica Carnival is underway for 2010.  The crowds at the weekly Mas Camp shows have already been treated by amazing stage performances and dj shows from  the likes of Zoelah,  Mr. Slaughter and Kes the Band.  The season has only just begun though.  Jamaica will be host to a lot more international artistes before it culminates on Sunday, April 11^th. Next up Alison Hinds on March 12^th.

            Well it may not be Carnival time here in Toronto, but if you know anything about the love this city has for soca, you know that we don’t wait for Caribana to enjoy the very best in Soca Music.  That’s why some 3000 people packed into Koolhaus last night to see Swappi, Blaxx, Shal Marshall, JW and Blaze...and uh....Cookie Monster...all supported by Kes the Band.  That was a fantastic show.  If you missed it, shame on you! 

JW, Nurse Karen and Blaze at Toronto Return Fete (2010)

The ladies, were certainly excited to experience lead singer Kees again for the first time since Caribana.  If you liked the show, be sure to holler at him on Facebook, and wish him a happy birthday while you’re at it.  On Friday, March 12^th, it’s your boy’s birthday!!!

Nurse Karen and Kees at Toronto Return Fete (2010)

This past week the internet was on fire with some hot new bacchanal surrounding the song “Party Hard” by UK house and hip hop artist/producer Donaeo featuring Problem Child.  Well, if you didn’t know..The version that features Problem Child wasn’t exactly recorded with the blessing of the original artist.  Two weeks after the close of Trinidad Carnival, Doneo now knows that his song was a pretty much the only reason Problem Child had a major following at all the big fetes, problem is...(no pun intended), the version was unauthorized....and Donaeo never got the opportunitiy to cash in on Trini Carnival for himself. Well, as of now, there hasn’t been any real talk of legal recourse...but the Vincy Road March King is suffering from a major assault on his character, that which brought him to tears in a YouTube video released a few days ago.  Ah well, let this be a lesson in better business for all of us.

Nurse Karen and Problem Child, Trinidad 2010

Last quick fact, Tobago Soca Monarch Fire Empress is shooting a video shoot tonight at a watering hole called Bar Code. Looking forward to seeing the outcome.

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  For info on everything you heard today, check me out online on the Nurse Karen Etc blog at www.nurse-karen.com , or follow me day to day on Twitter. Now, back to de docta!

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Eye Unit: Bunji Garlin and Problem Child - Gal Deh We Deh

Soca Gyaliss and dem stand up!!! LOL

Problem Child and Bunji Garlin released a tune that will ring true for most of you wutless men out there. Don't pay me any mind. Tune Bad! The video below is an unofficial clip compilation that shows off its two stars performing all over the place, and the hot girls who swoon over them everywhere they go. Enjoy!



Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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

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

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

Enjoy!

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Eye Unit: The not-so-glamorous artist life, Problem Child's Madhouse Tour

Problem Child has a reality TV show in St. Vincent.  I've said it before, but some people have hard ears...so I'm repeating. "The Madhouse Tour" airs on IKTV channel 45 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and it patches together self-filmed Hi Def footage from the Vincy Bad Boy's travels as the 2009 Road March King.

In last week's episode, Problem Child goes to the UK to perform in a concert celebrating 30 years of independence in SVG. Right off the bat, it's problems...

Take a look, you'll see just what I mean!



At this point, unless you live in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, there's no way to see the whole show.  However, if you look carefully you can find a few clips scattered online.  To help you in your search, check out the following links...

YouTube  http://www.youtube.com/user/iktvch45

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Iktv/129873177968

Or to just follow Problem Child's travel itinerary in real-time, follow him on Twitter at:
www.twitter.com/vincybadboy


Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Q&A: Who cares about soca? October Stats

As a web mistress, I've learned all sorts of things I never dreamed of before.  Once of my biggest facinations is checking out the vistor stats for www.nurse-karen.com .  Some say I travel a lot, but there are still so many places that this blog is enjoyed, where I have yet to visit.  I thought about that and realized that many of you don't realize just how many people (in how many places) are interested in soca music and culture. So, I thought I'd take a moment to inform you about the people who read this blog!

All statistics below refer only to the month of October 2009.  They vary from month to month depending on what music is out, which carnivals are approaching...and what we take the time to post.  Ready?  Here goes...

Top 10 most popular post with Nurse Karen Etc readers?
With more than three years of valuable soca information online, Nurse Karen Etc now boasts more than 2000 individual posts.  Last month, these were the most popular posts to visit: (go ahead and click to see them yourself)

1. Free Download:  Eden Miami Carnival Mix by D'Bandit and Private Ryan
2. Booster Shot:  Artistes Doing Their Lil Bitts for Charity
3. Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Problem Child
4. Booster Shot:  French Canadian Soca Ambassador Featured in Fader
5. Eye Unit:  Happy Independence SVG
6. Booster Shot: Destra is Pregnant!  (originally posted on August 20th!)
7. Booster Shot: 2009 International Soca Awards Nominees are Up
8. Nurse's Lounge:  Miami Bacchanal Wednesday
9. The Rounds:  October is Calypso History Month
10. Booster Shot:  The Asylum Family Sticks it to Miami Promoters

Top 10 Most Common Searches on Nurse Karen Etc
Last month 1153 visits to Nurse Karen came to us via online search.  As the web's most comprehensive portal for contemporary soca news updates, there's no question that people come to us for all sorts of things. Here are the top ten

1.  Nurse Karen / Nurse Karen blog
2.  Destra Garcia Pregnant
3.  Soca Awards
4.  Roy Cape Honored at World Creole Festival
5.  Calypso History Month
6. Miami Carnival
7. Fay-Ann Lyons
8.  Soca News
9.  Claudette Peters
10. Ninja Dan

Where do Nurse Karen Etc Readers live?
1. Unites States of America    37 %
2. Canada  23 %
3. Trinidad and Tobago   11%
4. United Kingdom   6%
5. St. Lucia   2%
6. St. Vincent 2 %
7. Barbados 2 %
8. France 1 %
9. Germany 1 %
10.  Sweden   1 %
11.  Jamaica   1 %
12.  Antigua and Barbuda  1 %
13.  Grenada   1 %
14. Belgium    1 %

The remaining 10 % of visits come from 82 other countries in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, South America, The Middle East, Australia and Africa.

The market for soca is vast, diverse and growing every day.  I truly appreciate the interaction, support and feedback I get from readers around the world.  Hopefully Nurse Karen Etc helps you see that what many consider to be a small, season, niche music genre has a widespread audience all year long.  To show your love in a more tangible way, be sure to visit our online advertisers whenever you surf in, so we can continue to provide the best in soca news and info to 95 countries worldwide!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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The Rounds: Shurwayne Winchester and Y.O.U celebrated 1 year, etc!

Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto "Soca Therapy"

In this edition:

- Shurwayne and Y.O.U. celebrate one year (Trinidad and Tobago)
- SVG goverment promises money to artists (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
- Problem Child's Mad House Tour Reality Show (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
- December carnivals: St. Kitts, St. Croix, Montserrat
- Soca or Die (Canada)
- This week's soca birthdays: B.V.I, St. Kitts and Nevis

Good Evening Soca Lovers,

I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Last Tuesday, Shurwayne Winchester and YOU celebrated their 1st anniversary together as a band. The event took place at Woodford Cafe in Trinidad, the same place they held their very first performance just one year before. Since then, they have the have grown as a cohesive unit, opened their own band room, produced the ABX Riddim for Carnival 2k10, and recorded 18 of their own songs. Shurwayne announced that Y.O.U. would be releasing a new album on the 1st of December.
The very same date marked the 30th anniversary of independence for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. There’s all kinds of reasons why something like that is important news for the rounds, but allow me to give you one more. To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves announced the government’s plans for an economic stimulus package that includes 1 million dollars in grant money to be doled out to its cultural entrepreneurs. It plain English, the soca artists are getting cheques in the mail just for being creative. Boyyyy, nothing says happy Indy like free money.

Speaking of SVG, I’m not sure how many of you knew that St. Vincent’s Roadmarch king, Problem Child has his very own reality show. It’s called the Madhouse Tour and it launched on St. Vincent’s K45, Iktv channel in the fall. I never mentioned it to you before, because there were no videos online. Well now there are. If you surf over to youtube, You can see funny clips of the artist’s adventures all over the place, including....TORONTO.
We all know that Trinidad Carnival is coming in February. But there are actually several other Carnivals before then. In December three other Caribbean Islands will heat up with the sounds of soca, and theatre of mas; St. Kitts, St. Croix (USVI), and Montserrat. The 2009 Montserrat Festival calendar was just released this past week, with a packed agenda of activities from December 4th through January 1st.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Today is only November 1st. So, happy birthday goes out to soca artist, Lincoln Ward in the British Virgin Island. Then on Saturday, the Parade of Scorpio b-days continues. That night will be the 1st ever Soca or Die Surprise Birthday party for Dr. Jay and friends. Hope you got your tickets! But it’s also the birthday of Juliette Mills from St. Kitts, Tabia from St. Vincent, and Scarface from Trinidad. Don’t look surprised, we already told you November is the month of the Soca Baby!

Before I go...good news. Knycky Cordner performed again with her band Ventures for the 1st time since her hip surgery earlier this year. Happy to see the girl back in action!
I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. To get the news first, be sure to visit nurse dash Karen dot com or follow me, nursekaren on Twitter. Now back to de Docta!

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The Rounds: Celebrating carnival, Scorpio B-days, Creole Day and Independence!

Originally aired on "Soca Therapy", Sunday, October 25th, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
Flow 93.5 FM in Toronto

In this edition:
- Celebrating Soca Scorpios - Toronto / International
- LA Carnival / Jacksonville Carnival - USA
- Machel at Antillia Carnival - USA
- Sunshine Awards held on Saturday - USA
- Notting Hill Carnival Doc Screened - UK
- Soca Mix in Fader - USA
- Creole Day - Dominica, St. Lucia, Haiti
- St. Vincent Independence - St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Sometimes I feel like we’re speeding through the 2009 calendar. Coulda sworn it was Summer just the other day...and now...it’s Scorpio season. Soca or Die 10 goes down on Saturday celebrating the birthdays of Dr. Jay, Marxman and a few other soca scorpios including yours truly. But we’re not the only ones. This past week Trinidad’s Jadee, and St. Vincent’s Problem Child had birthdays too, and Lil Bitts has a birthday on Saturday.

If we’re not celebrating one thing, it’s another. West Indians in southern California enjoyed fetes and revelry last weekend for Los Angeles Carnival. This week, the fun moved back to Florida for Jacksonville Carnival yesterday.

Next on the docket is New York City’s Antillia Carnival which will launch in Manhattan on November 5th with a performance by Machel Montano HD. This year’s uber posh preview of Trinidad Carnival will be hosted by former miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam, and male supermodel Tyson Beckford.

Last night, New York City also playee host to the 21st annual Sunshine Awards, which recognizes Caribbean achievement in the performing arts. Nominees were chosen from many islands and many creative fields. Where soca is concerned, Shurwayne, Bunji and Fay-Ann all were nominated for best new song, while Alston Beckett Cyrus was honoured for his lifetime contribution to the artform.

As Black History Month in the UK comes to a close this week, a new documentary that showing off the beauty and artistry of Nottinghill Carnival will be screened this week. It’s called "Sequins, Soca and Sweat," and it follows six mas bands through their hectic carnival preparations.

Here in Canada, a well known Montreal club DJ was featured on a major music magazine’s website. Ghislain Poirier’s 25 minute soca mix was selected as this week’s Ghetto Palms feature on Fader dot com. Even through Poirier isn’t known exclusively for soca he has been touring extensively in 2009 promoting raising awareness of the genre and his Soca Sound System EP. We like that kinda thing!

I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Before I go, I’d like to wish a happy Creole Day to all my Lucian, Haitian and Dominicans on the outside. And to my Vincy Massive Happy 30th anniversary of Independence.

For more info on anything I mentioned here, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me, Nurse Karen on twitter. Now, back to de docta!

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Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Problem Child

We have officially begun Scorpio season! I really don't have any stats to back this up, but it seems more people in the soca community were born in the end of October and beginning of November, than any other part of the year. Of course, I probably only think that because I came into the world this time of the year too.

Problem Child is one of them as well, and today is his big day.

When it comes to people who hustle hard in this business, he's definitely a guy who puts in work.  The one they called "Johnny Fontainne" excercises his creativity on a daily basis, whether it's writing, recording, or vibing out on new tracks for inspiration. For someone who works so hard, perhaps the best birthday gift is rest.  From the sound of it, that's just what he got, a lazy day on tour.

In a short while Problem's got a gig in the UK  in celebration of SVG independence day that's gonna have to double as his b-day party. Fans in jolly old England will be treated to some of the top acts from Vincy Mas 2009:

Maddzart: Ragga Soca Monarch
Skinny Fabulous: Soca Monarch
Problem Child: Road March King

plus Mystik Vibration (Bequia's big ragga soca act) and Lively (who's song "Waistline" was the official party starter at everything this year).

I plucked this little video off YouTube for you, so you can learn a little more about Problem Child, courtesy of IslandMix.com. Enjoy!



Have a great performance tonight, and happy birthday!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Nurse's Lounge: Hype at Hibiscus Happy Hour

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

Barrie Hype making us jump like Carnival Tuesday

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


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


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

Nurse Karen and Tizzy after our chat

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


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

Problem Child just touched down 

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


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


Love and Soca, 


Nurse Karen

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

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Eye Unit: a taste of J'ouvert in Toronto

Howdy partnas...

Yeah, I know Caribana is over...but the sad reality is sinking in that it maybe a few weeks before I personally get to experience carnival again. (Let's be honest - I'm tired. So you all fix up and let me know how it is!)

In the meantime, I dug up some footage from Caribana Saturday morning. This is KOS J'ouvert...as they say, "a tradition like no other". That means paint, powder, mud and water. Pretty icky, but the locals like it ;)

The original cast was to feature Benjai, Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous. Turns out the authorities weren't very gracious in regards to issuing Benjai a visa this time around. The crowd missed him, but they got additional performances from Zoelah, TC and Iwer George as well. Unfortunately, I missed the earlier performances since I was at Dr. Jay's Soca or Die show on the other side of the city.

Here are a few clips of Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child performing for the extremely sweaty, sold out crowd at J'ouvert inside and outside Embers Banquet Hall in Scarborough.

Simplest description: Hot Mess!

See for yourself....

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Eye Unit: Rap Artist Drake makes an appearance at White Out!

My carnival has begun! For me, when Dr. Jay throws his annual White Out party, the season is officially on. This year, I was strickly on personal vibes. These days, I seldom get to enter de party and jus leggo. Well, this time around I stuck to the plan. Went backstage to hail up Problem Child, Blaxx and Olantunji, then it was time to party.

Three days later my aching back and thighs are stick recovering! What a fete!

Shot you a couple of clips in between wines. You'll see Blaxx, Rita Jones, Olantunji Yearwood, Shyann Bailey and Problem Child, all backed by Roy Cape Allstars. Towards the end is a special treat. Toronto-bred hip hop phenom Drake passes through and touches the mic to send some greetings. Big up T-Rexx for controlling the MC duties for the urban part of the night.

Doh vex over the video quality. My liming spot at Koolhaus is to the very back right hand side. The view may not be the best, but the vibe is always sweet!

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Nurse's Lounge: Insomnia V - 4 bands, more vibes!

Sunday morning, June 28 – Insomnia V

When I travel...I wanna see the artistes perform live. Don’t get me wrong, I love sun, sand and surf. I love my food too...but I like to know how an artiste’s studio performance will translate on the stage. Insomnia was the perfect opportunity for that.

With a title like Insomnia, carnival lovers are well aware that the list of performers is gonna be longer than my arms...and you’ve seen my arms. That night I got to see onstage appearances from established and local acts alike. Four bands backed the artists; HS Phaktor, Roy Cape All-Stars, Alliance and The Madd Symphony.

Before I go on. I have to big up Hitman Colin Graham hooking me up with a comp pass. One issue though, he didn’t arrive to Insomnia until about 3:00 am. That just means I paid the door price to enter! For what it’s worth. The show was worth every penny of that $60 EC.

From watching Shaunelle McKenzie belt out incredible notes to Bomani performing his modern classic. There was Icon and First Lady clashing on stage, Fire Empress bending over, Full Clip, DJ 20...sweet.

Here’s what you missed...

I have to hand it Luke Boyea and Hot 97 for making the decision to put the Alliance band up last, after visiting band Roy Cape All-Stars. Usually, visiting artistes close the show, but here's the deal...it wouldn't have mattered what big songs from Trinidad the band was covering...they couldn't competed with the pandemonium that erupted every time Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child touched the stage in SVG.

The other treat of the closing set was seeing so many female artistes command the stage. It was beautiful to see Zoelah, Danielle Veira, Daria and Jalena all performing in the same set.

That vibe was infectious. Olatunji and Rita Jones caught it too. After the sun came up, I saw them bouncing at the front of the stage as they took in the local talent. Insomnia was a big night! Check the vid...you'll see!



One small word of critcism, doled out with a heap of love...trust me. Alliance is a great band. I've sat in on rehearsals, so I know some of St. Vincent's best musicians are responsible for their sound. BUTTTT!!!! Nurse Karen knows a little something about brass. I spent most of my youth playing the trumpet. I played in school concerts and jazz bands...even got a solo or two, now and then. The brass section for Insomnia V was out of tune, AND out of sync.

It was a late night, for sure, and the drinks were flowing. However, you can hear this on the video clips, and it definitely came across on the radio broadcast. Poor Mr. Vegas got the real short end of the stick, because it was pretty clear his set hadn't been rehearsed with him. Correct me if I'm wrong. Mind you, I doubt the other 3 or so thousand people there were paying much attention to all that. So kudos none the less, just remember music is SOUND. Make sure allyuh sound your best.

I had a great time at Insomnia. It made for a memorable day, especially after that CRAZY wedding! The night was totally memorable, and was made moreso by getting to chat a while with music legend Roy Cape. If you wanna talk about brass...check he!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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Booster Shot: Problem Child is SVG 2009 Road March King

To all who ever mistook Problem Child for a one hit wonder, after the release of Party Animal in 2007, you obviously have not been doing your homework. For another season, Problem Child is responsible for writing and performing THE most popular song out for Vincy Mas 2009.

The major part of St. Vincent Carnival came to a close yesterday when some thousands of people took to the streets of Kingstown in costume for Mardi Gras. When that happens, judges keep track of the music that is played at judging points in order to determine which song will earn the title of Road March ( the song heard most often)

Here's what they came up with:

1. Problem Child - Mad House

2. Skinny Fabulous - De Beast Letgo

Nurse Karen and Skinny Fabulous

3. Fryktion ft. Problem Child and Parry Jack - Yo Woman Buttin' Me

Parry Jack

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Eye Unit: Problem Child's 2009 Vincy Soca Monarch Performance

I really ought be resting up to meet Mirage Mas band in the morning, but I've been havine internet issues the whole time I've been in SVG...so now that everything is working well. I have some footage I think you'll like to see!

I've been receiving a lot of messages in regards to the soca monarch competition that took place here in St. Vincent on Saturday. So, I dug up some footage to help you ascertain whether or not the judges were paying attention!

With no further ado, here is 3rd place finisher Problem Child with "Maddhouse"

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Booster Shot: Skinny Fabulous is 2009 Vincy Soca Monarch

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Gamal "Skinny Fabulous" Doyle successfully defended his 2009 Soca Monarch title on Saturday night. In the face of steep competition the incumbent Monarch executed an elaborate stage presentation that outshone all efforts put forth by fellow competitors. Complete with costumes, dancers, pyrotechnics and other visual aids, the performance of "De Beast Letgo" was an eye-catching display of artistry and entertainment.

A field of 20 artistes performed orinigal uptempo soca songs for a crowd of more than 12, 000 assembled at Victoria Park in Kingstown to witness the event. Last night's win marks the second consecutive defeat over six-time Soca Monarch and crowd favourite, Delroy "Fireman" Hooper. The winning song was written by Gamal Doyle and produced by Penn and Ace of Studio 758 in St. Lucia. To the surprise of many, the outstanding stage performance of "De Beast Letgo" beat out the most obvious musical forerunner for the carnival season, Mad House by Problem Child.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Results

1. De Beast Letgo - Skinny Fabulous

2. Ragz Invasion - Fireman Hooper

3. Mad House - Problem Child

4. Demus - Rum Junkie

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Nurse's Lounge: Fire Fete in St. Vincent!!!! part one

High off the music!!! That's how I'm feeling today. It's a wonder that I'm already chilling in the lobby with my laptop at 11 am. That party was maddddddddd!

This year, the Carnival Development Committee is trying something new. They've combined some of the official, more cultural carnival events with privately promoted fetes, so as to draw out bigger crowds. No surprise that Bunji Garlin and the Asylum
Band were coupled with National Panorama. So, Fire Fete is wey we a talk bout.

When I arrived in Victoria Park, the crowds were vibing off a performance from the Madd Symphony. Maddzart, D'Lanlord and Tamisha had the growing audience rocking and wining to some of their sweet ragga soca tunes for Vincy Mas 2009. I could already tell the party would be nice.

I found my way backstage, and checked out the stage set up. The bands came through in the early afternoon to soundcheck. The process went wayyyyyyyyy overtime, but eventually they got it right. But God loves a good practical joke now and then, eh. In the early evening high winds breezed right over the stage, and knocked over a set of equipment...which meant trouble and vexation for the stage crew and bands.

Still, the party came off without a hitch. By the time Hottsand got up to play, the audience was really in a party mood...myself included. Ran into Fitz, the marketing director for LIME in the VIP. He hooked me up with a light-up LIME champagne glass...which happens to be just as affective at holding Malibu and Pine! Sharlene Samuels, Syxx, and Johnny Rebel gave us a sweet combination of soca covers and their original tunes. Miss Sharlene has really grown as a performer. Her command of the crowd was exceptional for a vocalist whose name is still a mystery to most fete-goers. It is possible that after she drops "We Jamming" at Soca Monarch this Saturday all that could change.


Fire Empress had the ladies shadowing her hottness for "Fire Brigade". Then the HOTTSAND set sparked a full out blaze when Icon reminded St. Vincent they love him so much. Chune, chune and chune again from "Ready" on the 2005 Lava Slide Riddim , to "Get On"...his 2009 Soca Monarch contender. The energy was palpable!



Soca Dans inna de building. Jamesy P, Fireman and Luta. Let me be the first to say it. I LOVE Luta's Rumbo...and SHAKE! So did the crowd...all kinda new dance styles were brukkin out.

Nurse Karen and Skinny Fabulous at Fire Fete

I popped backstage just before Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child did their thing. As expected "Maddhouse" mashed up the thousands in attendance, but hear what...Skinny still has a chance. De Beast Letgo shook up Victoria Park, more than I've seen in previous shows. Soca Monarch is still anyone's game...Can't wait for Saturday.

So, did I mention that Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons and the Asylum Band were the featured acts? St. Vincent's wild soca posse come out in their numbers for Bunji..and in 2009 it's clear that their love for Fay-Ann is now in full bloom.

Nurse Karen and Fay Ann at Fire Fete

Was nice to see Benjai join them on stage. It was a redemptive performance of sorts. He was at Glow the night before, performing after a list of artists long like my arm. Most of the crowd left while he was singing, through no fault of his own. Even though Benjai has a Vincy Grandpa, and he was up in de fete with his Uncle and Cousin, St. Vincent isn't super familiar with his 2009 selections. Well, that was THEN!

Benjai, Bunji and Fay-Ann performing at Fire Fete

I'll come back with more on this show. Doh worreee, It will be a glooooooooooooooowing review. Good work Bing!

So, gimme a chance to put up some vidz and pics. But rest assured de ting was pure FFFFFFIIIIIIIIIIIIIIREEEEEEEEE!!!

Love and Soca,

Nurse Karen

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