The Rounds: Happy Independence Day Barbados, etc!

Originally aired on Flow 93.5 FM's Soca Therapy. (Sundays from 6pm - 9pm ET)

In this Edition:

Machel Montano's recent and upcoming music releases - Trinidad and Tobago

Supa Jigga TC presents "The Template" soca mixtape - Trinidad and Tobago

Barbados 43rd Anniversary of Independence - Barbados

Lil Rick's Birthday - Barbados

Qpid's Birthday - St. Lucia

Ms Alysha and Michelle Sylvester's Birthday - Trinidad and Tobago

Good evening soca lovers, I'm Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay's Rounds.  The true soca junkies on the outside know we're in that special little calm before the storm.  Since summer, isolated showers of soca releases have been whetting your appetite for carnival.  But when the Calendars change from november to December, the heaven's open and down comes and outpouring of blessings from every studio in T&T.  It's all about new music babies.....right in time for the holidays.  I mentioned last week, that Machel Montano  turned 35 on the 24th.  To celebrate his big day, he released a wee sample of what he's working on, now that the performance pressure is off his back for the upcoming carnival season.  There's a new tune out called "Hot Like Pepper" featuring Serani.  The reviews have been mixed.  Maybe because it's a dancehall tune or maybe because Serani sounds like a creaky door.  I dunno...das what de people saying!

          Anyhoooo....Machel is saying he's got a couple other tracks coming soon.  One is a collabo with Vincy Soca Monarch, Skinny Fabulous and there's a next one with Krystal Kane from  Trinidad. I'll keep you posted.

         When it comes to new  music, there's nobody better than Dr. Jay to fix you up with the hottest releases to flood our inboxes this week.  Stay tuned to Soca Therapy and that's just what you'll get.

            But I personally have been waiting with baited breath for a new soca mixtape that Super Jigga TC has been hyping up to me for the past few months. The term mixtape has long been a vital part of every hip hop head's vocabulary.  But for the rest of you, allow me to take you to school.      A mixtape is not an audio cassette, and generally speaking the music need not even be mixed together by a DJ.  Simply put - it's a promotional compilation of songs to be released to the public free of charge.  It's all about getting people to feel a vibe, and hopefully support those artists with that CASH MONEY when it's showtime. TC released the title track, THE TEMPLATE on Thursday in Trinidad, but you can also look forward to releases from  Shurwayne Winchester, Tony Matterhorn, Iwer George, Skinny Fabulous and Terri Lyons.  In a couple weeks, fans in Trinidad will be able to pick up free copies at local hot spots.

          This Monday,  Barbados is celebrating 43 years of independence from British rule. The London soca massive celebrated with a big show featuring; Peter Ram, Biggie Irie, UK act, Miss Desire and veteran Grynner.  

          Before I go, I wanna send belated birthday greetings to some November  soca babies I missed last week. Another proud Barbadian, Hypa Dog Lil Rick rang in his new year with a pool party in Barbados last weekend.  How inviting does that sound?
           B-day big ups also go out to Ragga Soca Diva Miss Alysha and former Groovy Soca Monarch of T&T, Michelle Sylvester. 

As if that wasn't a long enough round up of celebrating Sag's, today we are celebrating the birthday of one of St. Lucia's leading ladies of soca, Qpid!
      I’m Nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds.  For more up to date soca news, check me out online at Nurse dash Karen dot com, or follow me “NurseKaren” on Twitter.  Now, back to de docta!

Photos:
* Machel Montano and me in Miami (October 2008)
* TC and me in Toronto (February 2009)
* Lil Rick and me in Barbados (July 2009)
* Qpid and me in St. Lucia (July 2008)

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Eye Unit: Happy Birthday Qpid - Relieve Me Pressure!

Wanted to take a moment to send some birthday greetings to a very positive and hard working artist from beautiful, St. Lucia.....Q-pid!

Qpid had a great carnival this year, with "Relieve Me Pressure" winning the People's Monarch competition, despite some much talked about bacchanal at the Soca Monarch finals.  Clearly fans were singing her praises and hoping that this year she might be able to take home some hardware.  Having seen her performance with my humble eyes, it was obvious that Qpid's performance chops are mature and ready for anything.

The video, directed by Divina Lee shows of some very capable Lucian winery..and features a cameo appearance by my homey, popular SLU DJ and radio personally Scady P. LOL...he's the half nekkid doctor. Woyyy!

We've posted this video before...but perhaps you oughta take another look on behalf of the birthday girl.

It's the least you could do!

Enjoy...


Love and Soca,


Nurse Karen

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On De Scene: Q-Pid is St. Lucia People's Monarch 2009

Q-pid , this past Carnival season has demonstrated her strength as a seasoned artist making it to all competitions from Groovy Monarch (placing 2nd) , Soca Monarch and Caribbean Soca Monarch. Her performance this season had an extra edge to it, which made it always a pleasure to watch her rev up the crowd. And her hard work has not gone unseen by her fans , as today she became the People's Monarch 2009 for her song "Relieve Me Pressure." Not far behind was Orion with "Bring the Iron back" and Teddyson John "Whine if You Whining" ; placing 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Qpid after Groovy Monarch 2009

On behalf of the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) Team we want to Congratulate Q-pid on a season well done!! Hope next year brings you much more success.





Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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On De Scene : Ricky T grabs another Title : Road March King 2009

Carnival Done in St.Lucia and what a season it has been. Carnival Monday blessed us all with heavy showers and wind but that did not stop the jump up. Revelers came out in hundreds for the annual street jump up. There were just a few songs dominating the road but there must be a road march .

Ricky T who is currently St.Lucia Soca Monarch, Caribbean Soca Monarch King and today he grabs the Road March title defeating contenders such as Illah Man, Plantium George, Ashanti, Invader, Q-pid , Private 6 , Orion.

I must congratulate Ricky T on another successful season and wish success in the coming months. Once again CONGRATULATIONS TO RICKY T!!!!

Results:

1. Ricky T - Like a Jumbie

2. Platium George - Looking Funny

3. Illah Man - I want my Money Back

4. Ashanti - Leave me Alone

5. Illah Man - Rockshun

6. Q-Pid - Relieve Me Pressure

Peace and Soca !

Rochelle

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On De Scene : Caribbean Soca Monarch 2009 TONIGHT!

Carnival Sunday and though it is overcast in St.Lucia, the celebration will continue. This morning I attended the dipping of the positions for tonight's event ; Caribbean Soca Monarch.

Cultural Development Foundation graced the media, artists and everyone else present with some words on the growth and influence of this competition. A few artists scheduled for tonight's event will be absent due to flight delays. Which leaves a total of 10 competitiors (including the reigning Caribbean Soca Monarch King, Ricky T).

The 10 listed in order of numbers which they drew at the function will compete in front of 7 judges (from around the region) and of course the soca enthusiasts which will flood the Mindoo Philip Park this evening.


1. St.Vincent and the Grenadines - Skinny Fabulous (De Beast Leggo)

2.Grenada - Herminey “Miney” Victor (1000 Masqueraders)

3. St.Lucia - Ilah Man (I want my Money Back)

4. Barbados - Michael “Mikey” Mercer (Explosion)

5. St.Lucia - Ricky T (Like a Jumbie)

6. Guyana -: Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts (Ah Coming)

7. St.Lucia - Q pid (Relieve Me Pressure)

8. Trinidad and Tobago -Street disciples (Take a Wine and Hush you Mouth)

9 Grenada -Lyndon “Pupa Leendi” Adams (Rum Oye)

10. Dominica -Chester “Daddy Chess’ Letangs (Ready or Not)

The show begin after the King and Queen of the Bands scheduled for 8 p.m.. And we will be bringing LIVE COVERAGE of the enitre event (King and Queen of the Bands and Caribbean Soca Monarch)!

So WATCH LIVE !


Peace and Soca
Rochelle

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Eye Unit : Q-Pid "Relieve Mi Pressure" (Offical Video)

Q-Pid is cementing herself as a leading soca artiste, having placed second in the Groovy Monarch this past Saturday with one of her Best performances to date. And I am amazed on her presentation and how she captivated the crowd.



This week is Soca Monarch and it is anyone’s crown. Q-pid Power “Relive Mi pressure” has been doing well making it to number 1 on the Wave top 5 at 5 countdown and considering how Groovy went I am anticipating another stellar performance. Til then indulge in the Offical video of her Power Soca, directed by St.Lucian Davina Lee .









Great Video Davina and Q-Pid!

Peace and Soca
Rochelle

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On De Scene : St.Lucia 2009 Groovy King

Alpha takes it in 2009 with one of his best performances of the season. "Cah Wait" which has been one of the favorites of the crowd going into the competition and stole the judges gaining Groovy King for the first time!

There were a total of 19 performers last night at Sammans Park with last year King skipping the competition due to illness. The results of the evening was like this!


3. TC BROWN - CARNIVAL COMING
2. Q-PID - JUST GO
1. ALPHA - CAH WAIT

One of the BIGGEST upsets was Teddyson John not placing with "Wine if you Winning" alot of mixed emotions departed de Park but I guess de judges "Cah Wait"

Congratulations Alpha !!!!

Bless

Rochelle

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On De Scene : St.Lucia Soca Monarch Finalists

Last Night, I know a few of you joined us as we streamed the Preliminary LIVE (by teaming up with scruffytv.com) and turned out successful . The crowd was relatively small competing with the Big Cricket Action this weekend in St.Lucia. Nonetheless the hardcore soca fans came out in numbers at the National Cultural Center. I came in after making a round in Piton Party in the Yard and upon entrance was Orion performing "Bring the Iron Back" which received an encore from the few persons already present.The night proceeded as a few artits came on , I will admit some of the tunes, well it was my first time hearing it and it would take a while to catch with me. But Alpha 3 time Soca Monarch king closed the first half off with his latest track out the studio "What you waiting for" which was one of the crowd's favorite.

Then the backing band switched over to T.E.M featuring Penn on the samplers which turned the show up a notch! This segment was by far the most well received one ! Q-pid "relieve her pressure" and mine too! Superman and Teddyson performed on the single "UP UP UP and Away" which was chasos! I was up front doing everything I was told and I had a time turning out to be one of my favorite performances that night. Private 6 did not fail with "I doe Care" and if at some point de liqour got to you and you began looking Funny Platinum George took care of that ! Boy the entire show came to a close in a firey way!! Illah Man flatten the place , real flatten "I want my Money Back" good gosh!!

All in all next week Saturday looks good. Hats off to those who did not make it but gave their best I applauded you guys! Nurse Karen you ready, Soca Monarch July 10th 2009 at Mindoo Philip Park with the 19 joining Ricky T !!

SOCA FINALISTS :

1. Winter
   
2. Nintus
   
3. Frost
   
4. Ilah Man
   
5. Private Six
   
6. De Arc
   
7. Superman HD
   
8. Alpha
   
9. Blaze
   
10. Esteban
    
11. Kakal
    
12. TC Brown
    
13. Q-Pid
    
14. Platinum George
    
15. Cocoa Farmer
    
16. Minelle
    
17. Mantius
    
18. Orion
19. Jessica

Source : www.luciancarnival.com

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On De Scene : St.Lucia Groovy Soca Finalists Announced

Last night the CDF hosted the final preliminary for the Groovy Soca Monarch which began just about 6 p.m. to close off 3 hours later. There were suppose to be a total of 30 competitors but only 28 performed in front of the judges to be the ones viable for the 19 spots . We have no confirmation as to the reason for the disqualification of Brandon (one of the competitors) and also as to de reason Manitus did not show up we at Nurse Karen Etc would love to know why ( so Manitus if you reading ,send us a nice email explaining to de fans what real going on) . So yes here you have it :

2009 Groovy Soca Monarch

Dean Roberts – Feeling Nice

Alpha – Cah Wait

Marlon – J’ouvert

TC Brown – Carnival Coming

Ashanti – Leave me Alone

Soca Princess – Watch Me

Zionomi – Who are you

Floopsy – Wave

Q- Pid – Jus Go

Toya – Feel the Rhythm

Nintus – Holy Hangover

Estaban – Wine on Estaban

Teddyson John – Wine if you Winning

Phyness – Time

Vickie – Dance

King – Fa Red – Reveler Girl

Lady Empress – Are You Ready

Maire Anne – Genie in a Bottle

Lady Ce Ce – I Come here to Whine


There are alot of new comers to this competition so I anticipating a tough competition. Who you think taking it this year ? Think Herb Black go be dethroned?

Peace and Soca
Rochelle

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On De Scene: Lucian Music Making de Countdown (June 19)

Well nuff tune blazing de airways now a days . With some riddims causing sum serious problems and some collaborations being infectious . Now last time I gave you guys a glimpse of de tunes dat have Lucians chanting de hook and moving their waistline (Read More)

But Today Friday July 19th the songs making the countdown at the top 5 at 5 on The Wave 93.5 is as folllows


5. Up Up and Away - Superman and Mista Vybe


4. Rockshun - Ilah Man

3. Rock So - Emarand Henry


2. Mummy & Daddy - Mantius



1. Relieve Mi Pressure - Q- Pid



Happy Soca Weekend !

Rochelle

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On De Scene: NG Soca Stage Launch closes with a Bang (Part 2)

See me in the black and white with rag in hand taking in the second segment of the show. Well Dj Levi Chin and Hper D kept the crowd occupied with the spining of the tracks during intermission. THEN ! De maddness was unleashed. Popular artists Kakal started things off with his track "Bois" (which is sang mostly in our folk language "patois"). Kakal is known for pushing the envelope with play on words and real talk which has made him popular with the crowd.

Kakal at NG Soca Stage

O lawwd, Teddyson John bought out de "Real Reveler" in me , had me kicking a storm with his "Wine if you Wining" and other tracks such as "Home for Carnival" He stole the show for me there after I was content but I had to see what everybody else had up their sleeve.

Q- Pid performance included the winer man from Grenada Baby Killa and mate stole de spotlight . No he did not sample any of his well known tracks but he gave de crowd a little freestyle and man his reckless wining skills is a priceless sight. I am sure he had Q pid worried for a second . Organizers at some point in time encouraged the shortening of his time but no winer man wanted to tell de crowd more as he freestyled away.

Qpid and Baby Killa at NG Soca Stage

Unforunately Q-pid performance ended more dramatic than anticipated. One of her stage props was running off de stage and grabbed de stage lights which then fell off de stage ; which caused a bit of an issue with the lights and sound! No lie !! No worries there, NG organizers had that fixed in minutes and MC Superman took over and you know once Superman is around show DONE!


He had de crowd in a frenzy as he began with his "Socaritis" single and bought on stage another super friend Sir Lancealot with his "My Band is the Best" song which remains to this day very much popular. First time seeing Superman perform Kryptonite and I fell in love with de track. And it reminds me that what soca tents are about. It is ok to hear a track on de radio but when the artists perform it with their unique style, it intoxicates you.

Wooosh It's Superman

De night proceeded with the likes of Ricky T , Kerian Piper, Nicole David just to name a few. But the night ended , the only way it should with Ilah Man! There he performed his latest release Rockshun (released Friday 12th June) and for most persons it was the first time hearing, which was well received. He performed other popular tracks, but he saved de best for last "I want my money Back" and the crowd ate it up raw. Though I can assure you no one wanted their money back because THAT show - NG Soca Stage Launch 2009 was more than any patron anticipated.

Ilah Man at NG Soca Stage

Notably absent from this tent was Ninja Dan who is one of the founding fathers of that tent. Through the night many artists under the tent tried to keep his presence alive. (For those that don`t know, Ninja Dan is currently serving time for a serious crime he was involved in February)

I must commend one of de main men behind this show Kayode for a job well done. And extend thank you for hosting me on behalf of the (Nurse) Karen (Etc) Team.

If you liked de shots above why dont you log onto www.luciancarnival.com for the FULL GALLERY.

Enjoy !

Peace and Soca,

Rochelle

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On De Scene: Band Songs becoming part of St.Lucia Carnival Culture?

Last year it was interesting to see at least 4 Carnival Bands released soca songs about their bands. And many may consider that too few to even mention, but I can assure you band songs created this impact other songs could not drive out of the reveler.

Revelers on de Road for 2008 (compliments torontolime.com)

The band songs instill a sort of pride and just make the reveler “get on bad” by de beat. It is almost like you are summoned to misbehave. I can attest to that!
Ah mean what is better than you on de road and you hear a song that is all about your band instructing you to get on and adding to your notion that de band you jumping in is de best? Well nothing can be sweeter than that!

So I thought it would be sweet if I shared with you the 5 band songs which have started this craze. 2k9 might see the remixing of last year's tracks and the addition of new bands songs. I will keep you guys posted on all band songs for Carnival 2009.



Here is the playlist of the Band Songs, Enjoy!


Just for Fun – Kerian Piper & Pringles a.k.a Superman
Toxik – Ricky T
Mas Action Chant – Marie Anne & Q- Pid
Red International – DJ Iwa

2008 St. Lucia Mas Band Songs


Which one you real lovin' ?

Peace & Soca ,
Rochelle

rochelle.noel@hotmail.com

www.twitter.com/rochellenoel

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Promoter's View : Shane Larcher on Perfomance segment of Opening of St.Lucia Carnival

My previous post I indicated that I did not stay for the segment which ignited the Mindoo Phillip Park , but Shane Larcher gave a detail description of what went down. Shane is the man behind Party Entertainment 3D. He is reputable for throwing some of the wildest and orginal fetes in St.Luica. And if that is not enough he is the man behind the website www.slucarnival.com where he tries to expose the wider world about St.Lucia Carnival with coverage of fetes , limes and overall facts. If you are in St.Lucia come Carnival Tuesday I know this guy is going to be throwing a huge fete . Now here is his Review :

Shane Larcher and I caught off guard backstage at Opening of Carnival

"The vibe was intense, pulsating and very energetic. The
calypsonians graced the stage with the likes of Lord Believe Me, Ashanti, who
ignited the stage with his popular hit “Leave me alone” and others including the
2008 Groovy and Calypso Monarch Herb Black. After the calypsonians did their
performance on stage, it was time for the Soca segment to jump off. The crowd
was ready, the energy was crazy and it was time to give the people what they had
been waiting for. Many artistes hit the stage singing most of their popular hits
to much of the crowd’s delight, including Mantius, TC Brown, and Q-Pid who
brought her son on stage, who had the crowd in screams with his whine resulting
in an encore of the performance.

Then it was time for the 758 crew, better known as Mad Camp to hit the stage. With a quick band change, the energy was up again, ready to explode into the crowd. Teddyson started things off with his popular groovy and new track, warming up the crowd for the power that was about to come.

Signaling for Ilah Man, the two hands went up and it was madness inside Mindoo
Phillip Park. Performing hits such as ‘Mad So’, Illah Man surely delivered,
calling on Pringles aka Superman to fly. Patrons in the crowd moved from left to
right in the rain, as Superman HD commanded the crowd. Signaling Illah Man to
return to the stage, one popular song ‘I want my money back’ was a hit being
performed. Rags, towels, umbrellas and whatever persons could use were up in the
air, as persons chanted ‘I want my money back’.

With energy levels up, it was time for the Pressure man Ricky T, to hit the stage. Belting out his popular hits, Ricky T teased the crowd over and over cutting his latest song ‘Like a Jumbie’ short many times. Knowing when the crowd was ready, Ricky T belted out the big tune, ensuring that St. Lucians showed they were the best for Carnival.

It was real Jumbie in the crowd, as persons shoes came off, jumping, waving,
running and whining as Ricky T kept the crowd without rest. All good things must
come to an end, as the fireworks lit up the sky, signaling the end of a launch
packed with fifteen band presentations, steel band, carnival queen contestants,
thousands of patrons, vibes, energy and so much more. St.Lucia Carnival 2k9 is
here, enjoy cause "NOTHING SWEETER DAN
DAT!"

Shane

Wooow! I sure wished I stayed to see de madness,nonetheless I must catch it, cause season S T A R T !

Peace and Soca

Rochelle

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Booster Shot: Mavado releases his first soca collaboration

So this past weekend in St.Lucia, Courtney aka "Curty" Louis and co-producer Francis "Leebo" released their much anticipated "Boom Boom" riddim for Carnival 2kwine! 

Nurse Karen in St. Lucia with co-producer, Leebo

Perhaps much of the aniticpation was the result of this: one of dancehall's brightest young stars made his soca debut on it! Jamaica's self-described "Gangsta for Life", lends his voice to the caribbean's happiest genre, soca! I'll be the first to tell you, on the track "My Life", Mavado sounds just like his signature style...bringing a dancehall flavour to a riddim that is otherwise authentic groovy soca.

"After creating the riddim, I wrote lyrics for the song, "My Life,"...with Mavado in mind offcourse. I then sent the riddim and lyrics to Mavado and his team by email, who then sent me the vocals for his part of the song. Right after I contacted Baby Blue and he and I worked on his parts, and the rest is history..",

Three songs premeried on MC Scady's program on Radio Caribbean on Saturday afternoon.


- Whole Day (Wuk) - Qpid (St. Lucia)
- Boom Boom Boom - Tabia (St. Vincent)
- My Life - Baby Blue (St. Lucia) and Mavado (Jamaica)

My Life - Baby Blue & Mavado

Nurse Karen with artiste, Qpid

A few more titles entered St. Lucian circulation on Tuesday of this week:

- Hot Gal List - Boone Chatta (Germany), one half of the internationally acclaimed Soca Twins sound crew.
- Who are You - Zionomi (St. Lucia) ft. Bobby Bling (Jamaica)

In Toronto with Soca Twins (Boone is the cutie on the left)

I always try to give a little shine to the producers. So it's time to big up the puppetmaster behind this peculiar assembly of talent - the one Courtney Louis. He's a St. Lucian who is well known and respected in Trinidad's music community, especially since he helped to slap together the track that would earn Machel Montano a roadmarch win for Jumbie. In 2007, he shared the accolaides for Soca of the Year and Song of the Year. However, it was the Song Writer of the Year Award that really turned heads.

In fact, the Boom Boom riddim was so named after the title track, which was written by Louis and performed by Tabia. Songwriting is definitely his strong suit, having either written or co-written all of the tunes on the riddim.

In St. Vincent with artiste, Tabia

Curty says he's got a lot more surprises this carnival: " The season hasn’t even started yet. We have at least two other riddims working on that will include power and groovy vibes. I have plans to work with a number of Saint Lucian and regional artistes. A few to mention are, Mr Killa ( Grenada ), KMC ( Trinidad ), Beenie Man ( Jamaica ), and Marie Anne ( St. Lucia )."

That's all folks!

Love and soca,

(Nurse) Karen

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On de Scene: Tabia on de "Boom Boom" Riddim

Last Weekend, I caught up with Vincy artist Tabia inside the Club as she came into St.Lucia to record another of her 2009 Carnival tracks with two of St. Lucia's finest producers. Many may recall Tabia last year with her notable track "Feeling It" featuring Luta from the Lime Vincy Soca Dans (which she is also part of).

Tabia and I, back in February inside International Soca Monarch 2009

Tabia's single entilted "Boom Boom Boom" is produced by power team Courtney “Curty” Lewis and Francis “Leebo” De Lima on their "Boom Boom" riddim set to release in Mid April.

Tabia and Curty before hitting the Studio.

As she states, " My involvement in St Lucia, doesn't stop here as I am planning on making a return for the carnival; so keep posted to know when I'll be touching the stage in St. Lucia."

Photo Up of Courtney "Curty" Lewis and Francis "Leebo" De Lima

This riddim will feature a host of local and regional artists such as Q-pid with her track entitled "Whole Day Wuk" . Newcomer to the St.Lucia Soca arena Baby Blue will voice the riddim with an explosive duo featuring Jamacian artist Mavado. Yes, Mavado!

Now that's enough , keep ya ears open on who else rides de "Boom Boom" riddim and the others set to release!

Peace & Soca,
Rochelle

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The Rounds - July 1, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers,
I’m nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Today our great nation of Canada is celebrating one hundred forty years of togetherness...and being a Canadian of Caribbean heritage, that is something I can real celebrate. Here in Toronto, we have the best of the best…living side by side with all the cultures of the world. And we, de people of de Caribbean bring the beauty of our traditions and beautiful music to audiences that otherwise woulda neva know just how sweet it is!
And when you talk about sweetness the first thing that comes to your mind if you know anything about anything, is Soca Therapy’s own “Soca Sweetness” On Friday, music was flowing like golden honey up at de Ramada hotel in a sticky, but sweet celebration of ten years in de business. Congrats ba-by!
The togetherness vibes are building in St. Vincent as the whole country prepares for MY arrival. Well not so, but they celebrating 30 years of July Carnival over the next week…and I jumping on de next flight. Last night, Machel Montano closed out de fete at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex…where the talk of the night was Problem Child’s new tune “Party Animal”. The crowd was chanting “Oooo Oooo” all morning …and Machel joked that he might “quote-unquote” “borrow de idea” and take the tune to number 1. Well, they say imitation is the greatest form of flattery…but if yuh ask me, begging for a next lawsuit is the greatest form of dotishness. Over so, in Montreal, Carifiesta is back next weekend. If you need a little warm-up wine for caribana it go be nice.
St. Lucia is next up, as Ricky T’s “Pressure Boom” gets some added adrenalin thanks to a remix that features none other than Mister Vegas.
Another Lucian to watch is Q-pid…and is not just because she have a stomach like a six pack of Carib! The 27-year-old singer has four chart climbing singles this season including Tremors, which came about as an extempo freestyle on a riddim, Fire Waist, Outta Time Whine, and MAD…Again.
In the last 3 years the amount of soca songs that came out with “Mad” in the title is enough to make you wonder if insanity is ah part o we culture too. Over in gorgeous Barbados the decision makers at the CBC are giving me reason to confirm my speculations. If you were listening last week, you heard me mention a new tune called “Blaze it Up” by Jabae featuring Trinidad’s Mr. Vybe. Well, the brand new tune just got banned from the airwaves in Barbados due to questionable lyrical content. Well, if you’re asking the question…the problematic lyrics were “Sparkin’ Up de Flames”, but to many ears it sounds like sumting the good people at FLOW would prefer me not to repeat.
So we go leaved dat one alone as we look forward to finishing of this “weekend of togetherness” in style. Then we celebrate de soca way…is news from everything you heard today plus the latest from Soca 4 Summer, Caribana, Antigua, Grenada, Notting Hill and Brooklyn…so stay tuned.
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s rounds for Canada Day 2007. Please text your comments to 9-3-5-9-3-5. Now back to de Docta.

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The Rounds - June 17, 2007

June 17, 2007

Good Evening Soca Lovers, I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds for Father’s Day 2007.
It’s another hot weekend in the city. And when it’s hot, you have to find creative ways to keep that temperature in check. For some, that meant strolling down to Barbados on the water to see Rupee. While others preferred to chill out in they short pants on the Palazzo Patio for another soapy foam fete. No matter how allyuh stay cool…is good once you doing it with soca.
The coolest thing out of St. LUCIA right now is the Lehgo Me Riddim. This infectious production is the work of a guy named ACE who managed to get Bunji, Faye Ann, Qpid, Skinny Fabulous and Zoelah each to give it their own special touch. My personal favourite is a track called “Presha Boom” by St. Lucia’s own Ricky T. And is not just me who feel de chune wikkked, yah kna. EVEN though Lucian carnival is just barely underway, VP records is already in talks with Ace and Ricky T about putting that bad boy on the next soca gold compilation. If it dey dey…guess who go be first in line to buy it?
In case you ARE looking for new music to buy, you might want to consider the new Scrappy Album. In 2005/2006 Scrappy earned himself the Montserrat Soca Monarch Crown, but I’m sure some of my Montserratian crew would remember him as a two-time JUNIOR CALYPSO monarch. Well he’s all grown up now, and he’s celebrating his 25th birthday with the release of his third album “Soca Is Life”, out on Faluma Digital in Europe…and through iTunes everywhere else.
Speaking of Europe…Trinidadian Fireman Bunji Garlin is packing his bags for a seven city European tour alongside Germany’s biggest soca sound system…The Soca Twins. From June 28th -- July 10th Bunji will be racking up the air miles from Germany to France, Sweden to Italy. And iWayne ( you know - the reggae artist who said soca is devil music)…he go be home ..wid he Mummah.
On a more serious note, a budding soca artist died tragically on Thursday night in Trinidad. Eric Cyril Stephenson otherwise known as Sphinx was gunned down at home in Petit Bourg. You may remember Sphinx from songs like “Wine on You” from 2004 and his 2005 duet with Kes called “Doh Buss No Gun”. The talk is…that Sphinx was known to local police for drug trafficking, and witnesses of the shooting death say that he seemed to know his killer.
On thing I know – dat kinda schupitness has got to stop! Just turn up de sweet soca music and stay cool. Don’t let a little sunshine give you a hot head!
I’m nurse Karen and those were Dr. Jay’s Rounds. Text me your comments at 9-3-5-9-3-5, now back to de Docta!

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