Tabia Featuring Nathy "Boom Boom Boom " Remix

This video was released just a few days ago and the buzz on it has spread like wildfire. The song which is featured on the Boom Boom riddim produced by Curty and Leebo has shined a light on Vincy native Tabia. Tabia , who is in her second year on the Soca Scene has already made her impact in her homeland and the ripple effect can be felt in St.Lucia and now France!

Last year, Tabia debuted with her soca single “ Feeling it “ featuring seasoned Vincy artist Luta. Both fall under the umbrella of the Lime Soca Dans along with names such as Fireman Hooper, Jamesy P, DJ Taurus. And as the only female Lime Soca Dan currently St.Vincent took heed , so that in 2009 when she released 3 songs all were well received. She made it into Ragga Soca Monarcg performing the original version of “Boom Boom Boom” . Review by popular soca blog site (www.nurse-karen.com) mentioned in a review of the finals that “Tabia - vocally strong, she looked hotter than ever, showing an edgier more grown up version of herself to the crowd. She should be proud tonight. She really rocked it.”

Though she may not have won, she caught the attention of many. And she is continuing to do so with this edgy video which accentuates the beauty of St.Lucia. The collaboration of a French rapper, Nathy may have taken many by surprise but when asked why such an approach, Tabia responded firmly “we are trying to penetrate the European market, he’s trying to get more exposure in the Caribbean , And I am trying to get exposure in France so why not fuse the 2? That way one market would quicker accept the other, or give a listening ear”

The video shoot lasted just about 2 days with locations mostly in the northern area of St.Lucia especially the Windjammer Landing and Pulse nightclub. It was that period of time that Nathy and Tabia actually met, and the chemistry was instant allowing it to be evident on screen. Tabia explains how it was behind the scenes “it was surprisingly easy...we all really clicked, the camera crew especially Manuel is very down to earth, so never for a moment was I uncomfortable; and being my first time, I wasn’t nervous, I mean I have watched a million music videos so doing one for my own, I was more than happy and very calm. Knowing at the end of it, it is Our video! “

Her homeland has taken in all her recent success as Local Tv stations are calling in for a copy. The sky is the limit for this amazing artist. Do enjoy and do not forget to follow Tabia on Twitter (www.twitter.com/tabiamusic ) or www.myspace.com/tabiamusic or www.facebook.com/tabiamusic . Stay in the know on her future projects til then enjoy this video directed by Emanuelle Bruch out of France!

Written by Rochelle.K.Noel

Ricky T is Caribbean Soca Monarch for the second time

Mindoo Philip Park, Monday July 20th 2009 – Defending Caribbean Soca Monarch King Ricky T claimed the crown again with his track “Like a Jumbie” on the V12 Riddim.

The competition originally known as OECS Soca Monarch which from inception in 2001, has been part of St. Lucia Carnival activities. Leading soca artistes from all nine OECS member states along with Barbados met on one stage in a show of regional solidarity. However, in 2006 the show was renamed 'Caribbean Soca Monarch' to allow for entries from countries outside the OECS. This competition which is entirely different from the International Soca Monarch held in Trinidad, has arguably held less prestige in the wider Caribbean due to the comparatively lower prize money involved; nonetheless it is the signature of St.Lucia Carnival. St.Lucian artists who place in the local Soca Monarch are automatically entered into the Caribbean Soca Monarch against the regional competitors. Critics echo the competition has of recent years been biased towards Lucian artists as the island has the most entries.

On the night, there were a total of 9 competitors with the representative from Barbados, Mikey, being absent. This led the way for the now two time, Soca Monarch King of St.Lucia to reclaim the crown, back to back. However, Skinny Fabulous representing St. Vincent did not trail far behind as he made it to the top two. Interestingly enough both songs on the V12 riddim claimed the two top spots.

Results:
1. Ricky T (St. Lucia) – Like A Jumbie (397 points)
2. Skinny Fabulous (St.Vincent) – De Beast Lehgo ( 386.6 points)
3. Isla Man (St.Lucia) – I Want My Money Back (377.5 points)

Written By: Rochelle .k.Noel
Published : www.torontolime.com

Colour Me Red had no Behaviour!

If you missed Wednesday night’s biggest show, then you missed out on A LOT! Red Unlimited had their 5th annual "Colour Me Red" featuring a host of local artist and Vincy Soca Monarch Skinny Fabulous. This fete arguably was the best Red Unlimted has hosted. My gosh! The place was packed which was expected considering tickets were XCD$20.00 .

The show began late but MC Sir Lancelot did not waste time when it was ready to start things off. Derek Yarde started it off with a sweet ole school set. Yes give me some Onyan!! Music was good but a bit dragged. Then the band T.E.M. came on featuring Penn and that was where the madness began. Artists like Orion, Q-Pid, Jessica, Private 6 , Plantium George came on and did excellent performances and the pace was picking up.

The Groovy King used the night to get clips for his present music video on his winning song "Cyah Wait”. He went back to his Soca Monarch years and the crowd could not get enough. Almost every artist left the stage with an encore from the crowd, so believe me those artists were on a roll that evening. Superman got punked by the MC as Sir Lancelot came on stage in what he describes as the "Recession Man" with a cape (which was actually a table cloth); the crowd was bursting in laughs. Teddyson came on and he did not disappoint that sweet voice had me waving and representing as he sang on “Let me see the real revelers represent now put up your hand" But the real man, Superman came and the crowd went "UP UP AND AWAY" as Teddyson John joined him on the single.


Ilah Man made a "Rockshun" during his performance the place TUN OVA! Though everyone sang along to "I want my Money back" not one patron actually meant it. I mean twenty dollars for that type of show. You must be Mad! Gawd! You think the show was done, the Soca monarch Kings did not touch the stage as yet and the crowd was already breathless. Ricky T performance bought all the jumbies up front and need I say more? Ricky T commanded de crowd and it was done! Wait, but I started to see sum jumbies to turn into Beasts, as Skinny Fabulous touched the stage and everyone was "on de spot" This long anticipated performance was executed in fine style. Skinny Fabulous asked Ricky T to join him on stage and they began free styling and goosh, the crowd enjoyed every single word! I will not lie; I was screaming my heart out. It was beautiful to watch two amazing artists going through almost the same level of success bring out the beauty in their craft with such a flawless performance. The Combo was amazing! The place was FLATTEN as I am sure was de intention!

Hats off to Red Unlimted, I keep replaying those performances in my head and gosh it was the best I have seen! Though drinks were a hassle to get thankfully all the Soca quenched my thirst!


Check out Colour Me Red Gallery


Written By : Rochelle K. Noel
Published : www.dancehallsoca.com

Ricky T Blazes at Soca Monarch

Saturday Night the Mindoo Philip Park hosted the highly anticipated show of the season "Power Soca Monarch." As have been mentioned Frost was absent hence leaving the total of 19 competitors that evening. The show went by fast with MC Scady as well as Hall keeping the show flowing.
Orion opened the show with "Bring de Iron Back" which was well presented with dancers in carnival costumes and as a new comer he did make his mark on de Soca Scene. There were a few artists with all attempt gave their best but it was obvious the crowd had their favorites they were awaiting.

Superman came out with yet again his Superman suit and Teddyson John (in what I believe was Batman suit?) Whatever it was the performance was a pleasant and also it was interesting to see Teddyson John out of his element but instead the Power Soca Mode.

Ilah Man came in at number 11, his track "I want my Money Back" was one of the favorites of the evening. As soon as he came on stage the crowd went wild and at that point you could almost predict the results but there were a few more top gunners to grace the stage so that had to be held on. Ilah Man performance did not fall short!

Manitus performance was fair, however I was disappointed expected so much more and whatever the case it was missing that extra magic.



O boy the King himself came on and it was a Ricky T like I have not seen him! His performance was beautifully executed with pyrotechnics, traditional stilt-walking jumbies; he did not leave any stone unturned, Amy Winehouse made a guest performance towards the end of the performance (ok not really but her look-a-like). He allowed himself to catch on fire for at least 5 seconds which made his performance superior to all others that night. And if at that point you made a bet against him retaining the crown, you would be bawling because you lost all your money!!!!

Another favorite entering was Q-pid who depended heavily on her props which hindered the performance just a bit. Be warned it was not intentional, as the water men struggled with the water source which was supposed to sprinkle out to the crowd as she went “Relieve mi Pressure”. She attempted on many occasions to prolong her performance to allow the problem to be rectified but sadly it was not.

The hype surrounded the last competitor Alpha (3 time Soca Monarch winner and presently Groovy King) to reclaim the crown. His presentation was relatively similar to that at Groovy Monarch and persons were expecting a more electrifying performance to maybe just maybe touch the top three. However it is evident that did not happen!

Overall the show, personal did not live up to my expectations do not get me wrong the presentations were on point but behind the scenes organization did not live up ; however hope all suggestions and lessons are taken in order to make 2010 a stellar year!

The night results were exactly like that of 2008 and you can be rest assured all three will be representing St.Lucia at Caribbean Soca Monarch this weekend!

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the three winners that night

1. Ricky T – Like a Jumbie
2. Ilah Man – I Want my Money Back
3. Superman and Teddyson John (originally recorded with Mista Vybe) – Up Up and Away

And also Studio 758 which is responsible for the production of the top two winners as well as another Soca Monarch win on the V12 Riddim (the first being Skinny Fabulous “De Beast Lehgo”) and Saturday Night Ricky T “Like a Jumbie”
Not forgetting Courtney "Curty" Louis & Francis “Leebo “De Lima for the production of Up Up and Away which did not trail far behind at third place.

Much Respect to www.scruffytv.com for the amazing livestream coverage; this is making St.Lucia Soca and Carnival more Global!

Writter By : Rochelle K. Noel
Published : www.dancehallsoca.com