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

St.Lucia Jazz and Carnival Season Picks Up!

St.Lucia Carnival takes flight after the smooth sounds of jazz come May 2009. This year St.Lucia Jazz has been scheduled for May 2nd through May 10th featuring an A List of artist both local and international. (Log onto http://www.stluciajazz.org/ for the official Line Up so you can plan your lime) Also this year the website has introduced their online purchase which makes it convenient for all patrons however tickets will still be made available at the regular outlets.

Amidst all the Jazz events a few bands are set to launch. Just for Fun will be starting things up with its launch scheduled for April 25th 2009 at the Indies Night Club where they will portray “Scentsation” with a total according to them “eight of the finest Costumes in the world 4 2 k mine” This band is reputable for giving revelers the ultimate Carnival Experience and with no doubt 2009 they will not fall short.

Not far behind is Fantasy Carnival band formerly known as Atlantis (they were awarded Best New Band for Carnival 2kgreat by the Cultural Development Foundation). Their launch is set for April 30th, 2009 at the Pulse night club with its portrayal of the Majestic Caribbean. Fantasy will depict an array of Caribbean culture, through its 5 sections: Riches of the Land, Eruptive Forces, Spring of Life, Jewel of the Forest and Kiss of the Sun. They promise to be a force to be reckoned with in 2009!

The following day May 1st 2009 Royalties Xtreme will launch their most anticipated theme “Africa Our Soul” with the venue to be announced in the coming days. The sight of their upcoming costume has been creating a buzz as this newly reformed band is set to create an IMPACT with its 7 sections!
(View their teaser which I blogged on March 7th 2009 via http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2009/03/on-de-scene-stlucia-carnival-2009.html)

Red Unlimited originally known as Red International will unveil its portrayal of “Reflections of Rio “at the Coco Resorts ground with its 2nd annual event “Red Ignites “scheduled for May 9th 2009. This Band according to them has “undoubtedly established the unbeatable standard for an all inclusive fun filled carnival in Saint Lucia, and has decided for Carnival 2KFine to further raise the Carnival Fun Barometer by going to the Capital of Brazil, Rio de Jinero, the mecca of Carnival… “

(View most bands mentioned sites which I blogged on April 6th via http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2009/04/wha-goin-on-updates-on-upcoming-stlucia.html)


The coming months will be the most exhilarating months in St.Lucia as preparations are in progress for the St.Lucia Jazz Festival and also St. Lucia Carnival. http://www.slucarnival/ is determined to bring the latest news on bands, fetes, events and not forgetting music coming out of St.Lucia for 2kwine!

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

Recap of Trinidad Carnival 2009

Trinidad Carnival is deemed to be "the greatest show on earth" and many who travel there every year will concur. To many the cost of such experience is Priceless!

This season Faye Ann made history , grabbing four prestigious, Machel titles , namely ; Groovy Soca Queen, International Soca Monarch Queen, Road March Queen and also People's Choice. Congratulations goes out to her and her Alysum Family.

There are few who will agree that Faye Ann did deserved those titles, her performance of Heavy T Bumper where she bought out Calypso Legend Calypso Rose was impeachable! Many rumors were going around Port of Spain saying that she must bring out her father during her performance of Meet Superblue. If you did not know SuperBlue is Faye Ann's Father and a well acclaimed artist, being one of the most popular during his time. Well Faye Ann bought out the icon towards the second verse of her song, but no one expected her to place the microphone next to her 8 month pregnant belly and have a prerecording of a baby voice singing a verse of Meet Superblue. If she did not have the crowd then well that just sealed the crown for her ! The crowd went wild and it was certain the show belonged to this woman.

Sneak Peak at the Winning Performance






Iwer Goerge, who came in as one of the crowd's favorite that night, almost fell short as he struggled to gain that huge crowd appeal (which Faye Ann had) . He made a quick reference to one of the rumors circulating the Caribbean about Machel and Shuwayne and from then he caught their attention and at that point we could judge he would be comfortable at second place , if Faye Ann beau (Bunji Garlin) did not come out to mash up the stadium.

Former Soca Monarch King , Bunji Garlin , came on stage having known what the outcome would be that night. He was comfortable placing second ahead of Iwer George. So he stunned the crowd with his lyricist skills as he sang "Clear de Road". And as predicted, Bunji and Iwer tied for second place.

Non Trinidian artists like Skinny Fabulous made an impact with his "Head Bad" tune as the crowd chanted de chorus "On de Spot". Unfortunately due to lack of air play the crowd did not respond so favorable to other non Trinidian artists.

On the road, Skinny track was one of the few non trinidian songs that got immense air play along with Lil John "Floor on Fire" track featuring Machel.

Destra came out strong this year not only with Bacchanal but Obessive Winners featuring the two soca queens Densie Saucy Wow and Alison Hinds. Destra Bacchanal trailed second in the Road March for 2009.

Machel, the King of Soca came out with plenty tracks, but he along with many disco jockey's focused on "Wild Ants" but ”Tusty" by Blaxx came ahead placing third in the Soca Monarch and Road March.


What makes Trinidad Carnival stand out more is the fetes leading to it. Many may have opted for all inclusive parties and others smaller parties, but this is all part of the Trini experience.

J'overt is the true commencement of carnival , and whether playing with a band or not, it kicks off the two day street affair. Revelers put on their paints, mud , chocolate or old mas costumes and chip all the way into Port of Spain keeping one of the traditional aspect of Carnival alive.

The two day masquerade comprises of many bands ranging from small, medium and large. Each part of Trinidad showcase their own Carnival but most people (especially foreigners) take part in the one held in the capital , Port of Spain. Many persons are not interested in the bands that make it on the list of Band of the Year , the most popular party bands are IslandPeople, Tribe , Harts , Evolution just to name a few .

If you want more detail of Carnival 2009 , you can log onto www.torontolime.com and follow Carnival 360 or you can log onto www.mustadseedmedia.blogspot.com for a day to day revelation of Carnival 2009.


Written by Rochelle Noel
Published : www.yomagazine.net

Lil John Births Dirty Soca

Many may know Lil John by his hit singles “Get Low” , “ Lover or Friends” or even “What you Gon Do. When he emerged on the music scene he was crowned King of Crunk with his hit making lyrics and beats. This year Lil John has emerged on the soca scene creating the much needed buzz for the Caribbean. According to www.jahkno.com, Lil John “started out as a dancehall selecta or deejay, as a member of the Four Seasons Sound System during the '90s.”, which makes his move into soca not a surprising one at all!

His latest single “Floor on Fire “featuring Pitbull and the king of soca himself, Machel Montanto, was released weeks ahead of the greatest show on earth, Trinidad Carnival. This single, not only has been receiving immense air play but has created history, as being the first track of its kind to rupture on the Soca Scene. http://www.jahkno.com/ describes “the success of the production has evolved the track into a full-fledged riddim, with numerous Caribbean stars voicing on it, including Kevin Lyttle and Mr. Vegas. As a result, a new breed of soca is being introduced …”
Trinidad Carnival was expected to be the backdrop of the video shot of this single which is to be featured on his upcoming album “Crunk Rock” In many reports, Lil John is convinced that this single will go worldwide depicting the beauty of Caribbean Music

Lil John has given this genre his unique flavor and anticipation of who next to jump on the dirty soca genre scene has heightened, for the success of “Floor on Fire” so far is opening many more doors for our Caribbean artists in the mainstream culture.


Written by :Rochelle K.Noel

Published: www.yomagazine.net

Day to Day Trinidad Carnival 2009 !

Trinidad hosted yet again its biggest street parade of the year Carnival February 16th to 17th and I had the opportunity to share the experince with Nurse Karen out of Toronto and we teamed up to give our day to day experinence in the Land of "Oil and Music"

Carnival Wednesday : Bacchanal Wednesday
http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2009/02/one-de-scene-my-first-experience.html

Carnival Thursday : Express Yourself UWI Splash
http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2009/02/on-de-scene-express-yourself-university.html

Carnival Friday : International Soca Monarch
http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2009/02/on-de-scene-faye-ann-crowned-de-queen.html

Carnival Weekend : Jouvert To Carnival
http://mustardseedmedia.blogspot.com/2009/02/on-de-scene-from-jouvert-to-carnaval.html

So Till the Next Mas !

Rochelle K.Noel