Adrian Dutchin Wins Soca Monarch Crown
Adrian Dutchin is the new Carib Soca Monarch crown, claiming his title before a huge crowd at the National Park in Georgetown. Dutchin dethroned the defending champion, Marlon 'Malo' Webster, gaining the judges approval to hits like "No Place Like Home". Surprisingly Malo gave a strong performance and won crowd approval with “Celebrate” but it didn’t place him in the top 3. Wilbur 'Lil Man' Levans and Onikha Joseph, were voted first and second runner-up, respectively. A victorious Dutchin gave an encore performance for his fans as disappointed and frustrated Malo supporters exited out of the National Park compound, unable to comprehend the result rendered by the judges. All night long Dutchin kept the crowd in suspense when it was rumoured that he wasn’t going to appear as he was reportedly overseas. When the crowd least expected it, Dutchin leaped on stage with luggage in hand, driving the crowd into a frenzy dressed in a suit reflecting the Guyanese colours. Last year’s victor Malo delivered a relentlessly lively performance that walked the fine line between showman and musician with tracks "Somebody say, and 'I love you Malo'. Clifton Adolphus' "Coming Alone" was well received when compared to Trinidad-based Edmond 'E-Jo' Joseph ("We Naked"), Barbara 'Lady B' Nedd ("Try Soca"), and Lucretia 'Shady' Oudkerk ("Stop The Carnage"). Other performers like Roger Bowen ("In de Air"), Yannick 'Nick Knock' Wade ("Wet Inside de Fete") and Melissa 'Vanilla' Roberts ("Breaking Down the Walls") also failed to garner support from the crowd. Carib Soca Monarch winner Dutchin won a $750,000 cash prize. Wilbur 'Lil Man' Levans and Onikha Joseph will receive $400,000 and $200,000 for second and third place respectively.

They win the Road March title for St.Kitts-Nevis Carnival 2005-06
The Nu- Vybes Band International aka De Sugar Band has again taken the coveted Road March Title for St.Kitts-Nevis Carnival 2005-06. The winning tune was “Ting Lang” which was penned and sung by talented vocalists Gregory “Mr. Mention” Hobson bandleader and lead vocalists of the regionally renowned band. This was Nu-Vybes’ 5th title with Hand Signal in 97,Street Style in 98, Sugar in 2001, Step Up in 2002 and now Ting Lang in 2005. Many musical pundits have argued that the band has been snubbed or short changed on at least 3 occasions where the title was awarded to other bands under huge clouds of controversy. However the band is still regarded as one of the most popular bands in the entire Caribbean region. 2005 has been a year of many success’ for the band including very successful tours of the US and the Virgin Islands which saw the band being featured very prominently in carnival celebrations in New York, Atlanta, Miami, St. Thomas, St. John , St. Croix and Tortola. Having won the 2005/2006 Road March title, the “Sugar Band” will be representing the Federation in New York on the world famous Labor Day West Indian Carnival parade on the eastern parkway as part of a St. Kitts Tourism Authority promotional initiative. This will be the bands third appearance on the parkway the first two being in 1998 and 99. In addition to the road march title the band crowned an already successful carnival season with the Best Band Award at the VIP Connected/ Cable and Wireless Caribbean Band Clash. The event featured bands from throughout the region including the Better Band from Anguilla, the Nevis Road March Champions Ultra Sonics, the exciting El-A-Kru out of Antigua, Former Kittitian Road March Champions the Small Axe Band and 2004 St.Kitts Road March champions the Grand Masters. The Sugar Band outshined them all with an overwhelming performance that brought the large crowd to there feet. The band played a 45-minute set that included non-stop high-energy hits from the bands most recent albums. The road march hit Ting Lang as well as the huge 2004 hit Bangalang were definitely crowd favorites as the audience could be heard chanting the lyrics of the hit tunes. The band was officially awarded there VIP Connected Band Award trophy during the carnival last lap when C.E.O of VIP Connected Ms Julie Brookes presented the band with there award along with brand new razor cell phones for each member of the band compliments Cable and Wireless. The band celebrations at home will have to be cut short as they are scheduled to perform during the carnival celebrations in St.Croix US Virgin Islands where they are expected to play for the islands carnival day parades on January 6th and 7th. According to officials of the band 2006 is expected to be a very busy and progressive year for the band as plans are afoot to expand the bands popularity and appeal through increased marketing and significant efforts would be made to penetrate even more extensively the so called Big island markets of Trinidad and Barbados as well as the Windwards particularly Dominica and St. Vincent. The band has also indicated plans for a music video in light of the recent launch of MTV Tempo. courtesy: fetenet.com

Krosfyah Takes Aim At DJ Tony Nelson
Last years Crop Over festival was a success. But what will this years Festival be like? So far for this years programme might have one less group, Krosfyah; but they’re making a point by stopping a radio DJ, Tony 'Admiral' Nelson from playing their music on his programme..... Recently Krosfyah’s lead vocalist Edwin Yearwood and manager Michael Agard sent a letter to the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation which said explicitly that they did not want the DJ Tony 'Admiral' Nelson, a host on CBC's Liberty FM radio station to play their music. Their reasoning was due to negative statements that Nelson made in a newspaper interview referencing Barbadian artists and music piracy...... Music piracy has and still is a problem within Caribbean music. Krosfyah, as well as other Barbadian artists who call themselves the Concerned Group of Music and Video Producers and Retailers, refused to release any music for the annual Crop Over Festival, because they felt the Barbados government wasn’t doing enough to stop music piracy...... This decision drew skepticism from fans and prominent music industry professionals including Nelson, who accused the artistes of several things including ‘artistes are selfish, ungrateful and holding the nation to ransom’........ There has been some recent developments however. The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has intervened in the impasse. They plan on having constructive dialogue between the artistes and the Barbadian government. This move prompted the Concerned Group of Music and Video Producers and Retailers to announce that they will release new Crop Over music.

Soca Gold 2004 Delivers
VP Records keeps up their tradition of producing stellar soca albums that showcases stars from the eastern Caribbean, with their latest release of ‘Soca Gold 2004’. There are 18 soca tracks that put you in a partying carnival mood. ‘A Little Closer’ by H20 Phlo, ‘Turn Around’ by Iwer George, ‘De Garden’ by Lima Calbio, the Compas-influenced ‘Woo Midebar’ by Flo PG, ‘Soca Train’ by Maximus Dan, and ‘Get On Bad’ by Onika & Bunji Garlin are the standout tracks on this compilation. H20 Phlo’s ‘A Little Closer’ uses a synthesizer to hook you from the start, then the soca bass-driven riddim brings you deeper into the vibes. He describes how the woman in the club gets his attention as he shadows her longing to dance and groove with that special woman. When you’re in the Carnival mood, men love to “wind-up-on-de-bumpa” and Iwer George describes it to the fullest. Lima Calbio describes her beautiful garden that’s in need of some work to beautify it, so she’s looking for a gardener to do the work. A sure favourite from the sisters point-of view. Soca Gold 2004, 18 various tracks that is sure to bring and keep the soca vibes jumping in your heart or your party. For more visit: www.vprecords.com 

Calypsonians Voice-Out At The 2004 Carnival Calypso Revue
The 2004 Carnival Calypso Revue at Lionel Roberts Stadium in St. Thomas brought a festive mood of political satire and double-entendre inside and around Lionel Roberts Stadium. Timothy "Baron" Watkins Jr. aka the "Sweet Soca Man," wowed the crowd with songs of romance and passion. Grenadian Edson "Ajamu" Mitchell sang about world corruption on "Playing for Time," then displayed his talents with "Mr. Music," playing drums, guitar and bass. “Singing Francine" Francine Edwards took musical aim at child molesters, and was prominent making contact and reunite with colleagues in St. Thomas after a 12-year absence: "We always work together in all parts of the world….. "Sometimes we don't see each other for two or three years, so it's always a good feeling". Sandra "Singing Sandra" Des Vignes, a 2-time Calypso Monarch, sang about her opposition to prostitution with "Die With My Dignity"; and, there were more female calypso-soca artists to come. Claudette Peters of Antigua and Sanell Dempster of Trinidad and Tobago won support from women in the audience. Campbell "King Kan" Barnes, the "Lollipop Man," in his signature lingerie and boots, Allan "Brother Mudada" Fortune singing "The People's Business" got the crowd into a festive mood. Hollis "Chalkdust" Liverpool, sang about territorial scandals revealed in papers from the "Bovoni Dump"; mentioning several senators by name. The 2004 Carnival Calypso Revue show was sponsored by Heineken and Coors Light. Deryk "Hunter" St. Rose, Davidson "Observer" Victor of Dominica and Super Lou of Trinidad and Tobago.

Keann and Statemark Make Their Mark on
The new soca album called “Wanna Be” provides premium exposure for 2 aspiring male and female artists who made a successful impact from this years Trinidad Carnival; namely Keann and Statement. There are 13 tracks which showcase their commitment and versatility to upholding the soca-Carnival vibes from outa Trinidad. ** “Wanna Be” is the title track of one of Statement’s more recent hits, and is the lead-off track on the album that sets the Carnival-style pace. Many know this track as “Right Deh” where Statement clearly lets the girls know that whenever they need a man, he’s “Right Deh”. ** Executive producer Darron Grant shows his creativity and versatility on this album utilizing the “Try” riddim. The ladies of the Caribbean showcase their talents using Grant’s production skills with Keann’s track entitled “Try” as well as Reggae dancehall dj Cecile, who provides the Reggae-soca vibe for all bad girls and rude boys inna de party with “Just For Tonight”. Crucial soca vibes! ** To round things out in a raga-soca vibes, Screwface and Statement ask all the ladies “What’s Cooking?” (What you got in the pot). Strictly hot soca vibes for any occasion. ** Even though Statement and Keann weren’t utilized as a combination together on the album, “Once Again” by Keann and “Woman” by Statement sound strong individually; but if both talents were voiced together, the potential could put your party vibes on a higher level.

Bunji Garlin is the new International Soca Monarch
This time he’s not sharing. Bunj Garlin was crowned the 2004 International Soca Monarch inside Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. He narrowly beat Shurwayne Winchester by just 2 points for the crown. . Defending monarch, Iwer George, faded badly to 11th place and just might have to eat his words from last week, promising to give the keys for his Lexus to this years winner, Bunji. Iwer announced last week that if he lost the title, he would hand over the keys to his Lexus to the winner. . Bunji’s performance of “Warrior Cry” sent Carnival revelers in a frenzy, appearing in a red and gold Japanese kimono and a phantom mask. The use, control, and mastery of a fire-breathing dragon during his performance, and the use of a special glove allowed him to shoot fire into the air, sending an electric charge through the crowd. Shurwayne Winchester kept Carnival revelers in a festive mood singing the intro of his Road March contender, “The Band Coming.” Winchester used an entire pan-round-de-neck ensemble and a large king of the band costume during his performance on stage, to gain second place. . Destra appearing exhausted finished third with her own performance of “Bonnie & Clyde”. Fourth place went to the energetic and creative Denise Belfon dressed in a traditional sari for her performance of “Indian Man”. Iwer George, 6-time Soca Monarch, SuperBlue, with his daughter Faye Ann Lyons, gave disappointing performances and all place disappointingly down the field. . There were no reports of violence from the over 5,000 patrons who attended the International Soca Monarch competition got their bellies-full. Free drinks and food flowed throughout the night keeping the bartenders extremely busy.

Carnival Has Girl Power!
Girl power is alive and well with Michelle King and her colleague Cyd 'Linkin' Hooper for Carnival 2004. They’re both part of the Mischievous Guys band and recently launched an 11-track album called "Whatever”. King and Hooper have 2 soca tracks on the album: 'Big Red' and ‘Bacchanal Fever’. Both are candidates in the Road March competition. Hooper’s dad is the late Eddie Hooper, who sung: "Where are your friends now?", "Passing Memories" and "Sweetest Black Man". She comes from the East Coast Demerara, and was formerly with the Mingles Sound Machine, the Sheriff Deputies and Rhythm Force. she also had a hit last year with "Doctor Soca". The song "Linkin" is all about unity: "Is time people come together, we are living in a troubled country for a long time, we must come together", said Hooper. Michelle King was formerly with The EC Connection Band, Mingles Sound Machine, the Sheriff Deputies, Pete's Caribbean Fusion and currently the Mischievous Guys. Michelle’s song describes about breaking away on Mash Day and just having fun. It sounds like Carnival will be a hit this year, especially with the Mischievous Guys band.

David Rudder Takes A Stand Against Music Pirates
Calypsonian David Rudder is taking a firm stand against copyright pirates. Rudder has announced that he won’t be releasing an album for Carnival this year for the first time in 18 years. . Rudder has the support of Bajan calypsonian Gaby and Guyanese producer Eddy Grant. . The piracy of Caribbean music is having a devastating effect on the Caribbean music industry. . Recording artist and businessman Grant said: "It's reached the point now where the people who are the producers of this music are finding themselves in a position where they're spending lots of money to make the recordings in some cases and not being able to recoup". . Grant is quick to point out that music piracy is actually preventing the growth of the Caribbean music industry. . For instance, Alison Demas is the Chief Executive Officer of the Copyright Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago. She commented recently: "A week ago my organisation and the police conducted a massive raid where we seized approximately 10,000 pirated CDs which is the largest raid to date". . Demas and Grant have other similar beliefs; where they see the future the Caribbean music industry being dependent on its ability to use the world wide web to generate income.

Ken Charles Delivers With "Party Alliance 2003"
The Jamaican technique of “versioning a song” has been implemented on VP’s latest soca production called “Party Alliance 2003”. . Produced by Ken “KMC” Charles for King Dog Heart Production, “Party Alliance 2003” highlights strong soca tracks using some of the hottest soca artists. . Nadia Batson-“In Love With You” and Nicole Greaves-“Locho Man” ride-the-riddim with Copiol, Tony Prescott, and KMC. Nadia and Nicole provide two tracks each to the album. Nadia’s “West Indian Woman” is a catchy tune. . Machel Mantano tells us all about the “Mad Man”, while Tony Prescott describes the fire in his “Engine”. KMC produces 3 tracks on the album, one of which encourages us all to wave our “Carnival Rags” while Nicole Greaves wants us to wave our “One Hundred Pound Flag” . “Party Alliance 2003” consists of 16 hot soca tracks to brighten up your party or nightlife

VP's "Soca Gold 2002" Has All Of Today's Soca Hits
If you’re a Soca fan and want to find all of those hot and bouncy Soca hits of today all on one album, then VP’s Soca Gold 2002 has them all. The Carnival songs from several Caribbean islands are all here on one album. Naya George with “Trinidad”, Jany’s youthful voice with “Splash/Dip In De Salt” will have you wining for sure. Super P tells you all about those who have a “Peeping” problem, Burning Flames from Antigua is fully represented with their hit “Mash It Up”; Lovey spells it out how she loves the “Biting Insects”; but if you’re a Soca music lover, then probably the candidate for Soca artist of the year RUPEE, makes his point with “Blame It On The Music”. There are 18 solid Soca tracks representing the hottest Soca artists this year from throughout the entire Caribbean. Whether you celebrated Carnival in Antigua, Trinidad, Toronto, London, or Miami, you’re bound to hear several of the tracks that won several of the Carnival titles this year. Just in case you’re feeling lazy, VP has added a bonus CD mix with all 18 tracks mixed together in one continuous play performed by DJ Rich LaMotte. What more could you want in Soca? That’s Soca Gold 2002

Nu-Vybes Band Come Straight About Antigua Carnival Incident
Antigua Carnival created a little disturbance over the visiting Nu Vybes Band from St. Kitts, which they were more than happy to set the record straight. Nu Vybes band members recently confirmed that an incident occurred on J’ouvert morning, the day of Antigua Carnival. There was a young man sitting on top the Nu Vybes tractor-trailer and was squirting water on people. This was offensive to the Carnival revelers who threw objects at him to get him to stop squirting water. To counteract the build up of negative tension within the carnival revelers, Nu Vybes band suddenly stopped playing music in order to reduce the growing tension after they realised what was going on between the two feuding groups. No member of the band got injured neither did any of their equipment get damaged. Other than that small incident, Nu Vybes said their stay in Antigua “was wonderful and look forward to more Kittitians joining them next year for carnival there.”

TC's New Album Is The Answer to "Colour Me Soca"
The follow-up to Terencia Coward’s (“TC”) successful debut of “Colour Me Soca” has arrived; and the follow-up is sounding good. Colour Me Soca, Volume 2, Soca Drama Edition contains 10 strong millennium hot soca tracks including the duet-reply to “Kim” called “Kim The Sequel”, featuring Anslem Douglas, Indian Girl, Promises, Stay Home, and Pressure. Sisters of the Caribbean is a slow paced steel-panned inspirational song paying tribute to Caribbean women for the trials and tribulations Caribbean women go through every day in the new millennium: drugs, AIDS, crime, family issues. With 2001 being an impressive year for female Caribbean singers, TC is one of those women who have taken their music beyond their country’s boundaries, and warmed the hearts of many of us worldwide. One of the reasons for the success of “Colour Me Soca, Volume 2” can be attributed to the production and arrangement skills of Nicholas Brancker If you already have Colour Me Soca, Volume 1, then it’s mandatory that you get “Colour Me Soca, Volume 2; the Soca Drama Edition.

Soca Xplosion 2001 Showcases Soca To The Max!
Jamdown Records provides another signature album to their successful soca album series (The Xplosion Series) with the release of the third edition entitled Soca Xplosion 2001. Soca Xplosion 2001 provides some of the finest soca hits from the Caribbean for 2001. Produced by Atlanta/Bahamas company Jamdown Records, this album showcases the many islands that make up the Caribbean. Soca Xplosion 2001 starts off with one of the hottest acts for the year, new sensation Leon Caldero with Boxing. General Grant describes how much things and times have changed on The Block, Richie Buntin takes us all back to yester-year with the Soca/Steel Pan hit Too Good To Be True, the Inferno Band provides the soca equivalent to Shaggy’s platinum hit It Wasn’t Me, and Blue Ventures and Sannell Dempster combine with the winner Same Old Something. Soca Xplosion 2001 has everything to keep your soca fete jumping from sun-up to sun-down.

Byron Lee Hits The Spot with Soca Vibes!
Legendary performer Byron Lee and his Dragoneers provide a host of traditional soca and calypso hits on their latest release Soca Vibes! Fifteen popular hits to please all tastes: Kim, Accident, Jump, Give Me Some Wine, It Wasn’t Me, Julie Mango, and the winner “Calypso Classics”, a consortium of Calypso hits produced behind the distinctive and energetic steel pan sounds. This is the one that makes everyone move their hips and legs in rhythm. The fifteen tracks were recorded at Dynamic Studios in Jamaica, Krystal Studios in New York City, as well as Jet Star’s Cave Studios in London England. A “must have” for all traditional calypsonians and Byron Lee fans alike.

MonstaPiece Creates a stampede with Crossroads
St. Michael based MonstaPiece Entertainment pulls out all the stops with Crossroads. Produced by Peter Coppin, this album has a mint of hits. Right from the start there's Rupie with "Jump" and "Insomnia". On the Insomnia-riddim you have "Hands Up" with Sound-I Quarterpoundas & Iron Tongue as well as "J'Ouvert" with Geoffrey Gordle Alison Hinds Peter Ram and KB Sharpe. The future of female Soca artists is looking good with 8-year old Jolisa. Check out her New York/Eastern Parkway Jam with "One For The Children". A hit with all Soca-kids! There's also Nigel Marvin & Matrix with "Dance Carnival", Edwin Yearwood "The Good & Bad", Bunji Garlin with "Whoa" Mighty Grynner with "On De Route", and there's no missing the energetic Alison Hinds and Square One with "Sweetest Wine. Now I've brought you to the Crossroads, which track will you play next?

Who The Hell Is Kim?
People are saying, Who's this woman from Christ Church Barbados? She's simply known as TC, short for Terencia Coward; and her album is the talk of the Caribbean and the United States. You can't avoid hearing "Kim"; it's everywhere; the ladies Caribbean equivalent to Shaggy's hit It Wasn't Me. This song has every cheating man busted, Big Time! TC shows that she's not a one-hit-wonder with other hits like "Rub Me The Right Way", "Make It Hot", "Mr. DJ", "I Like" and "Carnival Energy". Nuff respect to Starchild Inc for a well produced album which is definitely the talk of Christchurch Barbados, as a matter of fact, the whole Caribbean. Colour Me Soca is sure to lively up your party, carnival, or radio programme.