Carnival 2014

[Bitter]

Launch of Regional Carnival	Jan 4, 2014
Carnival Village	Feb 7th – March 7th 2014
Chutney Soca Monarch Finals	Feb 15th 2014
National Panorama Semi Finals	Feb 15th 2014
Conventional Semi Finals	Feb 16th 2014
National Stick Fighting Finals	Feb 18th 2014
Calypso Fiesta	Feb 22nd 2014
KAISORAMA	Feb 27th 2014
Traditional Individuals (Seniors)	Feb 26th 2014
Senior Conventional Individuals	Feb 27th 2014
Re-enactment of Canboulay Riots	Feb 28th 2014
Soca Monarch Finals	Feb 28th 2014
Big Friday - Kings and Queens Finals (Juniors and Seniors)	Feb 28th 2014
Dragon Festival	Feb 28th 2014
Traditional Carnival Characters Festival	February 28th 2014
Junior Parade of Bands	March 1st 2014
National Panorama Finals -  Medium and Large Bands	March 1st 2014
Nostalgia Parade	March 2nd 2014
Dimanche Gras	March 2nd 2014
GLARE	March 2nd 2014
J'Ouvert	March 3rd 2014
Parade of Bands (Carnival Monday)	March 3rd 2014
Parade of Bands (South Trinidad)	March 3rd 2014
Carapichaima Carnival Parade of Bands	March 3rd 2014
Paramin Blue Devils Competition	March 3rd 2014
Parade of Bands (Carnival Tuesday)	March 4th 2014

http://www.ncctt.org/new/

[Socapro]

 

[Bitter]

Baron in Groovy Soca Monarch race
By Verdel Bishop
Story Created: Jan 28, 2014 at 9:53 PM ECT
Story Updated: Jan 29, 2014 at 6:31 PM ECT
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Baron-in-Groovy--Soca-Monarch-race-242501791.html

Calypsonian Baron (Timothy Watkins Jr) has gained a spot in the semifinal round of the 2014 Groovy Soca Monarch competition. The Sweet Soca Man is among  four other calypso veterans whose names were announced yesterday for the semifinal round of the Play Whe International Power and Digicel Groovy Soca Monarch competition at the Arima Velodrome on February 9.

Baron, who for almost 20 years has stayed away from competition, will perform “Irie Party” written by Jason “Fridge” Seecharan of local R&B group H2oPhlo.

Defending Power Soca Monarch SuperBlue (Austin Lyons) and Johnny King  have also been placed in the groovy category while Crazy (Edwin Ayoung), Kurt Allen and Ronnie McIntosh have earned a spot in the power soca category. The finals of the International Soca Monarch 2014 take place on February 28 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain. Former monarch Bunji Garlin will make a guest appearance on the night.

There are 40 semifinalists in the groovy segment and 36 in the power soca segment. The semifinalists will draw for their order of appearance for the semifinals today from 11 a.m. at Digicel IMAX, One, Woodbrook Place, Port of Spain.
 
Digicel International Groovy Soca Monarch semifinalists 

5 Star Akil (Akil Borneo) — “To Meh Heart“
Amrika (Amrika Martoo) — “My Business“
Benji  (Rodney Le Blanc) — “Lick It In“
Biggie Irie (Carlton Cordle) — “Need a Rhythm“
Blaxx  (Dexter Stewart) — “Fetting Away“
Cassi (Cassiano Sylvester) — “Man in Yuh House“
Chucky (Rodrick Gordon) — “Blazing“
Destra Garcia — “First Time“
Devon Matthews — “Greedy“
Erphan Alves  — “Contagious“
Farmer Nappy (Darryl Henry) — “Big People Party“
J Angel  (Jenelle De Leon)— “Nah Leaving“
Jahmoun (Jahmoun Mendoza) — “Party Non Stop“
Jo Jo (Joanna Hutton) — “Shake Dat“
Johnny King (Ainsley King)   — “Doh Over Expose”
Kerwin Du Bois  — “Too Real“
K-Rich  (Kenneth Richards) —“Go Down“
Kurt Allen — “Mountain“ Pretty sure this should be "Innocent"
Lil Bitts (Shivonne Churche )  — “Roll It“
Lyrikal (Devon Martin) —  “Conquer Meh“
M1 aka Menace  (Sherwin Jeremiah  ) — “Big People Thing“
Mr Famous  (Junior Noel) — “Play More Local“
Mr Renzo  (Lawrence Adams) — “Take Control“
Nadia Batson — “Bad Influence“
Olatunji Yearwood — “Wining Good“
Patrice Roberts —  “Doh Rough Meh“
Preedy  ( Akeem Chance) — “Winning Champion“
Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar) — “Bread“
Ricardo Drue — “Socaholic“
Rossi Gray (RKG)  — “Multipumpin“
Santeney (Santeney Rampersad) — “In De Mood“
Saucy (Denise Belfon) — “Chuku Chuku“
Shal Marshall — “Feel 2 Wuk“
Skinny Fabulous  (Gamal Doyle)—  “Behaving the Worst“
SuperBlue (Austin Lyons) — “Spanking“
Syo (Simon Delph) —   “In De Air“
Tallpree (Cecil Wilt Cambridge)  — “Jab Nation“
Tasha  (Natasha Benjamin) — “Keep Them Moving“
Timothy Watkins (The Baron) “Irie Party“
Yolande Nedd (Fya Empress)  — “Ah Ketch It“

 
Play Whe International Power Soca Monarch semifinalists

Ann J (Angela Giustini) — “We Love Carnival“
Anslem Douglas — “Broughtupcy“
Benjai (Rodney Le Blanc) — “Come Out To Play“
Blaxx (Dexter Stewart)  — “Brok It Up“
Boyzie (Jalon Olive) — “Mas Everywhere“
Candy Hoyte — “Paradise“
CC (Crystal Charles) — “Party Behind Meh“
Chucky (Rodrick Gordon) — “Gyal to De Front“
Crazy (Edwin Ayoung) — “Original Madman“
Destra Garcia — “Mash Up“
Devon Matthews — “Level It“
Devon Moses (Moses) — “We Want More“
Erphaan Alves — “Hearing Ah Talk“
Hashim Lewis (Hashim) — “Si’ttin“
Iwer George — “Mama Oye“
J Angel (Jenelle De Leon) — “Do Wah Yuh Want“
Jadee (Jerry Dane Sellier) — “Rollin“
KI (Kris Persad) — “We Mad“
Kurt Allen — “Mountain“
Lyrikal (Devon Martin)  — “Lockdown“
Miss Alysha (Alysha Alleyne)  — “On De Truck“
Mr Famous (Junior Noel)  — “Hay Lay Lay“
Mr Killa ( Hollice Mapp) — “Rolly Polly“
Nadia Batson — “Rated R“
Patrice Roberts — “Fetting De MOst“
Prophet Benjamin (Devon Samuel) — “That Seamstress“
Ronnie McIntosh — “We Bringing It“
S O King (Oneil King) — “Pace“
Sekon Sta (Nesta Boxhill) — “Bag Ah Vibes“
Sherrard Church — “Tzik“
Shradah McIntyre (Shradah) — “Bad Dis Carnival“
Shurwayne Winchester — “Raise it Up“
Skinny Fabulous (Gamal Doyle) — “The General
Snakey (Heaven Charles)  — “The Dhoti Song“
Swappi (Marvin Davis) — “Run To The Front“
Timel Boy Boy Rivas — “De Soca Spirit In Meh“

[Bitter]

https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/chutneysocamonarch

REAL UNITY AT CHUTNEY SOCA SEMI FINALS - The Semi Finals 43 contestants features 14 Non-Indos, 7 collaborations between Soca and Chutney artistes, contestants from USA, Canada, Guyana, Switzerland and T&T with the youngest being 20 years old and the eldest at 70 years of age. The event will be streamed via the internet to the world, and people will be able to vote this weekend from USA, Canada, Guyana and all networks in T&T. You can also vote online from anywhere in the world.

Adesh Samaroo
Amit Sooknanan
Anand Yankeran
Blaxx
Chucky Gordon
Crazy
Daddy Chinee
Dave Lall
Edward Ramdass
Heaven
Hunter
Hemlata Dindial
Jerry Singh
Junjeezy
Kavita Maharaj
Kenneth Supersad
KI Persad
Marisa Deodath
Marva Mackenzie
Moses Charles
Nadia Madoo
Natalia Wohler
Name of Singer
Nathaniel Jude
Neeshad Sultan
Nisha Ramkissoon
Nishard Mehru
Olatunji
Omadath Maharaj
Prophet Benjamin
Ravi B
Reshma Ramlal
Rick Ramoutar
Rikki Jai
Saleem Beharry
Sally Sagram
Sara Ramkalie
Shiva Lakhan
Shurwayne Winchester
Soca Elvis
SW Storm
Terry Gajraj
Vedesh Sookoo
Veekash Sahadeo

[Bitter]

Pulse
President Carmona returns to Klassic Ruso
Calypso tents open doors
Published: Friday, January 31, 2014
Peter Ray Blood (T&T Guardian)

You know you are in the heat of T&T Carnival when calypso tents premiere their programmes and four of them are opening this weekend.
 
Calypso tents were introduced to the fabric of Carnival back in the ’30s by calypsonian Walter Douglas (Railway Douglas), the 1934 Road March champion. Prior to this, preceding World War I, chantrels bore the melodies of the season, sung by men like Norman Le Blanc, Julien White Rose and Henry Forbes the Inventor. After the First World War, calypso’s flag bearers included Douglas, Houdini, Lord Executor (Philip Garcia), Atilla the Hun (Raymond Quevedo) and Roaring Lion (Raphael de Leon).
 
The art form, regarded as “the mouthpiece of the masses,” has traditionally rubbed those in authority the wrong way. As far back as 1938 officials have been trying to muzzle calypsonians.
 
Then Port-of-Spain mayor Garnette McCarthy said: “It is not right that any individual should be held up to calumny. If a man errs, I don’t think that person should be held up to ridicule by persons singing questionable songs about him. This practice must definitely stop.”
 
The mayor further recommended that the lyrics of calypsoes be submitted to the Carnival Improvement Committee (CIC) for vetting.
 
Seventy-five years ago CIC announced the first “official” calypso king competition. It was actually staged on Saturday, February 11, 1939, one week before Carnival Monday. Coming from Siparia, Growling Tiger won the title and the $20 first prize. He defeated Atilla the Hun and Pretender, singing The Labour Situation.
 
At Tiger’s crowning, then Port-of-Spain mayor Captain Arthur Cipriani said: “I am asked, ‘What is calypso? ‘A calypso is not the music of the masters of the past; it is not the music of the maestro of today. It is the long-lost art of the Muses.”
 
Calypso tents have come a long way, progressing from the days of earthen floors, thatched roofs and palm frond partitioning. Beyond Independence in 1962, we have seen the art form served by knowledgeable custodians like Syl Taylor, Carl “Jazzy” Pantin, Sonny Woodley, William Munro, Leon Noel and Claude Martineau.
 
This year, Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco) is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first calypso recording, “a historic milestone,” according to Tuco president Lutalo Masimba (Bro Resistance). The first tent to open its doors was Klassic Ruso, doing so last Saturday in Tobago. This tent features perennial crowd-pleaser All Rounder as well as Tuco North Zone officials Contender and Dr Will B, and former Road March champion Crazy.
 
Klassic Ruso Calypso Tent has scheduled its “official opening” at the auditorium of Port-of-Spain City Hall on Knox Street, tonight at 7 pm. The official opening of this tent will be a gala affair and it includes President Anthony Carmona who confirmed his attendance last weekend, adding that this was the first calypso tent he sang in, performing under the sobriquet of the Prophet of Sysiphus.
 
International Divas Calypso Cabaret, run by calypso historian Rudy Ottley, opened last Wednesday night at De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp), Woodbrook. The cast of this all-female tent includes former national calypso queen Karen Eccles Thomas, Stacey Sobers and Tenaj Smith.
 
Speaking to Pulse this week, former national calypso monarch Cro Cro (Weston Rawlins) was confident that he will have a calypso tent this year, though he previously said he was unable to produce a tent, because of being “victimised by Government,” by being denied funding from the State.
 
Cro Cro’s tent is being subsidised by calypso fan Denisha Mayers-Gardner, her family and supporters of Cro Cro. So confident is Cro Cro that he said he will hold “call-back auditions” tomorrow to decide on his final cast.
 
A mainstay at Cro Cro’s Icons tent since its establishment, Sparrow is again expected to be supporting the diminutive bard. If all goes well for Cro Cro, the People’s Icons Tent is expected to premiere its season around Valentine’s Day, February 14.
 
Traditionally Kalypso Revue has opened its season in Arima and this year is no different with the premiere billed for the Velodrome tonight. This tent boasts of having three national calypso monarchs on its cast including defending National Calypso Monarch Pink Panther, Chalkdust and Sugar Aloes.
 
Kaiso Karavan, home of Tuco East Zone chairman Johnny King and former national monarchs Scrunter and Kurt Allen, premieres tomorrow night at Eric Williams Auditorium, La Joya Complex, EMR, St Joseph.
 
On Sunday evening it is the turn of Kaiso House, which is travelling to south Trinidad for its premiere, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, San Fernando. Like Kalypso Revue, this year this tent’s cast includes three national monarchs (Singing Sandra, Karene Asche, Duane O’Connor) plus 50th Anniversary of Independence monarch Chucky (Roderick Gordon) and former national calypso queen Twiggy (Ann Marie Parks-Kojo). The tent will have its Port-of-Spain opening at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Tuesday.
 
South tent Kaiso Showkase, led Ras Kommanda, will begin its programme on February 7, at Palms Club, San Fernando.

 
TENT CASTS
 
Kalypso Revue: SWWTU Hall, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain
National Calypso Monarch Pink Panther
Chalkdust
Sugar Aloes
Skatie
Baron
Bally
Swallow
Brian London
Devon Seale
Ninja
Kizzie Ruiz
Alana Sinnette
Michelle Henry
Tameika Darius
Nicole Greaves
Sexy Suzie
M’ba
de Mighty Trini
Teniel Cooper
Maze
Falco
Dr Witty
Marlon Edwards
Starr George
Yellows
Exposer
Rex East
Sprangalang
CG
 
 
Kaiso House: Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain
Singing Sandra
Karene Asche
Duane O’Connor
Mr Chucky
Mr Famous
Bro Resistance
Bro Valentino
Explainer
Bro Mudada
Twiggy
Allan Welch
Brother Musa
Calypso Kerr
Dee Diamond
Bro Lasana
Rootsman
Lady Aeisha
Soft Touch
Snakey
Lani-K
Brown Boy
Marvellous Marva
Bunny B
Nirkesha Logan
Black Sage
Sister Ava
Mista Shak
Sharlan Bailey
Shradah Mc Intyre
Poser
Spicey
Kassman
 
 
Kaiso Karavan: Eric Williams Auditorium,  La Joya Complex, EMR, St Joseph
Scrunter
Kurt Allen
Johnny King
De Fosto
Karega Mandela
Stinger
Eunice Peters
Kenny J
Lady Paula
Young Creole
Francine
Myron B
Asha Kamachee
Cardinal
Surpriser
Sheldon Nugget
Erphaan Alves
Dirty Curty
Eric James
Singing Sonia
Black Czar
Marinda Joseph
Skhi
Wolde Dawid
Jah Burke
Bro Alpha
Kid Callaloo
Anthony Johnson
Godfrey Pierre
 
 
 
International Divas Calypso Cabaret: De Nu Pub  (The Mas Camp),  Woodbrook
Karen Eccles Thomas
Stacey Sobers
Lyncia Morris (Black Diamond)
Crystal Charles
Kerice Pascall
Calika Grayson (Calika)
Tenaj Smith
Lisa John (Diva)
Sharon Alexis
Vornique Benjamin
Sancha Scipio
Delina Diamond
Estherlita Lomans
Angela Ramoutar
Kalita Mayers (Kalita)
Heather Guerra (Simply Heather)
 
 
Kaiso Showkase: Palms Club, San Fernando
Abbie Blackman
Akiel La Borde
Andre Jeffers
as Kommanda
Black Byrd
Count Robin
Cyclops
El Drago
Joanne Foster
Joseph Adams
Kaiso Knobby
Lady Adanna
Lady Gypsy
Liz Paponette
Mr Mack
Nikko
Protector
Queen Victoria
Rondell Donawa
Tallish
Trevor B
Uprising
Wackerman
Wanderer
Young Rose
 
 
Klassic Ruso: Calypso Tent City Hall Auditorium, Knox Street, Port-of-Spain
All Rounder
Crazy
Contender
Versatile
Manchild
Bro Ebony
Lady Wonder
Hamidullah
Black Prince
Dr Will B
Shirlaine Hendrickson
Marva Mc Kenzie
Nefta Kojo
Typher
QP
Stanley Adams
Kaiso Mac
Gary Hercules
Mechanic
Revealer
Stockings
Dr Rhythm
Sideways
Helon Francis
Shylocks
Benny J
Diesel
Makeda Darius
Rasheed Latif
Smurf D Jockey
King Soul

[Socapro]

Tuco to produce Dimanche Gras 2014
Published: Saturday, January 25, 2014
DAVID CUFFY (T&T Guardian)

The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (Tuco) has been given the responsibility for producing the 2014 Dimanche Gras Show to be staged on Carnival Sunday night at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. The announcement was made when the organisation’s 2014 plans for Carnival were outlined by its marketing manager Kenneth Phillips, at a media launch at Jaffa Restaurant at the Queen’s Park Oval, Woodbrook, on Thursday evening.
 
This year Dimanche Gras will return to its original format, he said, with finals of the National Calypso Monarch and Carnival King and Queen of the Bands competitions contested on the programme, after being staged as separate events last year. Without the competition element, with a production staff of 58 people, and a budget of a reported $3 million, Dimanche Gras 2013 was, nevertheless, a miserable failure.
 
“I can promise that after viewing what we have planned for Dimanche Gras this year, people are going to say ‘Wow’,” contended Phillips. TUCO is celebrating 100 years of vocal calypso recording this year, a theme that will be at the forefront of all its Carnival events, said Phillips. Calypso Fiesta, the semifinal of the National Calypso Monarch Competition, staged annually at Skinner Park, San Fernando, will see an innovation, with the establishment of “corporate tents” at the venue.
 
“We have changed our marketing strategies, and can now offer different packages to our various clients. “But patrons can rest assured that this addition will not in any way be a hindrance that will affect their enjoyment of the occasion,” said Phillips.
 
President of Tuco Lutalo Masimba (Brother Resistance), in an emotional address, said in spite of the fact that 100 years had passed since the first vocal recording of a calypso, exponents of the art form were still experiencing very great difficulty in having their recorded work aired, fairly, across the majority of the nation’s many radio frequencies. “Without any help from the State, it is conservatively estimated that collectively, calypsonians invest about $15 million to make music for Carnival every year.
 
“It is our view that the Government has a responsibility to protect this huge investment in the economy by ensuring calypso music is given an equal place in the market place. Until this is done, TUCO will continue to call for legislation that will demand a fair percentage of local music is played on local radio stations,” he said.

[Socapro]

San Fernando Carnival faces money woes
Published: Thursday, January 30, 2014
Yvonne Webb (T&T Guardian)

San Fernando will have to look elsewhere for funding for its 2014 Carnival events as it main contributor, the National Carnival Commission, has taken a budget cut. Appeals from Carnival convenor Junia Regrello for additional funding made during the launch of San Fernando Carnival on Tuesday evening at Space La Nouba, La Romaine, seem not to have the intended impact.
 
Regrello, who is also the deputy mayor, speaking in the presence of Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Dr Lincoln Douglas, Public Administration Minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan and commissioner with the National Carnival Commissioner Kelvin Rampersad, complained about the financial difficulties being experienced by the city.
 
He said that approximately 50 per cent of the first draw down of its 2014 subvention, which has been cut from $2.1 million in 2013, to $1.3 in 2014, has been already used to settle outstanding debts from last year’s Carnival. Organisers of the Arima and Chaguanas regional carnival celebrations have made a similar complaint.
 
Regrello lobbied the ministers and Rampersad to have their sum increased as several initiatives, including the South Soca Monarch Competition and re-enactment of the Canboulay Riots, had been added to their programme. However, Rampersad in response said: “Unfortunately the NCC had taken a budget cut and as a result, we have to pass on that cut to San Fernando and all the other Carnivals.”
 
Douglas did not broach the subject but focused on how his ministry and the NCC could transition Carnival from being a signature event for TT into an industry. The minister admitted Carnival had a marketable value, not only in terms of monetary, but social value as well. “We are bottling and selling happiness,” he said, pointing out that while oil and gas, which sustains the economy, has finite value, “once we have Trinis we can make Carnival.”
 
Douglas said for Carnival, a large group of visitors from different parts of Africa would be here to observe what we do and how we do it. Touching on the theme of this year’s celebration, “The Riddum of Sando”, Seepersad-Bachan conceded that San Fernando had its own rhythm which distinguished it from every other part of Trinidad, Tobago, the Caribbean and the world.
 
“The rhythm of San Fernando, or Sando, is unique, it is special and it is infectious because we, in Sando march to the beat of a different drummer from everyone else.” She applauded those, past and present, who have contributed to this uniqueness long before Calypso Rose sang ‘Ah Goin’ down San Fernando’, such as Black Stalin, the late Ras Shorty I, Roaring Lion and Maestro, in calypso, Hatters and Cavaliers in pan and, in  mas, Mac Copeland and reigning band of the year champ Ivan Kalicharan.

[Bitter]

Ramnarine not defending Chutney Soca title
...Peeved over prize short pay, Bollywood melodies

By Carolyn Kissoon carolyn.kissoon@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Feb 3, 2014 at 11:29 PM ECT
Story Updated: Feb 4, 2014 at 8:20 AM ECT
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Ramnarine-not-defending-Chutney-Soca-title-243432121.html

“I WILL NOT DEFEND.”

Those were the final words of reigning Chutney Soca Monarch, Raymond Ramnarine, yesterday.
And his decision was not based solely because he did not receive his full payment of $1 million for winning the 2013 Lotto Plus Chutney Soca Monarch.

Ramnarine said he was disappointed that chutney artistes were being qualified to enter a local competition using Bollywood melodies.

Ramnarine said he had no incentives to defend his title this year, as he was unable to accomplish his dreams after winning the competition.

He was paid $800,000.

Ramnarine said he was informed by Southex Promotions chief executive officer, George Singh, that he would receive the outstanding money. But almost a year later, the balance was not paid.
The $1 million first prize was sponsored by the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism.

Singh said he had not received the total amount promised by the ministry and was unable to pay the artistes in full. He said all artistes in winners row were paid part of their prize money.

Singh said last month this year’s competition was in jeopardy as funding was not yet confirmed by the ministry. But days later, he announced, that the show will go on following discussions with the minister.
Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas told the Express last week that his ministry had met its obligations to the promoter and he was not responsible for outstanding payments.

Ramnarine, leader of the band Dil-e-Nadan said, “I am not giving up the good fight. My question is, who is to be blamed for this scandal?”

Ramnarine said he was holding on to promises that he would receive his outstanding money.
Ramnarine said he had planned to host charity shows and promote traditional chutney music during his reign. And he was excited about launching a children’s foundation “Ray of Sunshine”.

Ramnarine said he was able to visit schools to promote culture and attended some charity events. But he was unable to start his own foundation to assist needy children.

“This is what I was really looking forward to doing. This was my heart’s desire. I thought I would use part of the money and do this foundation. But I was unable to do it and this has me really upset. I went into the competition with this on my mind and when I couldn’t do it I felt really disappointed. That is why I don’t feel the vibes to defend my title,” he said.

He said his presentation in the 2013 event was estimated at $400,000. “And all my expenses were paid, even the last person who brought a bottle of water for me on the stage was paid in full,” he said.
Ramnarine said he was excited about entering this year’s competition with his runaway hit songs “Mosquito” and “Bole Bole”.

But the return of Bollywood melodies to the competition has left the entertainer disappointed.
“This is something that has plagued the industry and concerned artistes. Chutney lovers have expressed their dissatisfaction about it. Where is the creativity? How would you be able to judge an artiste with a total original song, compared to one with a Bollywood melody?

“Taking any melody and being creative is okay but it should not be allowed in a competition. It should be about originality,” he said.

Ramnarine, who returned to the competition after 13 years, dethroned Kris “KI” Persad, who had to settle for third place last year.

Rikki Jai, who has won the competition multiple times, placed second.

Ramnarine created a stir when he announced he was entering the competition last year. He topped the preliminary and semi-final rounds of the competition.

Ramnarine’s winning performance included Peter Minshall’s creations Tan Tan and Saga Boy.

The semi-final round of the competition was hosted last weekend at Rienzi Complex, Couva, where 43 artistes battled for a spot in the finals which takes place on February 15. The finalists will be announced today.

[Bitter]

The Producers of the 2014 Lotto Plus Chutney Soca Monarch have decided to take 20 artistes to the Grand Final scheduled for Saturday 15th February at Skinner Park, San Fernando.

The Finalists are as follows –

Adesh Samaroo
Anand Yankeran
Blaxx
Crazy – Edwin Ayoung
Hemlatha Dindial
Hunter
Kavita Maharaj
Kenneth Supersad
Ki Persad
Nadia Madoo
Nishard Mehru
Olatunji
Omadath Maharaj
Ravi B
Reshma Ramlal
Rick Ramoutar
Rikki Jai
Sally Sagram
Snakey – Heaven Charles
Veekash Sahadeo


We take this opportunity to congratulate all the finalists as we now move forward to the most important Indo-Caribbean event in the world.

[Bitter]

Tuco to produce Dimanche Gras 2014
Published: Saturday, January 25, 2014
DAVID CUFFY (T&T Guardian)

The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (Tuco) has been given the responsibility for producing the 2014 Dimanche Gras Show to be staged on Carnival Sunday night at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. The announcement was made when the organisation’s 2014 plans for Carnival were outlined by its marketing manager Kenneth Phillips, at a media launch at Jaffa Restaurant at the Queen’s Park Oval, Woodbrook, on Thursday evening.

I think this is a step backward.
Last year's show had problems, but those could be fixed. Putting the competitions back into Dimanche Gras just makes for another boring and over-long show again.

I think Tuco had it right last year with the way they split up their shows and had a couple after carnival. Now is all back into the same compressed schedule.

[Deeks]

Maybe because Carnival is late this year.

[Bitter]

Kaiso Showkase streaming live now on wack

http://wackradio901fm.com/

[Tiresais]

I'm definitely interested in the Calypso - please link/video any thing you can find! (I'll keep my eyes open too)

[Bitter]

DIGICEL INTERNATIONAL GROOVY SOCA MONARCH SEMI-FINALISTS 2014

Order of Appearance:

POSITION	SOBRIQUET	COMPOSITION
1	5 star Akil	TO MEH HEART
2	Chucky Gordon	BLAZING
3	The Baron	IRIE PARTY
4	Olatunji "Tunji" Montano	WINING GOOD
5	Super Blue	SPANKING
6	Fya Empress	AH KETCH IT
7	CASSI	MAN IN YUH HOUSE
8	Benjai	LICK IT IN
9	Kurt Allen	Sweet sizzling Summers
10	Erphaan Alves	CONTAGIOUS
11	Lyrikal	CONQUER MEH
12	Nadia Batson	BAD INFLUENCE
13	Mr. Famous	PLAY MORE LOCAL
14	Skinny Fabulous	BEHAVING THE WORST
15	Syo	IN DE AIR
16	J Angel	NAH LEAVING
17	R.K.G.	MULTI PUMPIN
18	Patrice Roberts	DOH ROUGH MEH
19	Jo Jo	SHAKE DAT
20	KRICH	GO DOWN
21	Shal Marshall	FEEL 2 WUK
22	Preedy	WINNING CHAMPION
23	Mr. Renzo	TAKE CONTROL
24	Amrika	MY BUSINESS
25	Tasha	KEEP THEM WAVING
26	Tallpree	JAB NATION
27	Jahmoun	PARTY NON STOP
28	Saucy	CHUKU CHUKU
29	Kerwin Du Bois	TOO REAL
30	M1 aka Menace	BIG PEOPLE TING
31	Biggie Irie	NEED A RYTHMN
32	Destra	FIRST TIME
33	Johnny King	DOH OVER EXPOSE
34	Ricardo Drue	SOCAHOLIC
35	BLAXX	FETTING AWAY
36	Santeney	IN DE MOOD
37	Devon Matthews	GREEDY
38	Farmer Nappy	BIG PEOPLE PARTY
39	Ainsley King	WAU JALGUY
40	Ravi B	BREAD
41	Lil Bitts	ROLL IT

http://www.socamonarch.net/home/index.php/latest-news/198-international-soca-monarch-semi-finals-performance-order-list

[Bitter]

PLAY WHEY INTERNATIONAL POWER SOCA MONARCH SEMI-FINALISTS

Order of Appearance:

POSITION	SOBRIQUET	COMPOSITION
1	Sekon Sta	BAG AH VIBES
2	Candy Hoyte	PARADISE
3	Miss Alysha	ON D TRUCK
4	Timel "Boy Boy"	DE SOCA SPIRIT IN MEH
5	Snakey	THE DHOTI SONG
6	J Angel	DO WAH YUH WANT
7	Ann-G	WE LOVE CARNIVAL
8	Benjai	COME OUT TO PLAY
9	Hashim	SI' TTIN
10	Jadee	ROLLIN
11	Swappi	RUN TO THE FRONT
12	Mr. Killa	ROLLIE POLLIE
13	Blaxx	BROK IT UP
14	Sherrard Churche	TIZIK
15	CC	PARTY BEHIND MEH
16	Skinny Fabulous	THE GENERAL
17	Shurwayne Winchester	RAISE IT UP
18	Lyrikal	LOCKDOWN
19	Shradah	BAD DIS CARNIVAL
20	Mr Famous	HAY LAY LAY
21	Iwer George	MAMA OYE
22	Destra	MASH UP
23	Kurt Allen	MOUNTAIN
24	Nadia Batson	RATED R
25	Patrice Roberts	FETEING DI MOST
26	Anslem Douglas	BROUGHTUPCY
27	Moses	WE WANT MORE
28	KI	WE MAD
29	Ronnie Mcintosh	WE BRINGING IT
30	S.O. King	PACE
31	Crazy	ORIGINAL MADMAN
32	Devon Matthews	LEVEL IT
33	Chucky Gordon	GYAL TO DE FRONT
34	Erphaan Alves	HEARING AH TALK
35	Prophet Benjamin	THE SEAMSTRESS
36	Boyzie	Mas Everywhere

[Bitter]

Delayed Soca Monarch Stream on CNC3:

http://www.cnc3.co.tt/livestream

[Bitter]

‘Rolly Polly’ rocks Power Soca
By STEPHON NICHOLAS
Tuesday, February 11 2014
http://newsday.co.tt/carnival_2014/0,190533.html


Grenadian soca star Mr Killa emerged as the main contender for the Power Soca Monarch title on Sunday after he brought the house down at the Arima Velodrome for the semi-finals with his smash hit “Rolly Polly.”

Despite the song being released towards the end of 2013 and getting significant airplay, the track keeps gaining momentum and shows no sign of tapering off.

And with performances like on Sunday, Mr Killa (Hollice Mapp) could well be the first non-Trinbagonian to win the prestigious title on Fantastic Friday.

Entering the stage with Michael Jackson’s “I’m Bad” playing in the background, Mr Killa seated himself on a make-shift throne while a slim girl began dancing in front of him. This did not last too long, though, as the dancer exited the stage which was soon filled with a number of plump women who showed size was no deterrent to their ability to “roll it.”

The crowd was certainly getting into his rendition as a thick looking woman, elevated on a square piece of board by friends, made her way through the massive crowd to the stage front while showing her “Rolly Polly” moves. The act seemed to spur Mr Killa into action who tried bravely but unsuccessfully to lift the biggest of his dancers on stage.

“I’ll save that for the finals,” he declared, after he failed for the third time to hoist her in his arms. Also impressing on the night was former Monarch Neil “Iwer” George with “Mama Oye” which has been gaining some steam. After missing out on the finals in 2013, Iwer looks set to return to the big stage as he had the thousands in attendance jumping and waving. Poking a bit of fun in a skit talking about someone running from the police after being accused of hiding cocaine in juice tins, Iwer showed he can command a crowd as few others can as he had them “going to Jamaica”. Speaking after his performance, he remained reserved of his chances of progressing, stating, “I depend on the mercy of the judges.” Asked about the Caribbean flavour of his song, he replied, “I’m a Caribbean man and the day the Caribbean unites everyone would see their way.” Causing a huge stir on the night was Rodney Le Blanc aka Benjai who stripped to just his boxers while performing “Come Out To Play”. Benjai, who bathed himself in Johnnie Walker whisky at last year’s semi-finals, wasted little time in stunning spectators in his hometown of Arima.

Less than two minutes after coming on stage with a large entourage of back-up dancers, Benjai removed all his clothing except his underwear to the disbelief of those attending. In typical cavalier style, Benjai whipped the crowd into a frenzy while outlining the typical restrictions in some parties and stating “Leave meh lemme do it nah, allow me lemme do it nah...I come out to play.”

The outspoken Benjai said he did not care if he made it into the finals, taking a dig at two-time defending Power Monarch champion Machel Montano who he accused of “getting two million from Kamla.”

Lyrikal (Devon Martin) and Kerwyn Du Bois’ rendition of “Lockdown” was well appreciated on the night as well as Destra Garcia’s “Mash Up” and Snakey’s (Haven Charles) “The Dhoti Song.” Apart from these there were quite a few mediocre efforts from some of the more established artistes as well as some poor ones.

Despite the Power Soca category waning, the power of soca is still going strong with artistes coming from as far as Japan to take part in the prestigious competition.

Japanese singer, Ann-G (Angela Giustini), in her first appearance at the Soca Monarch, performed “We Love Carnival” while accompanied by dancers in traditional Japanese wear as well as some in Carnival costumes. The delight on her face to just be on stage was there for all to see and she spoke with Newsday afterwards of her joy to be part of the event.

An unofficial ambassador for soca in her country, Ann-G explained that people in Japan think soca is reggae but she is trying to change that perception and build a fanbase there.

Meanwhile, Candy Hoyte who had a huge hit “DJ Needle” several years ago, returned to the fold with her 2014 effort “Paradise.” Hoyte showed she can still deliver with her unique voice but lamented that her song was not being played on the radio.

“That’s the problem we’re having. Thank God for Soca Monarch where people are getting to hear the song,” she concluded.

[AB.Trini]

If you have links for live broadcasts of:

1. Soca Monarch
2. Chutney Soca
3. Dimanche Gras
4.Panorama
5. Carnival Monday & Tuesday

Please Post.
Thanks

[Bitter]

If you have links for live broadcasts of:

1. Soca Monarch
2. Chutney Soca
3. Dimanche Gras
4.Panorama
5. Carnival Monday & Tuesday

Please Post.
Thanks

https://www.google.com/

Right now, it looking like the usual suspects. CNC3, C, Carnival TV say they not sure yet. and any number of bootleg streams out there. Google is probably your best bet.

[Bitter]

Panther’s pain - calypso king reflects on bittersweet reign
Published: Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Peter Ray Blood
http://www.guardian.co.tt/carnival/2014-02-10/panther%E2%80%99s-pain-calypso-king-reflects-bittersweet-reign
 
For many he was the surprise winner of the 2013 National Calypso Monarch title. A son of Sangre Grande, Pink Panther (Eric Taylor) copped the win singing Travel Woes and Crying in the Chapel.
 
The defending monarch has mixed feelings about his reign. “It was a nice experience in some ways, not so nice in others,” he said. “Things happened for me during the year but not in Trinidad. I got opportunities to perform abroad but local promoters were not as willing to hire me. This country has a backward mindset that we have to get rid of if we are to progress.
 
“I don’t know why the government has snubbed me during my reign. Perhaps they perceive me a PNM monarch and not the national calypso monarch of T&T. The government had several functions during 2013, in T&T and internationally, and I was not invited to perform in one.
 
“Would you believe that the national calypso monarch wasn’t even invited to perform at our own Dimanche Gras here, but was guest of honour St Thomas Carnival. Those people rolled out the red carpet for me. This saddened me, not being shown love or appreciation at home.
 
“I also had shows in Toronto and New York, and throughout the Caribbean. I was also a special guest of honour at a big show in Anguilla. People up the islands show more respect to calypsonians than what is shown in Trinidad.”
 
Pink Panther believes that Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco) could do much more to engender respect for calypsonians.
 
He said: “As the national calypso monarch, I hope that Tuco would advocate that the holder of this title is ensured of better treatment, including what treatment he must ensure at the airport. You are the national calypso monarch and you have to jostle with everybody in Piarco.”
 
For Carnival 2014, Pink Panther returns to Kalypso Revue as one of its premier singers.
 
Pink Panther has been married for the past 30 years and has four children. His hobbies include playing table tennis. He said: I am also passionate about politics. I spent 30 in the public service serving the public as a Ministry of Community Development supervisor, so it is natural for me to want to continue serving my community and the wider public.”
 
Stating that he likes watching Nigerian movies, Pink Panther added: “I love macaroni and cheese. You could give me that every day. Meat is not my favourite thing. I cannot eat the flesh of an innocent animal.”
 
A PNM candidate in the last general election, Pink Panther reiterated his commitment to the politics of the land. He said: “The PNM had some nice victories in 2013 and, as a member of the general council and the central executive, this was pleasing. We intend to launch a serious challenge to the government whenever the next general election is called.”
 
Pink Panther ended by saying: “Be warned. This year I am returning to defend my title.”

[Bitter]

Candice is ecstatic as National Calypso Queen
By JANELLE DE SOUZA Thursday, February 13 2014
http://newsday.co.tt/carnival_2014/0,190629.html

“The competition was really tough. Everyone was so good on the night that I really didn’t expect to win. I’m ecstatic!”

That was the reaction of Candice Robinson, 39, to being declared the winner of the National Calypso Queen Competition which was hosted by the National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) on Monday, February 10 last, at Queen’s Hall in St Ann’s.

Speaking to Newsday via telephone from her home in Tobago, Robinson thanked God, her mother, her two children, her fiancé, and all those who had supported her during what she described as a long, hard journey.

Robinson’s winning contribution, “Queen of the Road,” was a tribute to Calypso Rose (MacArtha Lewis), who she said paved the way for female calypsonians in the country. The song was written by Henson Wright, with music by Michael Skeete, and produced by Stone Tower Productions in Tobago.

Explaining the origins of the song, Robinson recalled that she once had the pleasure of performing in a birthday concert for Calypso Rose at the Buccoo Integrated Facilities in Tobago. All the performers received a DVD titled “The Lioness in the Jungle” which told the story of her life.

“I found it was a great topic for a calypso. It was because of her that other women embraced calypso and even bothered to attempt to step up that ladder. It’s a wonderful tribute, and I feel great to be singing a song for the lady that set the pace for us today,” she said.

Robinson is an entertainer who has been singing for 19 years. Not only does she perform at shows at hotels in Tobago, but is also a nail technician, and an employee at the Empowerment Foundation in Patience Hill, Tobago.

She previously won the Tobago leg of the NWAC competition in 2007 and 2011, as well as the Windward Calypso Monarch competition in Tobago in 2004, 2005, and 2006. She said all the songs she sings either reflects her life, or that of another person’s. She also sings Soca and Dancehall, but focuses on calypso more seriously. “I have a passion for Calypso. It’s me. Soca and Dancehall is fun, but it’s not me,” she said.

Robinson noted that her family was celebrating her win more than she was, and she did not plan to celebrate until after Carnival.

[elan]

What was her song/s?

[Bitter]

What was her song/s?

I spend the whole morning looking for information about this contest. This is one of the bigger failings in this carnival/culture thing.
Nobody have information readily available. This is not a Tuco contest, so they have nothing. NCC site have stories from 2011 as if is this year and NJAC? yeah, right.

The article let you know however:

Robinson’s winning contribution, “Queen of the Road,” was a tribute to Calypso Rose (MacArtha Lewis), who she said paved the way for female calypsonians in the country. The song was written by Henson Wright, with music by Michael Skeete, and produced by Stone Tower Productions in Tobago.

 

[davyjenny1]

From Trinidad Express:
By Multimedia Desk
Story Created: Feb 13, 2014 at 12:35 PM ECT 
(Story Updated: Feb 13, 2014 at 12:35 PM ECT)

The finalists for the Digicel International Groovy Soca Monarch and Play Whe International Soca Monarch competitions have been announced. The following is the list.

Digicel International Groovy Soca Monarch Competition 2014

Finalist ---

1. Farmer Nappy
2. Kerwin Du Bois
3. Destra
4. Saucy
5. Skinny Fabulous
6. Cassi
7. Biggie Irie
8. Tallpree
9. Mr. Famous
10. Erphaan Alves
11. Ravi B

- They will up against 2013 winner Machel Montano



Play Whe International Power Soca Monarch Competition 2014

Finalists---

1 Mr. Killa
2 Iwer George
3 Destra
4 Snakey
5 Devon Matthews
6 Patrice Roberts
7 Nadia Batson
8 Ann-G
9 Lyrikal

- They will be up against joint 2013 winners Machel Montano and Superblue

[soccerman]

Dat Groovy Soca line up is only heavy hitters, I'm more interested in that catagory this year

[soccerman]

Ah hear on de radio Benjai perform in he drawers in the Soca Monach semi finals....all dat and he ain advance

[Socapro]

Ah hear on de radio Benjai perform in he drawers in the Soca Monach semi finals....all dat and he ain advance

I think Benjai's mistake was performing his best 2014 Groovy Soca song "Come Out To Play" in the Power category of the competition which was the wrong category.

Benjai - Come Out To Play [Vintage Riddim] [2014 T&T Groovy Soca]
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/FTrUnrsVRZg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/FTrUnrsVRZg</a>
Produced By Shawn "Mr. Roots" Mitchell, Written By Rodney Le Blanc.

Had he performed the very same song in the Groovy category I believe he would have progressed to the final. What made it worse is that he performed a faster Power paced song "Lick It In" in the Groovy Semi-Finals which was also good enough to take him into the Power Soca Finals had he perform it in the right speed category.

Benjai - Lick It In [Just Zouk It Riddim] [2014 T&T Zouk Soca]
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/bnCu2Nw8Ii8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/bnCu2Nw8Ii8</a>
Produced by Lester "Mack" Iroha of 4th Dimension Productions (SVG).
Mixed & Mastered By Ewan 'Dijital' Martin.

Proof of Benjai making a big mistake with the speed category he chose to perform his songs in is the fact that Tallpree qualified for the Groovy Finals performing a song "Jab Jab Nation" on the very same Vintage Riddim that Benjai used for his song in the faster Power category.

Tallpree - Jab Jab Nation [Vintage Riddim] (2013/2014 Grenada Groovy Jab Soca)
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/LOzx6rR1YL0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/LOzx6rR1YL0</a>
Written By: Wilt "Tallpree" Cambridge. Produced By: Shawn "Mr. Roots" Mitchell

[Bitter]

Considering Benjai's comments about the competition, I wouldn't be surprised it is wasn't a mistake at all.

[Bitter]

Carnival copyright war brews
By Jada Loutoo Friday, February 14 2014
http://newsday.co.tt/news/0,190671.html

The TT Copyright Collection Organisation (TTCO) is accusing the National Carnival Commission (NCC) of owing it millions of dollars as copyright royalties for three years.

In a letter to NCC chairman Allison Demas, attorney Asha Watkins-Montserin on behalf of TTCO’s chief executive Richard Cornwall claimed his organisation was owed in excess of $1 million for each of the three years 2009 to 2012.

In the letter, dated January 28, Watkins-Montserin informed NCC that the TTCO’s core business included the licensing of copyright of authors, composers, live performers and works of mas; the collection of royalties and the payment under the Copyright Act.

Watkins-Montserin said the TTCO was authorised by the National Carnival Development Foundation (NCDF), which represents several Carnival bands, to act on behalf of its members in all copyright related matters, including the collection of all outstanding royalties. The attorney, in the pre-action protocol letter, said over the period 2003 to 2006, royalty payments were made to the NCDF by NCC for Carnival presentations by NCDF member bands.

“However, for the period 2007-2013 inclusive and continuing the copyright and royalty payments due to the NCDF have not been paid by the NCC nor any other body on its behalf,” Watkins- Montserin said.

“Over the said period the NCC has collected accreditation/royalty/performance fees on behalf of all participants at the Port-of-Spain Carnival, ninety (90%) of whom are NCDF members,” the attorney further noted.

Watkins-Montserin, who along with Keith Scotland are legal advisers to the TTCO, said despite the NCC having collected said sums purported to be royalties of the said works of mas no payments have been forthcoming to the TTCO.

“The NCC is not entitled to the said sums in its own capacity and the said sums collected have been collected for and on behalf of the TTCO who represents the members of the NCDF and others in this regard,” Watkins-Montserin contended.

The TTCO’s attorney reminded NCC that it has repeatedly corresponded with the mas body yet no response has been forthcoming.

The NCC was given seven days to pay all outstanding sums owing to the TTCO, failing which the copyright body has threatened to commence litigation to recover the royalty payments.

In response to the pre-action letter, the NCC’s attorney Dharmendra Punwasee said the Carnival body was unable to respond to the claims made by the TTCO.

The NCC has asked for a list of the bandleaders and “artisans involved in the design creation, manufacture and performer” that TTCO represents; a copy of the instrument by which TTCO was appointed to represent those who they claim had assigned their rights to the copyright body; full particulars of the alleged breaches and a breakdown of the sum of $1 million which is claimed as copyright royalties for the years 2009 to 2012.

“The NCC has and continues to work with those involved in the staging and promotion of Carnival in an ongoing effort to develop and promote the festival,” the attorney said. NCC has also asked that a meeting be held with the two parties to discuss the issue and claims made by the TTCO.

[Bitter]

Young Kings Calypso Competition 2014

The National Action Cultural Committee will host the 2014 Young Kings Calypso Monarch Competition from 7:30 pm, Monday 17th February, 2014 at the National Academy for Performing Arts (NAPA), Port-of-Spain.

The finalists, in alphabetical order, are:

AJ
Allan Welch
Bevon St. Clair
Carlton Louison
Dee Diamond
Derrick Seales
Dr. Will B
Eric James
Hamidullah
Kyle Cowie
Mba
Mister Nature
Nicholas Gosine
Ninja
Philman
Ravi B
Sergio Francisco
Sheldon Nugget
Snakey



It have some real old men in that "Young Kings" competition.