National Extempo Preliminary & Semi-Finals | Trinidad 2019

Improvisation, a little mischievousness, mockery, sarcasm and stinging lyrical content and you are in the middle of an Extempo War or Words! Oh hell yes, we love it like that! Extempo, a unique art in its own right, may be boring to some but not for those who appreciate history, art, talent and good Trini-Picong. Tonight, the National Extempo Preliminary and Semi-Final rounds of competition took place bringing the talent of the nation front and center via WACK Radio 90.1 FM.

Tonight, at Kaiso House Tent, the Extempo Preliminary and Semi-Final rounds of competition took place. The topic selections (picked on the spot out of  a box) caught some of  the contestants 'off-guard' (they did not do their home work) leading to some poor performances.   We had a singer buss on stage, one misled by the MC on stage and quite a few disappointing performances. But hold on, there were two uptempo segments with some Soca infused into an old classic style of Calypso. Good enough for the preliminary and semi-finals but this is just the prelude to the finals and for that competition, we expect fireworks!

The music provided tonight was good. We had some surprising guitar playing and a keyboard that added a modern feel to an old and classic musical style.

Sixteen contestants performed in the preliminary round of competition followed by a pairing of the contestants for the second round (Semi Finals). Four singers were eliminated and the final 12 competed in pairs (6 pairs going one on one) from which seven singers were selected for the finals to face Myron B in the finals.

First Round: Sobriquet/Singer and Topic

Name of Singer Dr. Sedley Hazel George Leslie-Ann Bristo Hesekiah Joseph Shradah McIntyre Wendell Goodridge Phillip Murray Winston Peters Elysia Ray Rohan Richards Jumaane Kunle Cox Joseph Vautor-Laplacileer Mark John David Mycou Gerrard Johnson Kevon Caliste Brian London

Sobriquet Dr Shensation Lady Africa Hesekiah Sharadah Wendell Black Sage Gypsy Lady Syntax Fireball Juby Lingo Contender PAE3OT Bongo Spear Kevon B. London

Topic Soca Love (Machel & Iwer) Turning Corners Our Passing Heroes Respect Your School Uniform What To Do With Watson Duke The horrors of having more than 1 woman No more calypso monarch in Dimanche Gras Arrive Alive CPEP Suspension UNC Gone Solo The New NCC Chairman Cro Cro Buss Ah Cuss Tobago Win In Court The Mary Fairy Extempo Saving The Artform  Back To Basics

Second Round: Sobriquet/Singer and Topic

Name of Singers Brian London vs Fireball Hezekiah Joseph vs Lingo Kevon Calliste vs Wendell Goodridge Winston Peters vs Leslie-Ann Bristo Mark John vs Phillip Murray Jumaane Kunle Cox vs Elysia Ray

Topic Venezuelan women love the size of the 'pp' Happy Hour Over Soca Picong Bad Breath Legalize It Trini Isis

The Finalists to compete against the reigning monarch Myron B are:

• Rohan Richards - Fireball
• Brian London
• Heskiah Joseph
• Evan Caliste
• Leslie-Ann Bristo - Lady Africa
• Phillip Murray - Black Sage
• Winston Peters - Gypsy

Use the comment feature of this post to share your thoughts about the song here with your peers. All comments will be posted. Please don't forget to visit us on our 'Facebook Fan Page'. Use the search term @sokah2soca and don't forget to "LIKE US". We are also on Twitter and are now using Instagram; SoundCloud and don't forget to #Sokah2Soca and Enjoy!

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We encourage you to promote the artistes and their music; please don't download and share the music and rob the artists of needed income! Music for sale should be purchased while music distributed for promotion purposes should be treated as such and not
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in TV Frame).

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Panorama Semi-Finals Results Trinidad 2019 | The Finalists

Pan Sweet Pan... "Iz Barrel We Love"! The results are in... we have the bands that will compete for the coveted title of champion steel band/orchestra for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2019. There is one thing to take note of from yesterday... Duvone Stewart topped both categories with BPTT Renegades (Hooking Meh) and Pan Elders (The Will). Sweet!

If you love the sound of 'barrel music' prepare for some awesome musical creativity for this years finals. The music was sweet, the air was ripe with excitement and the bands delivered some exquisite musical arrangements. If you are a fan of the instrument, like we are at Sokah2Soca, then prepare for changes that may surprise, win your approval or simply cause some disappointment.

Just remember that four things are constant with all Panorama Competitions... sweet music, fan consternation (ah vex, they cheated us) and the thrill of victory and the most important fact when it comes to the winner... the combined judges decision is final! The Medium and Large bands finals will take place at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port-Of-Spain, Trinidad on March 2nd. 2019. The official start time is 6:00 pm. The competition will feature the top ten band from the medium and large bands categories (listed below). This is going to be awesome!

Use the comment feature of this post to share your thoughts about the song here with your peers. All comments will be posted. Please don't forget to visit us on our 'Facebook Fan Page'. Use the search term @sokah2soca and don't forget to "LIKE US". We are also on Twitter and are now using Instagram; SoundCloud and don't forget to #Sokah2Soca and Enjoy!

Large Bands Results

Name of Band   1. BPTT Renegades   2. Desperadoes   3. Shell Invaders   3. HADCO Phase II Pan Groove   3. CAL Skiffle Bunch   6. Massey Trinidad All Stars   7. Nutrien Silver Stars   7. First Citizen Supernovas   9. Republic Bank Exodus 10. T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps 11. NLCB Buccoooneers 12. NLCB Fonclaire  13. Birdsong MHTL Starlift

Name of Song Hookin Meh Iron Love Hookin Meh Party Start Hookin Meh So Long Rag Storm Hookin Meh Rag Storm Rag Storm Madness Heart Ah Love Hookin Meh Alive and Well

Points 279 276 271 271 271 268 266 266 265 264 263 261 259 256

Medium Bands Results

Name of Band  1.  Pan Elders  2.  Courts Sound Specialists  3.  Petrotrin Katzenjammers  4. NGC Couva Joylanders  5. Curepe Scherzando  6. Pamberi  7. NGC Steel Xplosion  8. Melodians  9. NLCB Valley Harps 10. Sangre Grande Cordettes 11. St. Margaret's Super Stars 12. Arima Angel Harps 12. San City Steel Orchestra 14. Power Stars

Name of Song The Will The Phung-Uh Nung Sweet Stranger Fire In The Area Yu Lookin For Horn Gyal Owner Sing In She Party Hookin Meh Music (Dingolay) Professor Say Hookin Meh Iron Love Madness Iron Love

Points 275 273 272 271 270 267 262 260 258 253 252 251 251 249

Large Bands Category Semi-Finals Winning Performance by BPTT Renegades

Medium Bands Category Semi-Finals Winning Performance by Pan Elders.

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National Panorama Semi-Finals 2019 | Trinidad & Tobago

This video is provided coutesy WACK Radio 90.1/WACK TV. Please donate to the station to keep feeds like this one FREE!

It is on today starting at 1:00 pm at the Queen's Park Savannah. We are talking about the Medium and Large bands of the National Panorama Competition. This event takes place at what is called, Carnival City at the Savannah in Port-of-Spain. This is going to be an excellent and exciting day of sweet steel band music. 

The Savannah will be alive and well with Pan Music today. The Medium category of bands will start the show. If you are not privileged to be there then kick back at home (in front of your PC), turn up the volume and enjoy sweet steel band music. There will be audio and video feeds via the Internet today.

Medium Bands

Name of Band Curepe Scherzando Sangre Grande Cordettes NGC Couva Joylanders Melodians  Pan Elders St. Margatet's Super Stars San City Stell Symphony Pamberi Power Stars NLCB Valley Harps Katzenjammers NGC Steel Xplosion Arima Angel Harps Courts Sound Specialists

Name of Song Yuh Looking For Horn Professor Say Fire In The Area Hookin Meh The Will  Hooking Meh Madness Gyal Owner Iron Love Music (Dingolay) Stranger Sing In She Party Iron Love The Phung-uh Nung Sweet

Arranged By Yohan Popwell Kion Robinson Stefon West Marlon White Duvone Stewart Clive Telemarque Damien St. Clair Andre White Aaron Clarke Robert Tobitt Terrence "BJ" Marcelle  Akiba Joseph Aviel Scanterbury Seion Gomez

Large Bands

Name of Band Shell Invaders NLCB Fonclaire First Citizens Supernovas BPTT Renegades Republic Band Exodus HADCO Phase II Pan Groove MHTL Starlift  Caribbean Airlines Skiffle Nutrien Silver Stars  Desperadoes Birdsong Massy Trinidad All Stars T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps NLCB Buccooneers

Name of Song Hookin Meh Heart Ah Love Hookin Meh Hookin Meh Rag Storm Party Start Alive & Well So Long Rag Storm Iron Love Hookin Meh So Long Rag Storm Madness

Arranged By Arddin Herbert Darren Sheppard Amrit Samaroo Duvone Stewart Pelham Goddard Len "Boogsie" Sharpe Keith Salsedo Brooks, Williams & Franklyn Liam Teague Carlton "Zanda" Alexander Robbie Greenidge Leon "Smooth" Edwards Clarence Morris Seion Gomez

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Chutney Soca Monarch 2019 | Nishard Mayrhoo & Neval Chatelal Champions Again

Nishard Mayrhoo and Neval Chatelal Repeat as Chutney Soca Monarch for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2019! 

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Chutney Soca Monarch Finals | Trinidad & Tobago 2019

Tonight is the night when Trinidad and Tobago will crown the new or repeat Chutney Soca Monarch Champion. We have the names of the finalists who will compete to win the 2019 title of Chutney Soca Monarch. We have posted the names of the artistes who will compete tonight in the list below. 

The theme for the show, the bold statement for the show reads as follows: It's Time To Set The World On Fire! We look forward to an exciting night of competition. Let's hope the show runs smoothly with little pause between performances. 

The semi finals of the International Soca Monarch ran smoothly, let's hop that CSM 24 replicates this feat. May the best singer (s) rise to the top with a clear winner announced.

The following are the 21 names of the artistes that have made it to the Grand Finals of CSM24, they are listed in no particular order and will attempt to wrest the title of Chutney Soca Monarch from the defending champions Nishard Mayrhoo and Neval Chatelal.

Press play to start the video feed and ensure that the speaker icon in unmuted (bottom right hand corner of video screen).


Showtime is 10:00 pm but you can get in free of charge from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. I am sure there will be long lines waiting to get in early! As soon as a live-feed becomes available tonight we will add the link here!

List of Singers (not in order of appearance):

• Imran Beharry (GI)
• Amit Sagram
• Veekash Sahadeo
• Keiron Tyron Williams (Wakaman)
• Adesh Samaroo
• Surendra Ramoutar
• Nisha Ramsook
• Veejai Ramkissoon x Rome
• Russel Mohammed
• Neeshan Prabhu (Hitman)
• Andy Singh
• Hemlatha Dindian
• Kenneth Supersad
• Kavaita Maharaj
• Kavita Ramkissoon
• Nigel Gobin
• Rikki Jai
• Amit Sooknanan x Amit D
• Avinash Sookraj (Climaxx)
• Omardath Maharaj
• Daddy Chinee
• Nishard Mayrhoo and Neval Chatelal (Defending Champions)

Use the comment feature of this post to share your thoughts about the song here with your peers. All comments will be posted. Please don't forget to visit us on our 'Facebook Fan Page'. Use the search term @sokah2soca and don't forget to "LIKE US". We are also on Twitter and are now using Instagram; SoundCloud and don't forget to #Sokah2Soca and Enjoy!

Production Notes/Music Credits/YouTube Notes:

This is the Ultimate CSM24 Party Mix, just put it on and light up your party with the best of Chutney Soca for 2019.

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We encourage you to promote the artistes and their music; please don't download and share the music and rob the artists of needed income! Music for sale should be purchased while music distributed for promotion purposes should be treated as such and not
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in TV Frame).

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Nation Before Race | Garth St. Clair | Trinidad & Tobago 2019

Photo © Garth St. Clair (Facebook Page)

The Calypsonian is the voice of the people, the messenger of truth and sometimes he or she will address a controversial topic or create controversy with the topic of choice. Today we have a song entitled "Nation Before Race" sung by Garth St Clair. Garth is the messenger but the core of the discourse lies in the heart and mind of the writer, Mr. Gregor Ballantyne. So let's get to it.

Do you remember the Matrix movie and the scene where Morpheus asked Neo to take the Red pill or Blue pill? Well today we have the Trinidad and Tobago version of that scene however, there is just one pill to take... a very bitter pill devoid of love but penned from a very dark place (some may say enlightened place).

I listened to the song and remarked, "damn, Mr. Ballantyne is pissed off". Someone from the East Indian community really did something that caused this song to be penned. Maybe it was something he had in the works for some time or he 'had an epiphany (a moment)' that brought about an 'ah ha, I got it' feeling that brought this song to life. There is enough going on with race relations across the globe. I gave this song some thought and responded with an essay... I took a break and went for a drive. On my return home I decided to scrap the essay. We don't want to add fuel to the upcoming fire-storm. C'est la vie!

Regardless of my views or your views on the subject matter nothing is going to be resolved without national dialogue on the subject. I say, let all jackasses bray (on both sides of the argument)! This is a scathing social commentary and one that pours salt in a open wound. Tell us what you thinkl

Trinidad and Tobago already has to deal with a horrible crime situation and now the influx of Venezuelan nationals seeking refuge along with a growing Chinese and Nigerian population. Trust me everyone will get their fair share of hate and disgust. In the end the nation may become more polarized with shared distrust but adding to the diversity of the nation. Partisanship does not belong to one race only.

In the interim we leave the outcome/the success or failure of this song in your hands. Some will agree while others will be upset. All I have to say is take a deep breath and step back. Let the air clear because in the end we will learn that we have more in common with each other. Our culture is a mixture of our beautiful populace... yes, there are those who cause problems but I doubt we will ever see a Kosovo in Trinidad and Tobago. Songs like this one may be addressed to a few who create disgust but in the end the entire race will be labeled with the stain of a few... that is the travesty here... a sad one indeed.

So let's be clear, the song was well written (you can dislike how the subject was handled but have to admit he did a good job). We love the music... excellent job done by Caliston Pantor.Finally, the messenger, Garth St. Clair, delivered with the vocals. Regarless of your 'feelings' you have to admit that this was a good delivery. So let the conversations begin. The voice of the people, the Calypsonian has addressed the topic of 'Nation Before Race'. What is your opinion?

We encourage you to support the artiste and the production team. We want you to spread the word about the song; please use the comment feature of this post to share your thoughts about the song with your peers. Keep in mind that fair use of social media is an excellent method to promote the artiste and song.  Take a few minutes and comment on the song/music production... the artiste and production team will appreciate your feedback.

As a consideration, it should be apparent that the success of this song depends on your support, please share this post. Make a bold pronouncement regarding the virtues of the song and singer; hype up the vibe; go ahead and tell your friends about this music release! Now it is up to you to ensure that this song rides the airwaves. Please call your favorite radio jocks and request your song of choice. Right now, we invite you to share your thoughts about the song and music production. 

Use the comment feature of this post to share your thoughts about the song here with your peers. All comments will be posted. Please don't forget to visit us on our 'Facebook Fan Page'. Use the search term @sokah2soca and don't forget to "LIKE US". We are also on Twitter and are now using Instagram; SoundCloud and don't forget to #Sokah2Soca and Enjoy!

Production Notes/Music Credits:

Song Title: Nation Before Race
Written by Gregory Ballantyne
Performed by: Garth St. Clair
Arranged by: Caliston Pantor
Background Vocals by: Natalie Yorke

Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). No copyright infringement is intended! We encourage you to promote the artistes and their music; please don't download and share the music and rob the artists of needed income! Music for sale should be purchased while music distributed for promotion purposes should be treated as such and not
♫Please press the music player button below to listen now (small triangle in TV Frame).

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Crown Him Power Soca Monarch ISM 2019 | Mr. Killa

There is no doubt that Mr. Killa  has stolen the momentum from everyone vying for the Power Soca Monarch Competition in Trinidad and Tobago. Stop playing games people... Crown him Soca Monarch for the International Soca Monarch Competition 2019!

Initially, we predicted that Lil Natty and Thunda will win with their song entitled, "Get In Your Section" but that has changed with one performance from Mr. Killa. "Run Wid" It destroyed the Veledrome and then some!

He stole the hearts and minds of everyone after his performance at the ISM Semi-Finals at the Arima Veledrome. He was superb, he was all adrenaline, he was a 'macho man'... he stole the show!

How did this happen? Mr. Killa brought back the feeling that Super Blue brought our in people when he reigned supreme. He has the hook, when he calls on the  fans to "pick up something and run wid it", pandemonium breaks out! People are picking up everything in sight and running from side to side. There is immense and intense energy during this moment... just watch at the video below and understand this phenomenon. See what takes place... riotous fun!

There is no doubt that he has stolen the show, stolen the moment and if you think that the Road March favorites are safe... don't count your eggs in that basket just yet. The show, the story is far from finished. Even if there is a bias they have no choice but to give him the title once he is able to perform and performs as we expect that he will... flawless and energetic. Say it it with us, say in a loud voice, Mr. Killa, the Power Soca Monarch Champion of Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the Caribbean Region.

We encourage you to support the artiste and the production team. We want you to spread the word about the song; please use the comment feature of this post to share your thoughts about the song with your peers. Keep in mind that fair use of social media is an excellent method to promote the artiste and song.  Take a few minutes and comment on the song/music production... the artiste and production team will appreciate your feedback.

As a consideration, it should be apparent that the success of this song depends on your support, please share this post. Make a bold pronouncement regarding the virtues of the song and singer; hype up the vibe; go ahead and tell your friends about this music release! Now it is up to you to ensure that this song rides the airwaves. Please call your favorite radio jocks and request your song of choice. Right now, we invite you to share your thoughts about the song and music production. 

Use the comment feature of this post to share your thoughts about the song here with your peers. All comments will be posted. Please don't forget to visit us on our 'Facebook Fan Page'. Use the search term @sokah2soca and don't forget to "LIKE US". We are also on Twitter and are now using Instagram; SoundCloud and don't forget to #Sokah2Soca and Enjoy!

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