Featured Soca Artist in the IZATRINI.com Soca Podcast: Minmi
The January 28th IZATRINI.com Soca Music Podcast is now
live featuring new music form Machel, Destra, Maximus, Bunji, Faye-Ann, Mr Slaughter and non other than the Japanese sensation "Minmi".
Minmi a 29-year-old Osaka-born Japanese hip-hop, reggae and
soca singer, is among the 107 entrants for the Groovy Soca Monarch competition, and also one of the 110 artistes registered
for the International Soca Monarch competition.
Minmi started her musical career around 1996 by performing at ruba dub showcases and hip hop events at the clubs in Osaka,
and also started to make her original tracks around this period. Soon after, MINMI's name was well known in the club market,
thru her live performances in the club events, and she participated in the works of the label of the Japanese Big Sound like
Red Spider and Mighty Jam Rock. Those CDs became a hit, not only in a Reggae market but also the Hip Hop market.
In the summer
of 2005, MINMI has released her 6th single “Summertime!”. The song is based on Soca rhythm, the music of Trinidad Tobago.
And she was very active in live performances in 2005, from organizing a monthly regular reggae club event in Tokyo, a nationwide
club tour, to appearing in the major summer rock festival “Summer Sonic” in August. In September, MINMI has released the album
“FRIENDS”, the best selection compilation album of her featured works.
In 2006, MINMI’s single “Summertime!”, the song
based on Soca rhythm, had a big reaction in Trinidad Tobago, the home of Soca. In February, She was invited to the famous
Trinidad Tobago Festival, and did the live performance in front of 30,000 audience, and fascinated the audience who saw her
performance, including Wyclef Jean of the Fugees. In March, MINMI released a long-awaited 3rd album “Natural”. The album proved
that MINMI is not just another a Reggae Diva, but diversed into many music genre.
World Premier: 2007 Soca Music Videos by Mista Vybe and El A Kru
Just launched, 2 new 2007 Soca Music Videos only on IZATRINI.com
check them out in the Soca Music Video Zone. Mista Vybe with his 2007 release "Mash it Up Again" and El A Kru's release "Expose". IZATRINI.com supporting the soca artists everytime.
IZATRINI.com Store Update: New Spakle Text & Free Shipping
Folks we have an exciting announcement, just in time for Carnival 2K7. Introducing Spakle text for any t-shirt of top in the
store. We have always had glitter text and glow in the dark but spakle text is a little different and not at all messy. Picture
a disco ball in all its glory and then you can see how it will work well on black in a party or any night out.
Make your own t-shirt's for men, women, boys and girls. Add Spakle text in silver, gold, green, red and
blue on t-shirts, caps and more. Need another style t-shirt or help with a custom design, simply email us at info@izatrini.com
Don't forget FREE Shipping till January 31st, 2007 on any t-shirt order.
Just use Voucher Code: FREESHIPPING07 during checkout.
What do you think of the new sparkle text? Let us know...
2007 Chutney Soca Monarch Final Streaming Live on the Net
The Chutney Soca Monarch has been
a veteran event in Carnival for the past 12 years. The Finals will take place at Skinner Park in San Fernando, Trinidad on
Saturday 3rd February from 8pm.
Is the live stream free you ask? Well of course not, few things in life are free my Trini people.
If you are interested in seeing the event live an direct online log on to JumpTV.com. How much is it you ask, US $15.95 is de damage!
This cross over style of music
incorporates Soca elements and Hindi-English lyrics with traditional Indian musical instruments. Artistes vying to dethrone
reigning king Rooplal Gidharie include Heeralal Rampartap, Marva Mckenzie, Rikki Jai, Adesh Samaroo.They will be accompanied
by Bands JMC Trevani, TTEC Gayatones, Dil E Nadan and supported by the best Chutney Soca dance groups like the St. John’s
Tassa, the Courts Nirvana, CLICO Shiv Shakti and Durga Shakti dancers. Machel Montano is tipped to make a special guest appearance
at the Finals.
International & Groovy Soca Monarch Semi Finals set
Thirty-six Soca Artists set to compete for the coveted 10 spots in the bMobile International Soca Monarch Final competition on Friday February 16th, 2007.
A total of 107 applicants vied for a spot in the semis and only a lucky few were chosen. The semi final round will be held at the Hasley Crawford Stadium on Sunday February
4th, 2007.
Thirty-two Soca artists will also compete for the 10 sports in the International “Groovy” Soca Monarch Finals
on February 16th. The Semi final round for
“Groovy”will also be help on Sunday February 4th, 2007 at 5:30pm.
SEMI FINALISTS in the B Mobile International Soca Monarch Competition
2007:
Barry Chandler (Barbados) Blaxx Blaze & JW Blazer Dan Cedonia Crazy Dawg E Slaughter Denise
Belfon Derrick Wattley Erphann Alves Farmer Nappy Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez Iwer George Kerwin Dubois Lil
Bits Marcel Bennet Michelle Sylvester Minmi (Japan) Mr. Killa (Grenada) Mr. Vybe Ms. Alysha Nadia Batson Naya
George Nnika Francis (Grenada) Olatunji Yearwood Patrice Roberts Precious Rikki Jai Rita Jones RKG Sean
Caruth Shayne Bailey Sheldon Douglas (Grenada) Sherwin Rogers Stacey Sobers SW Storm (United Kingdom)
SEMI FINALISTS
in the B Mobile International Groovy Soca Monarch
Competition 2007
Ancil Harris &
Quacy Cooper Biggy Irie (Barbados) Blackie Blaxer Dan Chucky Corey Burke Crazy Crossovah David &
Lornette Reid Fireball Gary Cordner Johnny King Karega Mandela Kerwin Dubois Mark Brown Michael Rogers Miranda
Joseph Nadia Batson Naya George Nesta Boxill Nnika Francis (Grenada) Oscar B Patrice Roberts Pelf Peter
Ram (Barbados) Ricardo Learmont Sanell Dempster Skhi Terry Seales Tony Prescott Trini Jacobs Zan featuring
Patrice Roberts
Send your best wishes
to the Soca Artists comment below...
According to the Hardbeatnews, BROOKLYN, NY: Carlos Lezama, the Trinidadian-born migrant who led the West Indian American
Day Carnival Association in New York since the late 1960's, is no more.
Lezama, according to reports passed around
11am Monday at Kings County Hospital after a sustained period of illness and subsequent hospitalization. He was 83.
His
death comes following a recent stroke and the amputation of a leg. Lezama resigned as head of the association in 2001. He
remained, however, as president emeritus. He was replaced in the post by his daughter, Yolanda Lezama-Clark.
In a statement
yesterday, she admitted it was a difficult time for her family but added that they are comforted by the fact that their grief
is shared by thousands worldwide who mourn this lost.
“Throughout our lives my siblings, as well as my mother, have
been privileged to share my father with the million who are part of the Carnival family,” said Lezama-Clarke. “I am grateful
that he has left an impressive legacy of which we all as Caribbean people can be proud.”
Lezama, founded the carnival
40 years ago. He migrated to the US in the early fifties and in 1967, was passed the reigns to the Brooklyn carnival by another
Trinidadian, Rufus Goring. Lezama, who later became president, nurtured the organization and carnival celebrations till 2001,
when, due to his ill health he retired. The carnival attracts millions on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn on Labor Day weekend
each year and has also grown as a magnet for politicians looking to campaign and be seen as friends of the Caribbean community.
In
2001, the Carnival route - Eastern Parkway – was renamed Carlos Lezama Parkway for that year’s Carnival Season. Three
years ago the Carlos Lezama Archives and Caribbean Cultural Center, located at the Lezama’s family landmark home of 1028 St.
John’s Place in Brooklyn, was inaugurated as a lasting tribute to the man dubbed as “The Father of Brooklyn’s Carnival.”
For
his efforts in promoting the rich culture of Caribbean people and thus enriching the cultural life of New York City, Mr. Lezama
has been officially recognized and honored by four Governors of New York State including Govs. Nelson Rockefeller, Hugh Carey,
Mario Cuomo, and George Pataki and every Mayor since John Lindsay.
Among those paying respect to Lezama yesterday was
the publisher of EVERYBODY’S Magazine, Herman Hall. “As a young member and director of the West Indian-American Day Carnival
Association in the early 1970s. Lezama influenced, motivated and inspired me,” stated Hall. “I knew what Mr. Lezama endured
to develop the annual carnival on Labor in Brooklyn. He brought recognition to the Caribbean-American community, united us
and played a major role in enhancing the quality of life in New York City. He was admired and respected by governors and mayors
of New York State and City respectively. He was a great and charismatic leader.”
Funeral arrangements are still to
be announced. Lezama is survived by two children and grand and great-grand children. – Hardbeatnews.com
Send your condolences to the family comment below...
IZATRINI.com is pleased to delve deeper into the Trinidad Carnival presentations for 2007.
So often we get caught up in the superficial aesthetics of the costume and completely forget how the true beauty of the costume
is born or brought to life during Carnival. It is through the inspiration of generations past and the celebration of present
life. In this series we will take a look at the inspirational words that is the 2007 Trinidad Carnival Band Presentations.
We hope you enjoy!
IZATRINI.com takes an unbiased look at ShortDrop.com. A website that launched in September 2006 by talented Trinidadians,
Ray Dookie and Sherwin Ramnarine. ShortDrop.com has all intentions of targeting car enthusiasts in Trinidad and Tobago as well as around the globe. ShortDrop.com is essentially a FREE auto
classified advertising website for all vehicles, auto parts, audio, accessories and services.
One of the unique features that the site boasts is its fine search technology. Any website
visitor searching for the car of their dreams can log on to ShortDrop.com and perform an advanced search of all the listed
vehicles by make, model, color, type (foreign used, local used or new), transmission, year, min and max price. All categorized
by Buy, Sell or Auction for your convenience. A clean and simplified yet sophisticated design is the cornerstone of the Auto
Classified website ShortDrop.com.
"ShortDrop.com is more than just a Trini auto website, it is a marketplace for anyone to buy or sell a vehicle,
auto parts and services. You will notice constant updates and improvements on the website in the months to come, so stay
tuned." says Sherwin Ramnarine, co-owner of ShortDrop.com
If you are in the market for a car, truck, SUV or otherwise this website gives you the unique ability to find
it, buy it, sell it and pimp it.
Join IZATRINI.com in congratulating our fellow Trinis in launching another excellent Trini production online.
Contact Sherwin Ramnarine at sherwinr@gmail.com for more information on ShortDrop.com
Contact IZATRINI.com to review you website, product or service. Email us at info@izatrini.com
2007 Chutney Soca Monarch Semi Final Streaming Live & FREE!
The 2007 National Lotteries Classic Chutney Soca
Monarch Semi Final will be held at the Rienzi Complex in Couva on Saturday 20th and broadcast live on http://www.Search.co.tt for FREE via 103FM Radio (TnT).
Entertainment for these events will be provided by the back
up band JMC Treveni, TTEC Gayatones, and Dil E Nadan. These bands will be supported by the best Chutney Soca artistes in the
country together with the St John's Tassa group, the Courts Nirvana dancers, Clico Shiv Shakti and the Durga Shakti dancers.
The annual Chutney Soca Monarch has become a calendar
event. It is clearly one of the biggest events for Trinidad Carnival every year, and it is the single largest event for
the Indo-Caribbean community in the world.
Featured 2007 Soca Music Lyrics: Sugar Boy by Patrice Roberts
The lyrics that follow is by the extremely talented Soca Artist
Patrice Roberts. Patrice can very well hold her own and has proven herself as a
solo soca artist and more. 2006 was Patrice's year when she teamed up with Machel Montano to win the Road March competition
with the popular "Band of the Year". This year Patrice is also teaming up with Machel in the run away hit "Light it Up" but
"Sugar Boy" has been working its way into the hot lists and soca radio
charts of all radio stations in Trinidad and beyond. Soca lyrics courtesy Toronto-Lime.com Listen to 2007 Soca Music here.
Sugar Boy - Patrice Roberts (2007)
[intro] Sugar, sugar (whoa whoa) X3 Sugar, sugar
[verse 1] I don't know where you are, it hurtin' my head I
just toss and turn, you're not in my bed Cause when fly find sugar, it just want to stick Them women out there thirsty
and they want to taste it
[chorus] Sugar boy, sugar boy, don't play with my head If
I can't get you I don't wan't no one else Sugar boy, sugar boy, please understand Don't ever give my dinner to another
woman
[verse 2] All is yours my sugar baby from head to toe Sweetness
have my foot high up, I wouldn't let you go You're truely a snake oil man in all that you do You bring out the tiger
in me when I'm loving you
[verse 3] Do me what you want, you sweet magician My body
catching a fire while I'm wrapped in your arms I'm going crazy every time we caress Just don't leave me honey, you are
the best
[chorus]
[bridge] Gimme the healing, you make it right Boy the way
that you love me, give me tonight Boy that feeling shivers my spine Give it to me baby, one more time
Open Letter and Greetings from the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
(Disclaimer: Now doh get on like Donald Trump and take
offence to comedy, it is only a joke - remember that)
New Years Greeting to the Nation
Ladies and Gentlemen, this year I am sending out my holiday
greetings early, as I have a few spare moments between seasonal festivities.
You know how the social calendar of a PM can be.
This was a busy year all-round.
There were mega projects to build, smelters to approve,
private jets to preview, and many Chinese and Cuban dignitaries to entertain. Plus, Hazel and I were quite engaged planning our new $40M home in St Anns. Never mind we cannot have the playground
for our swimming pool, let the people of St Anns have it.
Our Chinese architects have decided to build us a pool
on the rooftop, in the shape of soon to be retired Trinity Cross. I consider
this shape of swimming pool is most appropriate as it shall serve as a constant reminder that I have been sent to as a gift
to this nation, not as a father, but as a Godfather. When you look down
from Google Earth, you shall see the cross scintillating with its gold mosaic tiles.
A splendid sight indeed, my people. Let it be known to all who surf the internet that no Yankee oilman, nor English Lord, nor Saudi Prince could out do
us Trinis when it comes to taste and class. As you already know, I have
sworn off chicken and beef. This sacrifice has
paid off handsomely, as my mind is clearer than ever, unclouded by the ill effects of meat eating. My creative energy is flowing unimpeded, and I am proud to announce that this year I will be harnessing this creative
energy, ladies and gentlemen, into the production of a Carnival Band for the first time ever. Our band is called " And They Came from Yesteryear", and it will be a celebration of ole time Trinidad
mas, but on a scale never before attempted. One
innovation, ladies and gentlemen, which will surely revolutionize mas' from here on, is that we shall have not one, ladies
and gentlemen, but two Carnival Queens. Hazel will portraying " Atepa - Mother of the Wigwam and First Queen of the Apaches",
and Christine (our Junior Finance Minister) will be portraying " La Diablesse Nouvelle - Here for all Eternity". Initially, Christine was upset at the costume assignments, as she thought she was my
first Indian, but I explained to her that Hazel and I have a history and two sons, so it was only fair. But both Queens are equally resplendent, and both shine equally in my eyes.
Our mas' headquarters will be at Baliser House, of
course, as it is strategically located within the new mas routes on the streets. And ladies and gentlemen, our masqueraders have assured us that it was a stroke of sheer genius to not
have any main stage this carnival, and that the grand stand stage was indeed passé.
Tomorrow night, Christmas Eve, we will be celebrating with
our two sons.
Both have now been issued gun licenses, so we are celebrating that, but more so, we are celebrating
the launch of my second son's new business venture. The first son, after studying diligently in germany for many years, launched his new Street Light business earlier
this year. We are grateful to God that after much prayer and fasting he
was awarded a contract under to repair and replace spent street lights in parts of the country. He is looking forward to working with his Uncle Colm, as the two of them go back a long way. At the age of five he and his uncle Colm were about the same height, so they used to practice boxing together in his
younger brothers playpen.
So our second son after recovering from a gambling problem
is launching his new greeting card company, to be set up in central Trinidad. I am proud to give you a preview of the first
three greeting cards from his collection:
GREETING CARD ONE
Cover: Thinking about You and Yours at this difficult time.
(Floral Graphics.)
Inner Text: It is never easy when a loved one is kidnapped,
but our thoughts and prayers are with you.
GREETING CARD TWO
Cover: Its time to Celebrate! Champagne, (Confetti Graphics.)
Inner Text: A toast to the speedy return of your Loved one.
Abductions have never been so short!
GREETING CARD THREE
Cover: Don't cry my sweet..(Graphics of a young girl crying
in a forest after something lost.)
Inner Text: Alcoa will soon fill that hole in your heart.
The graphics, of course, are to be world class, and done by
Kenjule Graphics Ltd. (A member of the Ken Julien Group of companies.)
So my children, time is running short and we must still shop
for a New Years dress for Hazel. This year we have fewer invitations for events than previous years. Nobody from the Arab
or French Creole communities invited us, but I was told that this year they were entertaining my fellow parliamentarian Mr
Duck and Run himself. But no love lost, we shall be dining with our stalwarts plenipotentiary Jerry and Rani Narace at their
new home in the West. That is how it should be anyway, Africans and Indians eating and drinking and douglarizing. May God
bless you all. I bless you all.
Well, I never see Trinis move so fast to mobilize for a Carnival
like they doing for Trini Carnival 2007! Christmas done and next ting yuh know 2007 Soca Music dropping swift, swift. Tunes burning up the airwaves and
the riddims growing on yuh faster than ever before.
Yuh know sometimes how it does take a little while for de
tune to grow on yuh, well either the soca hotter than in years past or yuh mind telling yuh to love it early because Carnival
comin' and yuh want to make sure yuh know all the lyrics. Because yuh have to sing it at the top of yuh
lungs on Carnival Monday and Tuesday (February 19th and 20th). Ah mean, if yuh like me yuh singing soca in all de fetes till
yuh get hoarse. (Remedy: A little honey and lime with some rum to taste).
If yuh doh already have a costume book and pay down for and
yuh is a kinda las minute person, yuh better have a good hook up in a band. If not, yuh out ah luck, it not like long time,
last minute people does rel lose out.
How de fete tickets prices affecting you? I think that people will have to take a small loan to pay
for dem All Inclusve Trinidad Carnival fetes dis year and trust me this not over, it will carry into next year too. Keep looking for a hook up who could help yuh with
fete ticket because the prices not eating nice at all, at all.
The much hyped and eagerly anticipated song LAS' LAP was finally
released on February 5th. The track features Soca Queen Destra Garcia and the man himself Naya George with the big band INVAZION.
Around 2:30 pm on Friday January 5th the song hit the airwaves
for the first time. It apparently was a well orchestrated effort by the Team as the song was played simultaneously on three
of the major Soca Stations in Trinidad - 96.1 Soca Switch, 96.7 Red FM and 91.9 Bashment.
As planned all hard core Soca followers in Trinidad went into
a frenzy. Within minutes of the launch of this track, calls flooded each radio station and the INVAZION phone lines. Countless
text messages, email Messages and scores of visitors to the Website with only positive comments.
It was amazing how many people were knowledgeable about the song
and were eagerly awaiting the release of LAS' LAP. INVAZION has received calls from North America and Europe from major record
labels and others in the industry with only high praise for the song.
As described by Naya on Bashment it is a Platinum tune which
is a sure contender for the Road March and other major titles during the Carnival 2007 season. Undoubtedly, it will be a favorite
played at all the major clubs, and Carnival fetes.
Many respected opinions in the industry have given their blessings
to the song and INVAZION hopes you will enjoy the music as much as they enjoyed putting it together for you.
High Priced Fete Tickets for Trinidad Carnival 2007
Well I hope everybody who fettin' for T&T Carnival 2K7 ready to shell out anywhere from $400 to $700 TT for All-Inclusive
and Ultra-Inclusive fetes for the season?
I was just reading in the Newsday that fete prices have steadily been increasing for the last
five years but this year there is a new spin on things - The "Ultra-Inclusive".
"When Sunday Newsday questioned what the “ultra” was all
about, a fete promoter responded that they had decided to make their party bigger than an all-inclusive, by adding champagne,
caviar and escargot to attract more exclusivity. "
Have a time for Trini Carnival 2007 but don't be surprised
that after shelling out up to $3,000 plus TT for a costume yuh will still have money to fete!
Lord what dis World coming to? Up to $700 to have a good time.
The funny thing is that I guarantee those fete promoters will not loose any sleep or patrons because Trinis doing whatever
it takes to enjoy themselves for Carnival.
Featured 2007 Soca Lyrics: One More Time by Machel Montano
For the 2007 Trinidad Carnival Season IZATRINI.com will feature the lyrics of some of the hot new 2007 soca music. We want everyone to become familiar with the tunes and what better way than to do so than on the
IZATRINI.com blog. All lyrics are courtesy Toronto-Lime.com
One More Time - Machel Montano (2007)
[verse 1] All she say she wanted, was one wine from me All
she say she needed, was a little bit of my time She never expected to get so addicted to my wine She said, are you gonna
hurt me? Am I a statistic? A victim of your circumstances or will I just get evicted From this loving safety Please
don't dissapointed me Not this time
[chorus] Gimme one more wine, one more wine One more
time, one more time Gimme one more wine, one more wine One last time, one last time
[bride] Oh oh oh oye, oh oh oh oh Oh oh oh oye, oh oh
oh oye Oh oh oh oh oh oye, oh oh oh oye One more time, this wine
[verse 2] All she requested, is one wine from me All
that she insisted, was to have a really really good time But it never manifested the way that she projected in her mind She
said, are you gonna forget me, is you're life so hectic Tell me you not leaving, cause I can't do without it Please
don't dissapointed me Oh I'm begging you baby Not this time
[chorus]
[sub-chorus] Just cause she bumper phat She gotta get
a wine on dat She pushing, but ah holdin back She gotta get a wine on dat She look good, is ah natural fact She
gotta get a wine on dat She wining like she on de attack She gotta get a wine on dat (Can I get it like dat) Yes
you can get it like dat (X4)
[verse 3] She say she in love with me from de very first
time That to come behind her and give her de sweet wine Everyday she calling me for more Sais she want it on the
bed and de floor
[chorus]
[sub-chorus] Just cause she bumper phat She gotta get
a wine on dat She pushing, but ah holdin back She gotta get a wine on dat She look good, is ah natural fact She
gotta get a wine on dat She wining like she on de attack She gotta get a wine on dat
Well people always say good things come in small packages.
And Marlon Asher is hailing all the short, sexy ladies with his first release for 2007 entitled "SHORTY". "Shorty" is a flirtatious lil love song that is sure to get the attention of men and women alike - tall and ..well of course, SHORT.
The track was produced by Corrosive Studios & Recorded by Dainjamentalz USA, in Brooklyn.
Well BWIA took its last flight out of Trinidad yesterday December
31st, 2006 and made way for the new Caribbean Airlines that takes its first flight today January 1st, 2007. I for one
will certainly miss BWEE and all the nostalgia that goes along with the countries first national airline.
Remember the BWEE cups, cuttlery and blanket? People use to
tief dem ting regular and in plain sight, sad like deh didn't have any ah dat in deh house. Deh go still tief all dat and
more on Caribbean Airlines guaranteed!
I wish the new Caribbean Airlines all the best in 2007 because
they will need it. Let's see if they can make this one profitable and it can last another 66 plus years and maintain the same
stellar flight record as BWIA, God Speed!
Happy New Year to all Trinis and lovers of T&T. IZATRINI.com
wishes you and yours all the best in 2007. May all your hopes, dreams and aspirations come true for you this year, especially
if it involves - playing mas and being front and center for Trinidad Carnival 2007.
Drunk or Sober mine yuh business, Trini for Carnival is a mus!
So do whatever it is yuh have to do to make it there for the 2K7 and rep yuh culture!
Remember if yuh want free t-shirt delivery for Trinidad
Carnival let us know we will personally deliver it in Trini from Feb 11th - 23rd. Check out the new Trini t-shirts in the store now!