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.
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.
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.
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.