Jamaican-born and Toronto-based reggae singer Exco Levi made history at the Juno Awards On Sunday, March 15, when he won his record fourth Juno Award for Reggae Recording of the Year for his song “Welcome the King.” Exco Levi, was born Wayne Ford Levy on June 7, 1981 in Manchester and grew up in Clarendon, Jamaica. Exco Levi is now a Toronto-based reggae musician who quickly entered the Canadian reggae music scene after emigrating in 2005. His Juno-award project is a single from his anticipated debut full-length album, Country Man, released on March 18. In 2012, won the Juno Award …

I have great news for Montreal Soca lovers. Your resident DJ Production Sounds has been an official member of the elite group called Team Soca since late 2014. Over the years I have been saying to myself that it’s only a matter of time before we have a vehicle to help Soca music, make its big international breakthrough. Also to help  make information on Montreal’s Soca scene accessible to people around the world. You must have likely heard of TeamSoca.com and their online radio station with skilled DJs, and of course their unique clothing line. I can now say with …

Now that Carnival 2015 is in the history books in Trinidad and Tobago and life may be returning to normal here. But for artistes, dj’s and others in the Caribbean communities in the diaspora, the end of carnival in T&T means the beginning of preparation to spread the love of carnival and soca to other cities around the world. For you Soca lovers who are expecting real time information about the 2015 Trinidad carnival whenever you open the pages of the Contact … yes the results are in for the various competitions. But first let me “toot my own horn” …

As we get closer to February 16th, 17th, known as Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Monday and Tuesday this year. Soca lovers are expecting real time information about Trinidad Carnival every time they open the Montreal Community Contact Newspaper. That’s why I make sure that the Island Scoop article becomes the one stop for Soca news during Trinidad and every other Carnival around the world. So what has been going on since the last issue!  Chutney Soca Monarch has crowned new King’s. Police Officers was shooting at Soca artist “Benjai” and the International Soca Monarch finalist list is out. Chutney Soca …

Montrealer Michael S’Obrian (Riddum Soljah) made it to Chutney semis With carnival 2015 in full swing in Trinidad and Tobago, the soca season is definitely upon us. So many are wishing  that they already had their flights booked. Either way you know that Trinidad and Tobago Carnival itself is a natural attraction to many foreigners across the globe, and thousands are heading “down the road” for this must-have experience. Last issue, we explored some of the top songs heating up the  Carnival period. So let’s talk about the International Soca Monarch which now in its 22nd year. Also known as …

They say Ola, Ola Ola First and foremost I would like to wish  readers a Happy and Prosperous New Year. I believe 2015 should be a year of change, not only in our mindset, but also expressed through what we do. Looking back at 2014, I’m still amazed how fast the year ended. We covered the various carnivals… Montreal, Toronto, New York, Miami and Notting Hill. We all know with the beginning of the year comes the start of Trinidad Carnival season. Everyone knows that Trinidad & Tobago is the mother of all West Indian carnivals, which attracts visitors, including …

Caribbean traditions provide an important connection to the past and give meaning to our lives. In keeping with those traditions, on December 25, I will be doing my 8th annual Christmas show, “Island Riddims” live on CKUT 90.3FM from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. … pure Parang/Soca. Traditions also provide a blueprint of things to do at certain times, such as my Christmas articles. Three years ago I made reference to sorrel and its nutritional benefits. Then in 2012, I talked about ginger beer, a refreshing seasonal  favorite. In 2013, I gave you the Ponche de Creme recipe, a timeless …

One time rivals Bounty Killa and Beenie Man collaborate with Legendary Growing up in Trinidad and being around my dad’s (Production Sounds) music business, I can tell you first-hand that reggae/dancehall music helped the nation’s youth in their search for  identity and self  development. I grew up listening to artists like Buju Banton, Tiger, Daddy Lizard, Super Cat, Bounty Killa, Beenie Man, Ninja Man and many others whose songs and music delivered pure enjoyment. Dancehall music served as a platform for those artists to express their freedom of speech and at the same time entertained and brought joy to listeners …

Soca music on the move The first step towards success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself. It’s human nature at times that we often become relaxed in our comfort zone and refuse to think or experiment outside the box. Thanks to a few Soca artists, promoters and contributors in the industry that are still striving to make a difference. Creating no limits for Soca music such as Bunji Garlin, KMC, Allison Hinds, and of course Machel Montano. For long Montano has been in his own class in the …

Fireman Hooper and Daddy Ghost will heat up the place Of all the colors, Red stands out as arguably the most used and the most dominant: That’s why I strongly believe that everyone has a Touch Of Red in them. No wonder there is so much anticipation over, Touch Of Red 2 event which some expects to be one of the best fetes in Montreal for 2014. They say so not only because of the great line-up of artists and DJs but because the event comes at a time when there is a massive craving for Soca music. Either way, …