Calgary Soca

Sykotik Mas unveiled the latest of their costumes on Sat. May 28th.  Their energetic masqueraders along with a few hundred onlookers reassured everyone that Sykotik is on a mission to repeat as "Band of the Year" 2011 for Carifest. Big up to "Black Squad" for holding down the music at Iron Dutch. The party went on strong all nite!

This one's for my Real Caribbean Music Lovers. Carifest 30th anniversary is less than two weeks away. Soca Legend, "Crazy" headlines a 6 band line-up at Shaw Millennium Park, June 11th for FREE.

Ah the Bacchanal!  On Wednesday May 25th 2011, the Toronto Star Reported that the name Caribana would be no more.  Due to copyright issues between the creators and the current organizers, the festival will receive a name change to the " Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto " (try putting that on a flyer!)  The original governing body (CAG) lost control of their creation in 2006 due to an apparent mismanagement of the festival and are now actively trying to stop Canada's largest Caribbean festival from even happening.  With over 1 million people coming to Toronto every year injecting huge funds into the economy,  you know that the city "eh takin dat!"  Take a name change and give she she costume please!

With less than 2 weeks to the parade, your last chance to pick up an excellent costume will be on Saturday May 28th as Sykotik have their final push before Carifest 2011. Looks like they'll even be unveiling a new costume at Iron Dutch downtown.  According to Sykotik: "Reasons to jump with Sykotik: 1.) You get to wear your costume TWICE as we play mas in Calgary's Carifest and Edmonton's Cariwest Parades 2.) Discounted group rate at a 4 star hotel literally steps away from Churchill square in Edmonton 3.)Free refreshments throughout both parades 4.) Music by the wickedest Soca DJ's in Calgary spinning all the latest 2011 soca chunes 5.) A quality product for your money 6.) Experience true BACCHANAL on de road with Carifest's 2010 (MADDEST) Band of the YEAR!!!!!!!" Sykotik Mas presents MIDNIGHT MADNESS...JOIN DA MADNESS!!!! For costume info and to book your fitting please call 403-617-1445 or visit their facebook page  

Carifest 2010 attendee Alison Hinds brings us one of her tunes for Cropover 2011. Thanks again to Julian over at IslandMix's links we can take in "Explode" on the "Tite Choonz" riddim

Check this mix from Berlin! Download it ! Share it! Wow! Serious talk.....this one is just hot.  I might have a new favourite DJ! Check out what else they have to offer: www.threeks.com

Another marquee act touches down in Alberta this month. Make sure to check out Bajan sensation "Red Plastic Bag" in Edmonton on Fri. May 27th. 2011 2slandgirls Proudly present: World renowned Barbadian Calypsonain Red Plastic Bag! Winner of the Barbadian Calyspo monarch competition a record NINE times! Londonderry Community League Hall 14224-74 Street Edmonton, AB Tix avail online at TIX On the Square! Doors open at 7pm Opening act: Edmonton's 2islandgirls at 8pm Dance to follow to the sounds of DJ Iceman (Caribbean Connection fridays live on 88.5fm 9pm till 11pm) Check the event on FACEBOOK Tix are $40.00

New for Crop-Over 2011, Lil Rick asks the ladies to "Work" on this new one on the Rich Boy Riddim

We are warming up for this year's Caribbean Festival and thanks to both Sykotik and IEC you can secure your spot in this year's parade. The reigning Band of the Year , Sykotik has their band launch just weeks before the parade on May 28th at Iron Ductch (201-1104 6th Ave SW). Costumes are available for purchase NOW for $95. For fittings please contact 403-617-1445. This year's theme is a still a surprise but if you want an advance viewing you can contact them, or see it all at the launch. For more information check out their FACEBOOK PAGE Up-and-comers, IEC are putting together "United On de Road".  This promises to be an all out party on the streets of Calgary for not just members of the Caribbean Community, as IEC is making an open invite to anyone who wishes to experience Caribbean Culture.  We don't believe that the costuming will be extravagant as the registration fee is $45, but if you are looking to join the party on the streets get all

For those of us who missed the party a few weeks back with The Jump Up Kings, Jester and Kid Kut, here is a quick recap thanks to LionDred TV. Just a heads-up....some people shown clearly forgot their behaviour at home that night. LoL

This Carnival Riddim for 2011 boasts industry names like Problem Child, Skinny Fabulous, Luta, Jamsey P, Fire Empress and more. Internationally artistes such as Indrani, Ms. Paige, Mark Hize, Fire Fusion, Damon Elliott and Colombian will be distributed within the initial the VA package. What is the sound?  The riddim has African, Caribbean and North American influence - bridled with a creole vibe.  Enjoy! BORNBAD RIDDIM VA by kubiyashi

I. V. Entertainment give us another reason to go to Edmonton a couple weeks after this year's Carifest in June.  Mark this one on your calender plus check out the invite on Facebook .  Music by Toronto's "Soca Sweetness."

Longtime Calgary DJ "Butta" dropped off this gem of Soca remixes for all of the Calgary Soca community to enjoy.  This one needs to be on your mp3 player now! Share the link to the "TRU Wotless Mix" with your peeps today.   Download HERE TRACK LIST: 01.Burnin Up - Machel Montano & Russian & Chan Dizzy 02.Just The Way You Are (Remix) - Bruno Mars 03.CALL ON ME (REMIX) - JAH CURE ft ALISON HINDS 04.My Money ha ha (remix) - Merital ft Vybz Kartel 05.Nah Let Go (Remix) - Vybz Kartel 06.Cool It Down - Destra 07.Essentials - Mr. Slaughter 08.Give It To Me - Chai 09.Mas & Wining - Patrice Roberts 10.No Boring Gyal - Ricardo Drue ft Dr. Evil 11.Your Wine (Remix) - Tian Winter & Swappi 12.Your Love (Remix) - Nicki Minaj 13.Baddest Wine - Alison Hinds ft Ziggy Rankin 14.Whining Pro - Timeka Marshall Ft Skinny Fabolous 15.Pressure - Faye Ann Lyons 16.Wotless (Remix) - KES the Band 17.I am a smoker - Yankey Boy 18.Sam Sam - Patrice Rob

Calgary's 2nd annual Carifest Showcase returns June 10th at the Theatre Junction Grand.  After last year's sold out show, we're looking forward to another fantastic night of Caribbean music and Carnival costumes .  If you, or someone you know is interested in participating this year, get your submission in to showcase@carifestcalgary.com ASAP. There's $3000 in Cash and prizes to be won ! The deadline for submissions is MAY 23rd. All contest rules can be found HERE

Carnival season is still going strong around the world and, of course,so is the countdown for Calgary's own Carifest.  Thanks to Remi's Physical Fitness Camp we can all get in shape for whichever Carnival we make it out to, or at the very least put this wicked mix on the mp3 player for when we workout.  Download your's HERE