Patrice Roberts performs at PREStigeX2GOLD

Patrice Roberts of TEAM HD performs at Presentation College’s (San Fernando) PREStige – The Double Gold Edition.

The evening also featured Kes The Band, David Rudder, Machel Montano and Farmer Nappy.

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Farmer Nappy – YOU MAKE ME / SURRENDER

TEXT CODE FOR GROOVY IS FARM 4678

Farmer Nappy – You Make Me
Edit: Cowin Thorpe
Cam: Gabriel Ti. Nagee/Declan Leeloo
Dir: Peter C. Lewis

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Coca Cola Rhythm 2012

Coca Cola Rhythm 2012

COCA-COLA LAUNCHES THE 2012 COCA-COLA RHYTHM Coca-Cola has released the second official Coca-Cola Rhythm in time for Carnival 2012. The rhythm features an all star line up on a groovy soca beat developed by Kernal Roberts. Coca-Cola has always been a refreshing delight to people all across the globe since 1886. The 2012 Coca-Cola Rhythm builds on the optimistic refreshment platform which embodies Coke’s Open Happiness mantra. This new rhythm features an amazing group of artistes including: Benjai, Lil Bitts, Umi Marcano, Screws and Devon Matthews. Their talent brought to life the Rhythm objective – to share happiness, build excitement and really enjoy Carnival as Trinbangonians do with Soca Music. According to Franchise Brand Manager, Mr. Roberto Lapeira, “Coca-Cola is pleased to have to opportunity to share its second Carnival Rhythm with Trinidad and Tobago. We are always trying to find innovative ways to really connect with the public and with the success of the last rhythm, we knew we had to bring something even more amazing this year. Kernal Roberts took the challenge and brought a fantastic, new groovy soca sound that includes our trademark Coca-Cola five tones and makes you want to dance in the street this Carnival.” The Carnival 2012 Coca-Cola Rhythm Music will be available for download at www.coca-cola.com.tt

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COSMIC SHIFT

Cosmic Riddim - J-Rod Records

 

 

i am impatiently waiting for it to appear in my inbox so i could make my lil riddiMIX…

 

on that note i am pleased to see one of the minds behind the Cosmic Riddim get a lil write up in the papers… go Jarrod… no not the Subway dude… this is the man behind JRod Records…  yeah the 2nd Chances, Life Lessons and the BarCode Riddims… i glad he say it and that it in print… i eh no producer so my rants are usually limited to the 50 folk who subscribe to this blog… thanks to you all… here is what J-Rod had to say…

 

“If you look on the Internet right now, you will see soca listed under world music. That has to change. We need to see soca standing on its own.” Touching on the current rift in the local industry with some artistes complaining of unfair airplay, Faria says “there is no real proof” that a “soca mafia” exists. “It’s such a saturated market that it really just boils down to the work you put in and the relationships you build,” he reasoned. And in an industry where an artiste can be “in today and out tomorrow,” the QRC graduate believes that it’s also necessary for aspiring soca stars to take advantage of all avenues available in this technological era. “When you look at it, all the big acts have a Facebook and Twitter page. New artistes need to put in the ground-work and market themselves,” he advised. “It’s a very competitive industry and I don’t think anybody can deny that.”
Jarrod’s taking soca to the world One beat at a time
Published: Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Cherisse Moe

 

some say that it is Cosmic Shift… like you eh listen to Garlin intro… i do say islandPOOP at times… only coz i doh like the genre separation… music is music… strength and powers to you and all associated bredren…

 

 

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SOCA Monarch SemiFinalists 2012

With over 400 submissions, the Soca Monarch judging panel have declared that the names listed below are to move on the Semi final round of the International Soca Monarch competition.

The Semi finals will be held at the Arima Velodrome on Sunday January 29th 2012…. same day as PREStige

Play Whe Groovy Soca Monarch Semi-finalists:

• Anthony Hendrickson (All Rounder)
• Darryl Henry (Farmer Nappy)
• Destra Garcia
• Dexter Stweart (Blaxx)
• Dwayne Arthur (Skhi)
• Erphan Alves
• Gamal Doyle (Skinny Fabulous)
• Jardine Legere (Jadel)
• Jason Williams & Ancil Isaac (JW & Blaze)
• Kenneth Richards (K Rich)
• Kerwin Du Bois
• Khori Francis (Ziggy Rankin)
• Kimba Sorzano (Kimba)
• Kris Persad (KI)
• Laurence Gonzales (Mr. Renzo)
• Lima Calbio
• Machel Montano
• Nadia Batson
• Patrice Roberts
• Roderick Gordon (Chucky)
• Rodney Le Blanc (Benjai)
• Shivonne Churche (Lil Bitts)
• Shurwayne Winchester
• Shal Marshall
• Terri Lyons
• Terrin Callender (Super Jigga TC)
• Winston Henry (Explainer)

Digicel International Power Soca Monarch Semi-finalists:

• Adrian Hackshaw (Third Bass)
• Denise Belfon
• Destra Garcia
• Devon Samuel (Prophet Benjamin)
• Dexter Stewart (Blaxx)
• Erphan Alves
• Gary Cordner
• Jason Williams & Ancil Isaac (JW & Blaze)
• Joel Feveck (Zan)
• Kerwin Du Bois
• Laurence Jack (Coyaba / St. Vincent & the Grenadines)
• Marvin Davis (Swappi)
• Megan Waldron
• Michelle Xavier (Michelle X)
• Nadia Batson
• Neil ‘Iwer’ George
• Olatunji Yearwood
• Patrice Roberts
• Prestan Andries (Prestan)
• Problem Child & Talpree
• Shurwayne Winchester
• Shal Marshall
• Tony Prescott (Tony P)
• Victor St. Louis (Pelf)
• Wesley Hoyte (C’Donia)
• Winston Bailey (Shadow)

Destra, Blaxx, Erphaan, JW & Blaze, Kerwin Du Bois, Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts, Shurwayne Winchester and Shal Marshall are all doing double duty as they will be competing in both categories… as i said on twitter this is the new Dimanche Gras… iz nine ah dem…

the way things shaping up @intlsocamonarch is the new Dimanche Gras... artistes singing 2 choon fuh d night... POWER and Groovy #Trinidad

—
SanMan Bandi (@SanMan_ish) January 14, 2012

MM aka Mr. Fete got away from double duty as he is the reining POWER Monarch…

about 10 music videos have been produced by this top crop… so far :/

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Take a tour of Carnival through song with Ricardo Drue

RICARDO DRUE

Ricardo Drue promises to make 2012 a memorable year for all his fans, and a stellar year in his career with his songs J.A.M (Jump and Mashup), Throw Me Out featuring Edwin Yearwood, and Shawty featuring Bunji Garlin.

For 2012 Ricardo is stepping out and strutting his talent by entering in this years Power Monarch with his song J.A.M and in the Groovy Monarch with his song Throw Me Out.

This sweet, dimpled, humble, 26-year-old son of the Caribbean has dabbled in music since a juvenile. His mission is to take Soca music to another level. Ricardo delivers his mission with fusing reggae, soca, hip-hop creating euphonic sounds and lyrics for all to relate and enjoy. Ricardo’s collections include Rub Up On It featuring Claudette Peters, Nah Leaving featuring Patrice Roberts, No Boring Gyal (Body Move Riddim), Addicting (Tin Pan Riddim), Like Glue (Panty Droppa Riddim) and many many more.

For 2012 Ricardo is stepping out and strutting his talent by entering in this years Power Monarch with his song J.A.M and in the Groovy Monarch with his song Throw Me Out.

J.A.M written by Kerwin Du Bois and produced by Shawn “Mr. Roots” Mitchell. J.A.M is the true essence of Carnival, J.A.M is a masqueraders anthem “I come out to jump and mash up…..he can’t stop me and she can’t stop me ah jaaaamiinnnnn”. If you ever played mas especially in Trinidad you know it’s a time to wine, jump up and carry on to show people you and your band is the baddest on the road. J.A.M promises to be your Duracell for carnival, it’s destined to mash up Soca Monarch and the road.

Think back to the last fete you went. Sweet music playing, yuh head nice, and yuh wining, the music so sweet yuh eyes close and yuh enjoying yourself. By the time, you open your eyes the lights are on, and the Dj’s asking everyone to leave the fete because the party is over, but you refuse to leave until you’re finally thrown out, if you ever experienced this then you can relate to Throw Me Out. Throw Me Out was written by Ricardo Drue and produced by Shawn “Mr. Roots” Mitchell. Ricardo shows us his versatility with his crafty lyrics. Oh, let’s not forget how sweet and heavenly he and Edwin Yearwood sound together. Everyone who’s ever been in a sweet fete, or experienced a sweet wine can relate to this song and enjoy it to the fullest. Throw me out is sure to make its mark in the Groovy Monarch Competition.

Shawdy featuring Bunji Garlin is a tune for the young at heart. This tune has a ragga soca vibe sweet enough to entice your waist and set the mood for after the club. Shawdy is a very tantalizing song, encompassing the essence of the Caribbean with chutney, reggae, and soca fused together. Lyricist Bunji Garlin gives this track the edge it deserves. The music video shot in Antigua and Trinidad gives a sweet island vibe to soothe your inner urge.

Hope you enjoyed our small tour. Remember for this carnival whether you’re on the road ready to J.A.M, or in a fete waiting for security to Throw you out, or if you’re out limin with your Shawdy remember to give thanks to Ricardo Drue. Ricardo Drue a true cynosure in the soca industry and making his stamp for 2012. Don’t forget to wish Drue luck in the Groovy Monarch and Power Monarch.

Written By Chandy
1/14/2012

 

 

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PAYOLA – SOCAlled artistes count lo$$es

Soca artistes count $$ losses
…hit by lack of airplay and global economic downturn
Published:
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Michelle Loubon

From fete to fete, artistes like Machel Montano, Iwer George, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, Kees Dieffenthaller, Rodney “Benjai” Le Blanc, Destra Garcia and Dexter Stewart (Blaxx) pleased partygoers. For C2k12, they are set to ignite passions with the infectious music known as soca. As the countdown to Carnivalesque celebrations intensifies, other artistes have thrown their hats in the rings. They, too, can lay claim to producing sweet soca songs and thought-provoking calypsoes. However, there is a major setback—the lack of airplay. Wringing their hands in frustration, artistes have complained vehemently that they are not getting airplay. Even if they do, airplay is inadequate.
For C2K12, the situation is even more grave. Popular artistes like Denise Belfon have registered their angst at disc jockeys. In a Guardian interview (January 12) Belfon said: “What happen? Is only Machel Montano it has as an artiste in Trinidad? I am not taking anything away from him. He had done a whole heap of music for the season. But there are other artistes and the songs that can be played between his whole repertoire that they want to push.” While die-hard fans lament the lack of airplay for their beloved soca sons and daughters, artistes have to count their financial losses, too. They have to deal with the loss of dollars and cents on their soca product and battle the buffeting winds of a global economic downturn.

Among those who shed insight into the grave situation affecting artistes was ace arranger Leston Paul. He has been riding a crest of popularity based on “Archbishop of Pan.” It is a collaborative effort between pannist Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and composer Gregory Ballantyne. It has been vocalised by the Lydian Singers. Paul spoke with a great deal of authority since he is inside the core of the industry and has produced mega hits like the late Arrow’s Hot! Hot! Hot! Interviewed on Thursday, Paul said: “The lack of airplay had been a major problem for years.” He was impressed at the proliferation of artistes who had sought the nearest studio.
Paul added: “This year, more artistes recorded. A lot of them got inspiration from last year. The young fellas are recording helter skelter. They are hoping to bombard the airwaves with products just for Carnival.” Paul painted a sobering picture of the reality of demand and supply. He said: “Now the scenario is really and truly, T&T is too small to accommodate a barrage of artistes. There are too many artistes for disc jockeys to play for a two-month period. It is automatic good artistes will fall by the wayside and beautiful tunes will not be heard and enjoyed.”

He felt the problem could be addressed with proper planning and a prolonged playing time that precursed the Carnival season. Paul said: “You cannot expect to have all these CDs and artistes to be played in a two-month period unless they make it mandatory for it to be played.” At the same time, Paul said they are vying for top honours in the coveted competitions like the Soca Monarch, Dimanche Gras and Road March titles. He said: “While the focus is on these competitions, they are not looking at the holistic survival of the  industry. They are using the music industry as a springboard to be heard and to promote and advertise themselves.”

$$ to record
Zeroing on the dollars and cents, Paul said: “A novice might spend about $5,000 to $6,000 to record a song. It depends upon who is producing it and what company they are going to. They might gravitate to a reputable producer: ie, one  who has produced hits for the last five years or so. No matter if they are new or established, artistes still pay their monies for the works they are producing. Even if they are an established artiste and their career is at the lowest ebb they would still have to pay. “It does not matter if they are in the mix like Kees or Machel. They get a quotation, but it would be a lot more than $6,000.” Paul noted artistes were “taking a gamble” each time they recorded a song. He said: “It’s either you make something or do something and if nothing happens that is the reality for the season. It is back to the drawing board for another year.”

There is the need to create a year-long listening audience. Paul added: “If soca music was playing right through the year and people could make it more sustainable, it would benefit the artistes. The majority of people who are recording would not lose out. They might be assimilated in other ways like videos, jingles, lectures and fetes.” But the grim reality is only a few are getting airplay. “The rotation is airplay only for a few.”
He posed a burning question: “What about the ones who got played last year? What about those who will only get played this year? The lack of airplay only becomes news when a popular person’s career is at an ebb or an all time low. The problem of lack of adequate never exists even when they have a hit.” Paul said it was important for the relevant stakeholders to understand the entertainment industry was “bigger than the individual”. He said: “You have to look at in a holistic manner. If the industry was more unified everybody would gain from it. If you are looking at the business when Carnival time comes again, the majority of people would be crying. It’s only a few people that are benefiting.”

Paul appealed for solidarity and unity among artistes. He said: “Hundreds of CDs come out. A lot of people record stuff and the situation would get worse, if the artistes don’t get together as a unified body.” Comparing artistes to masmen and promoters, Paul said: “The average artiste just makes crumbs compared to other people in the industry. The guy who is singing in the tent just makes crumbs compared to the money other people make. That is the reality of the situation. It is left to the artistes to change it.”

Soca artform must be sustainable
Chairman of Caribbean Prestige Foundation (CPF) William Munro says he had approached radio manager Brian Haynes to ensure a couple of hours per day were allotted to playing the beautiful soca music. Munro said: “I feel the hurt for the young people. The office has pointed out to me the lovely tunes which are not getting airplay. Everybody wants a number one. They want all the hits but they are not giving the younger artistes a chance to be heard. It is easy to see why some of them get frustrated. You go into the studio and people are not hearing your work.” Munro spoke about a more sustainable intervention.
He said: “I am working on a document to make some recommendations in terms of agriculture, sports and entertainment.” Commenting on the judging structure of the Soca Monarch competition, Munro said: “You have to judge by the CDs. You can’t ask everybody to sing. Some of them are frustrated when they don’t make it to the semis.” Meanwhile, Munro vowed to do whatever was within his power to contribute to the development, maintenance and sustainability of the artform. Guardian Media Limited is the official media sponsor of the soca monarch competition.

Ajala hoping for airplay
Another artiste who chose to vent his frustration at not getting airplay for C2k12 was Keith Sutherland (Ajala). In his heyday, he ruled the roost with gems like Tidal Wave, Bring Down the Riddim, White Horse and Jump Up and Get On Bad. To date, he has recorded Hey Pray (a nation building song), Dutty Meh Up (J’Ouvert Jam), Horsey Remix and a pan song Return of the Marsicans (Tribute To the late Lord Kitchener). He said: “I feel the pain of people like Denise Belfon. So many good artistes are not hearing their work. What is happening? How long can it continue? Machel is saying he is going to release a song a week. I find the situation is ridiculous?”

Sutherland felt the authorities should get involved to prevent the situation from escalating into “something unpleasant” or heading for a downward spiral. He said: “Something has to be done. The stakeholders, the media all have to come on board. Why is it only the same artistes are on rotation?” Zeroing on the financial aspect, Sutherland said: “Recording costs have gone up from $9,000 to $12,000. You can’t be spending your hard-owned monies and not getting it back. “You can’t be dropping off your music to the radio stations and it is not being played.”

He felt T&T should take a page from the royal treatment meted out to Jamaican artistes. “T&T should do like Jamaica. It is 90 per cent reggae and ten per cent foreign. You hear a lot of dub. Soca/calypso needs help to grow internationally. The Latin markets are growing. But the soca music is just there. Even the Grenadians are supporting their artistes. You see posters. Other islands are booming it up. Just now the outside world would say T&T is killing the mecca.” Sutherland said: “T&T is the mecca. But it is ridiculous what they are doing to the industry. There are about 12 radio stations. So what is going on?”

He said the long term growth of the industry would be affected if it continues. He added: “The recording rate has increased by 300 per cent. People are tapping into their talents because of the recession. Some people can’t get an 8 am to 4 pm job, so they are picking up a guitar and making music.” He noted Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston Peters had been doing a “great job,” but there was still more work to be done in the calypso arena. On a lighter note, he said people meet him and say, “What happen Ajala you stop singing? I respond: “Does a bird stop flying?”

Internet saves the day
Paul noted the Internet was saving the day for frustrated artistes who were not hearing their work on the radio. He urged them to avail themselves on that site. He said: “There is an emerging medium…Facebook and the social networking sites. A lot of artistes are using it to promote their stuff. A lot of people have computers and cell phones with the social media and they are playing songs they want to hear from their favourite artiste. They are searching for artistes they want to hear.” Paul said it should be used as a spinoff to get work out of the Carnival season.

“After Carnival everybody knows those same stations switch off to play urban popular music from the North. The avalanche of tunes are lost.” He appealed to the conglomerates and the business community to intervene and assist the artistes. Meanwhile, Sutherland has sensibly taken advantage of the Internet and launched his work there. “It was launched on 500 radio stations worldwide. DJs and programme directors have access to it.”

the comments on the Guardian website tell various stories…

The majority of these songs are geared towards the Carnival season so why should they be played throughout the year? Carnival is not the time for an interesting thought provoking song. Soca is not the only genre of local music. Machel may be many things, but he doesn’t have international recognition outside of his genre eg. Barbados’ Rihanna and the handful of Jamaican artistes.

Machel Montano is killing Soca as much as he is helping it. We have now built an industry around 1 person. Beyond the shores of the specific Caribbean islands that play Soca and a diaspora in a few metropolitan cities Soca is virtually unknown and not taken seriously.

Worst yet is the fact that Trinidad Soca performers seem to want to run before they can walk. All of them seem to be hussling based upon their current hit fame, charging silly prices and making unreasonable demands for Limos, Grey goose and massive traveling entourages when they should be focusing on building their careers and getting exposure. As a result, only the non-Trini names have really made it into mainstream and usually for 1 or 2 songs. e.g. Kevin Little, Rupee, Alison Hinds. All of the others including Machel Montano still talk of going mainstream as if it is illusive Vision 2020.

Sadly enough, people who make money in Trinidad in general seem to be extremely narrow minded, usually contented with their small empires usually spanning the Caribbean and that’s it. This mentality is quite prevalant in the Entertainment and Music industry. I don’t see this changing anytime soon. So until then, Soca performers will continue to starve or be happy with thousands and not millions both money and fans, and we will only be wowed at Carnival time with a handful of large shows and call it a Soca music industry.

Its sad that it has come to this I agree that in order for this to change it must be made mandatory.
Its a real spring board and those with the high jump in terms of more money to spend win…once I contacted a station they said 9000 per month for air play think about it that’s 1500 us per month for air play think how many blasted struggling artiste can pay it, after the heavy cost of production.
I have seen first hand how stations refuse to play your songs, one program director told me a week of air play once a day was enough free play for that song lol
These people have made a new meaning to the word Payola it now called compulsory to make it lol….Oh well its up to the youths to come and change that
peace

and the crowning glory

Do like Iwer, start your own station

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Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann opt out of SOCA Monarch

TO ALL ASYLUM FANS
No Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons in Soca Monarch this year… 
This year their focus and objectives for carnival are a little different as is evident in the music. They recognize that Soca Monarch has done quite a lot for their careers and the careers of artistes on a whole and that William Munroe must be commended for all that he has done. Look out for Bunji Fay-Ann and the Asylum band at Girl Power on Fantastic Friday.

Thats what was posted to the Asylum Family facebook wall. Not once but Twice… over a 100 shares/likes/comments within minutes… i just had to laugh at some of the comments… especially the negative ones… constant reminder why this ROCK doesnt move forward and that i too am a crab in a barrel…

This also comes on the heels of Ravi B not entering the Chutney SOCA Monarch competition… totally unrelated to the bottle throwing incident last year… (crab in a barrel)…

some of the comments

Glad you all made dis decsion. After years of the same criteria as soon as MM said he is entering 15% of the pts is directed to texts via votes….making it a popularity competition…won’t there a separate people’s choice before? And opening voting from 8 am wen not one artiste hit the stage yet?? How on earth a young artise cud win a competion with such rules?. Clearly politrix!! Everyone knows HD’s popularity outside T&T is bigger than everyone else..in fact muro himself stated MM got more votes than any other…especially from foreign voters. The competition is already a tight one allowing 15% of the total pts based on voting will never allow young upcoming artiste whether they have the better song..or perform the best on the night to win. Bdw I highly doubt they didnt enter becus of HD because he’s not the first to defeat Garlin and Fayann in SM..Shurwayne, Iwer etc did it b4. It’s becus the competition is f’d up…say it as it is Asylum!

if Fay Ann and Bunji with god given personality and talent who have individually and between them a body of work that stands the test of time, catching gripe over the one hit wonders JW and Blaze, then I will eat my hat the big sombrero I buy in mexico city….steups

You will be missed but sometimes perspective changes on reflection. I believe you both would return. Ever since Bunji was in the green ras singing about Bras, he loved that stage and that competition so I expect a glorious return when the time is right. As for Munroe…….hold a burn!!!!!!! Easily the worst promoter ever. I am tired of wasting my VVIP funds on his…….

why bro??we depend on you to represent the grassroots every single year,you are the people’s voice and you are the people’s choice…think it over..

this show lack of commitment to the art form, one good cut arse and you all running,we know it hard to beat Mr Fete ,but at least try !!!! the vybez cant done!!!

you said it …. and the best toting couple goes to …….

i was backing u all for this,stuepsssssssss and when there is cheating like that high-class bullshit that happen last year,i eh give allyuh wrong nah,dey too blasted thief..i backing IWER full hundred now…..

This is the smartest thing they can do for themselves and their career.. #hadnochance

Bunji and Fayann wants to win all the time and dont want too give some else a chance since the JW and Blaze win that yr they change cant stand radio boys beat them

this one is from a seriously crazed facebooker… totally confusing

I always thought the criteria of entering Soca Monarch should be changed. WE are the ones paying to see the artistes perform fete after fete (no pun intended), supporting their music. It should be mandatory that all songs are eligible and a committee then votes to narrow it down. How can a competition that boasts to be the best of its type be “optional” for some of the best artistes?! Rubbish!

and finally

It’s the beginning of the end of soca monarch as we know it…….

hopefully that is right! allyuh done know my views on the policies of SOCA Monarch…

^_^ they calling me RUNAWAY

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Skhi – Can’t Stay Away

T&T Soca artiste Skhi’s Official Music Video for “Can’t Stay Away”.

Machel & Kes on PRES Honour Roll

Machel, Kes on Pres Honour Roll

Friday, January 13 2012

Soca artiste, and defending Soca Monarch, Machel Montano, right, shakes hands with Steven Samlalsingh, President of the Past Students’ Association of …

Defending Soca Monarch Machel Montano and Groovy Monarch Kes Dieffenthaller have made it on to the Presentation College past students’ Honour Roll alongside two former prime ministers and a retired judge, amongst others.

Dieffenthaller, lead vocalist of Kes the Band, was out of the country for the event. The two popular soca artistes were the latest persons named to the prestigious listing of the Past Students’ Association at a function on Wednesday evening at Mor Vino restaurant on Scott’s Street, San Fernando.

In 1985, former prime minister Basdeo Panday was named to the Honour Roll. Two years later, another former prime minister Patrick Manning, was similarly honoured by the Past Students’ Association. Retired judge, Anthony Lucky, and former Central Bank Governor Dr Euric Bobb are also members of the Honour Roll. Dieffenthaller, lead singer of Kes the Band, was not at Wednesday’s launch as he was out of the country.

Montano, of Machel Montano HD, accepted the honour on behalf of himself and Dieffenthaller. In an address, Montano said it was a special honour to be recognised by his alma mater. “I have received many accolades in my time and I feel very special for this one. I feel like I got it for going to school. I must say Pres has been recognised for education and football,” Montano said. He credited his successes in life to the discipline learnt while a student at the school.

“I owe my success to the discipline learnt at the school. Mr ( Errol) Jaikaransingh was one of the teachers who beat me for reaching to school late.

“The discipline made me become a good father, businessman, musician. I achieved nine subjects at Pres. Thank God I never had to use them. I never had to apply for a job,” he added. Commenting on his defence of the Soca Monarch title, Montano said his “chances are great.”

The Association also announced on Wednesday that its Carnival fete, PREStige — the Double Gold edition, will take place on January 29 at the College’s grounds, Carib Street, San Fernando from 3 pm to 10 pm.

A major highlight of the fete will be David Rudder.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/carnival_2012/0,153618.html

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