Carnival on the isle of spice is upon us again. Preparations are well on their way for the festival season on the island of Grenada. The series of events which form part of Grenada Carnival 2012 activities are set to launch on June 2nd at the National Stadium, with the opening of the “Spicemas Carnival City” carded for June 14th. The Spicemas 2012 Corporation has dubbed this year’s Carnival theme as: Uniquely Rooted in Our Rich Ancestral Traditions. Shortknee: Legacy of the Chantuelle.

The Shortnee, a mask wearing icon of Grenada’s Carnival 2012 renowned for their knee trousers which are made of brightly colored cotton fabric will play a huge part of the celebrations. The calendar of events for the island’s celebration will include the Soca Monarch Quarter Finals and Semi Finals, Groovy Semifinals, Children’s Carnival Frolic, Calypso Soca Monarch, Carnival Monday’s J’ouvert celebration, Monday Night Mas, and Tuesday’s Parade of the Bands.

The official calendar of events celebrating Grenada’s culture, music and dance will span from June 2nd to August 14th 2012. Although each parish on the island will feature its own “mas”, the main Carnival activities will be found in and around the streets of the capital city of St. George’s. Thousands of spectators both local and from abroad will line the city streets on Carnival Monday and Tuesday to view the popular Jab Jab and Mas Parade. The costume bands will be in full parade with their bold colors and will be surrounded by live pulsating music.

Imagine one place where Caribbean people can have access to all their favorite tunes. Imagine further that this place will allow them to not only listen to, download, and hear their favorite tunes, but also allows them to interact with their favorite artists, and see live shows as well. Imagine no further, as this once upon a mirage is now a reality.

The website Numusiczone.com propelled forward earlier this year. The site has answered the call, and through its recent collaborations with other Caribbean websites, is affording persons throughout the region and beyond the ability to get closer to their local artists and have access to even more of the music that they enjoy.

The site, which boasts of a myriad of regional bands and individual performers, affords patrons the opportunity to download songs of their choosing instantly to their computer. A true Caribbean I-Tunes of sort in the making. Additionally, with the broadcasting of their video production, “Behind the Music”, the site is proving to be a premier marketing site for Caribbean artists. The thirty minute video show is seen throughout the Caribbean region, in twenty one countries, and enters over 1.5 million homes. The episode delves into the lives of the musical artists. The audience is taken on a musical journey where they get to spend time with the artists and learn about them through their words. The motivational forces behind their music, their vision, and of course the sources of their inspiration are all key items of focus, during the thirty minute segment. What better way for an artist to be recognized than by bringing this artist closer to his or her fans?

The site features Caribbean music of different genres from Calypso, to Reggae, to Zouk and even Gospel. Through its popularity, the site is allowing its patrons to get a more in depth look at their favorite artists. Understanding of the cultural makeup of the artist, their background, and where they have come from as musical geniuses allows the audiences to not only form a deeper connection, but also allows for a greater appreciation of these artists as well.

Visitors to the site will also be able to purchase other live video content for minimal prices, and view shows as they are happening. The hope is that international recognition will also result from the word of mouth notoriety of the website.

The benefits to the region of the Numusiczone website cannot be denied. Artists from different countries now have an outlet to put their unique musical talent on display, and will prosper from the exposure brought to them both within their own domain, and throughout. The bonds of unity between Caribbean people will be further strengthened through the power of music.

Caiso, Caiso, Caiso for so! After a stellar 2011 it could not be imagined that the calypsonians in Dominica could create greater lyrics. However these master lyricists have proven that they can top even their best. The catchy tunes and insightful lyrics of the 2012 calypsos have already made their way across the airwaves and into the hearts and minds of many fans.

The 2012 season was off to a great start with the Calypso Quarter Finals. 33 calypsonians brought their best forward to compete at the event held at the Newton Savannah on Saturday January 21st. Calypsonians put their most prized efforts on display all in the hopes of winning a spot towards the calypso finals. While only 20 would make their way through the gate to calypso star-power, mention must be made of some of the key highlights of the show.

The show was off to a bang start at 8:30pm and was hosted by Alex Bruno. Newcomer to the stage, “Vigilante” moved the crowd with his “Back to Front” rendition. He was followed by seasoned veteran the “Third Eye”. Another newcomer to the stage, “Black Diamond” engaged the crowd with his song “Pit Toilet” which was filled with stirring and thought provoking verses.

The night was energized with music of both the up-tempo and slow variety. A key highlight which must be noted is the calypsonian “Sye”, who not only sang his moving song “Fire”, but dressed the part as well, in his Fireman attire.

As the show progressed, there was no denying that it would be truly a daunting task on the judges to select the finalists. Mention must be made also of newcomer “Checko” with his rocking tune “AM/PM”. The seasoned veterans could not be forgotten. Hunter bellowed tunes about the “Asphault”, while “Young Bull” argued that we were suffering from “Mediocrity”.
The mighty “Dice”, dressed in his Grammar School uniform pled his case for “Teachers”.

In the end, it was the 2 newcomers plus 18 other calypsonians who were selected. “Black Diamond”, “Checko”, “Hunter”, “Scrunter”, “Jamma B”, “Webb”, “Vigilante”, “Comforter”, “Bobb”, “Triumph”, “Soul Puss”, “Checker”, “Observer”, “Pickie”, “Dice”, “Logars”, “Sye”, “Caressa”, “Explosion” and “Peter Pross” will all compete at the Semi-Finals carded for February 4th. Who amongst the chosen shall be selected to do battle with the Queen? Your guess is as good as mine.

Dominica News Online has come to be known as a source for all things Dominican particularly in respect to current and up to date news and events on the island. The site has become a mainstay in many Dominican homes and prides itself on its ability to keep the people informed. What could be better than being able to access Dominican news from any corner of the globe you may ask? The answer? Being able to access Dominican music and shows in conjunction with the news. With that concept in mind, Numusiczone.com propelled forward earlier this year. The site has answered the call, and through its collaboration with Dominica News Online, is affording Dominicans and non-Dominicans alike, the opportunity to enjoy their usual literary news package, with the added bonus of local and regional musical content as well.

Growing up, during the Carnival season, there was nothing more appealing than being able to hear the sweet melodious bellows of calypsos resonating through the air waves. On the night of the Calypso Finals, it was customary to hear those sweet sounds echoing across the Roseau river, straight to one’s eardrums. A sound truly divine and exquisite.

For some Dominicans, the ability to hear those raw symphonies exists only as a memory. Many have chosen paths which have led to places outside of our native country. However, in this global technological age, not being physically on the island is no longer a hindrance to being able to enjoy and participate in what one’s country has to offer

The union between Numusiczone.com and Dominica News Online has illuminated Dominica, the people, and talent simultaneously. Numusiczone.com affords patrons the opportunity to download their favorite local music instantly to their computer. A true Caribbean I-Tunes of sort in the making. Additionally, the showcasing of video content from Numusiczone.com is also now a part of the total package being offered through the collaboration.

Numusiczone’s video production, “Behind the Music”, is a thirty minute video show seen throughout the Caribbean region, in 21 countries, and enters over 1.5 million homes. The episode delves into the lives of artists from Dominica and the region. This is a premier marketing tool being used to promote local calypsos, calypsonians and musicians of other genres of music alike. The program, places the spotlight on the local artists. The audience is able to spend one on one time with them and learn about them through their words. What motivates them as artists, their vision, influences and of course their sources of inspiration. What better way for an artist to be recognized than by bringing this artist closer to his or her fans?

Numusizcone.com is allowing its patrons to not only get a more in depth look at their favorite artists, but it is also allowing for the development of a more interpersonal relationship. Understanding of the cultural makeup of the artist, their background, and where they have come from as musical geniuses allows the audiences to not only form a deeper connection, but also allows for a greater appreciation of these artists as well. From inception to production, we are able to see our favorite local stars on full display.

Such a unique intermingling of news and music entertainment will produce benefits for the larger community as well. If you are one of those that still has the desire to hear the sweet calypsos in your ear, Numusiczone.com is affording its clientele the opportunity, for minimal prices to view live calypso shows and tents. Visitors to the site will also be able to purchase other live video content for minimal prices, and view shows as they are happening. Who needs to be in Carnival City? When Carnival City will be right there live and direct in your living room.

International recognition will also result from the word of mouth notoriety of the Numusiczone and Dominica News Online connection. As we have already noted, most ex-patriots throughout the Diaspora and abroad utilize Dominica News Online as their source for news and information. Through the collaboration with Numusiczone it is hopeful that Caribbean people will now know that they have a one stop location to go to for local and regional music as well. The aim is that this musical and video content will be shared amongst friends and family. Regional notoriety will hopefully open the doors for international recognition.

Who can forget WCK’s “Conch-shell” and the song’s ability to transcend territorial boundaries. The Dominica News Online – Numusiczone.com collaboration will hopefully create a Conch-shell like appeal. Patrons to the Dominica News Online site will be soothed by local calypsos and music, and being able to view their local artists up close and personal will strengthen the public’s interest in these artists and thus the willingness to support them.

The myriad of benefits as a result of the marriage between Dominica News Online and Numusiczone.com cannot be denied. Our local artists will not only prosper from the exposure, but the bonds of unity between our people will further be strengthened through the power of music. As English novelist, Aldous Huxley so eloquently put it “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.”

Stardom 2012 Calypso Compilation

Who else is looking forward to 2012 Dominica Calypso Season?

Over 50 Calypsonians entering eliminations makes this year the highest in participation ever.

Court verdicts, drug arrests, and Sour Sour aside, 2012 is set to be the most talked about year to date.

Our first Dominica Calypso 2012 album comes from Stardom Tent.  Featuring Wok Sok, Scrunter, Black Diamond, Explosion, Comforter, Unwanted and Son Of The Saint, this album sets the stage for an interesting season.

Listen to Stardom Tent – 2012 Dominica Calypso here.

Former Calypso King De Hunter is one of twelve calypsonians who made it past the elimination round of the 2012 Calypso Monarch competition held on Sunday night.

The calypsonians who made it to the quarterfinals are: Lightning , Triumph, Web, Hunter, Vigilante, Checko, Pickie, Black Diamond, Scrunter, Jamma B, Derros and Comforter.

Calypso King Tasha P will not be challenged by any other female calypsonian as none of the female competitors at the eliminations were able to secure a spot in the next round of the competition.

Some fifty-four calypsonians took part in the eliminations.

Dancehall music downloads

If you are spellbound by the buoyant and rocking genre of dancehall music, you definitely need to add new collections of artists of this culture. Dancehall Music has been thoroughly influential on masses, ever since the theme was incepted and has surpassed all other genres during many important release periods. These are stupendous Jamaican musical flavors, and they are exceptionally entertaining to help you shake with every beat of the music. Being a member of this dancehall music downloads community, you are sure to enjoy some of the best sparse version of reggae. The music is loud and clear, and you would be substantially taken care of by this exceptional musical opus. The rhythms are fast and as the beat increases every moment you can feel your heart pounding simultaneously. In spite of being debated on lyrics, Dancehall music has a loyal group of followers who stick to the genre for its unparalleled sensuality and roughness.

Being a member of dancehall music downloads you can easily get familiar with artists like Elephant Man and Brent John. They are some of the most captivating performers in the genre of Dancehall Music specialty. In case of this music type, the sound keeps on changing automatically, and artists have always given their best in building a connection between Rastafari and Dancehall. With your stern focus, you would notice Bandana performing at his best in his new album Re-Born having the greatest dancehall tracks.

However, to know more about these Dancehall captivating musical solos and the streaming artists in line, you are cordially invited to join the party of Dancehall Music downloads. You can also enjoy yourself with Emanuel who is truly an iconic rock star and can hit the music hard for your better entertainment. Be a member of dancehall party and rock yourself tonight. If you are talking about an internationally famous Dancehall artist, you cannot at all go without mentioning the name of Chantman. His musical downloads are known for getting sold like hot cakes. He is being admired for his inexplicable and magnetic voice quality.

So, it is the time that you feel the nerves of dancehall music downloads artists and make sure to join the forum and share the sensual and upbeat Jamaican flavors to the lovers of party and rock music. For easy downloads, and to know more about Dancehall music stalwarts, make sure to click here: http://www.numusiczone.com/genre.php?genre=Dancehall

LIME Dominica has been staging CITP at the Botanical gardens in Roseau for the past 9 years. On the verge of the 10th anniversary which promises to be a real extravaganza, NMZ thought it fitting to sit down with the organizers and reflect on the journey thus far, while at the same time indulging in this years festivities.

Ras Shorty - Creator of Soca Music

Created in 1963 in Trinidad and Tobago, Soca music is a development of traditional Trinidadian calypso first  created by Ras Shorty. Many people think Soca music was created by blending calypso and soul music. There is a misconception that Lord Shorty called soca ‘soul calypso’. Lord Shorty meant to say that soca was the “soul of calypso” but to make it short he called it “Soca”. This word was derived by blending the first two letters of “Soul” and “Calypso”. The soca music has evolved from a fusion of calypso, cadence and Indian instruments like dhantal, table, etc.

The Evolution of Soca

Soca music has evolved over the years like all other genres. Numusiczone.com is your one stop for information and everything that one needs related to soca music downloads, calypso music, steel drum music and Caribbean carnival. This includes albums, artists, charts, lyrics, news, radio stations, songs and videos. One can listen and dance to the new and old tunes whenever one wishes to either during Carnival or off-season. There are loads of soca songs to download as well as artist video interviews with the most popular soca artists.

Soca Music Artists

Soca has spread around the world like a hurricane after several crossover hits by the Soca performers Arrow and Kevin Lyttle. The number of soca performers is also very popular. The soca continues to evolve into new musical forms. One can expose the soca songs to the world and help spread the music virally. One can experience the reactions of fans and visitors. There are various sites where one can download the soca music.  Here are some of the best Soca Artists:

• Machel Montano
• Lil Rick
• Benjai
• Destra
• Onyan & Burning Flames
• Sparrow

The biggest tunes are featured here from every soca music artist as well as steel drum music from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Grenada and Dominica.  The best site to download the soca music is numusiczone.com. It is really a great way one can stay up to date. This blog is written for all the soca music enthusiasts. This is the portal to soca album downloads, artists, charts, ringtones, songs and videos. One can enjoy the sweet soca music fun.

Anyone who is a 2011 soca music download enthusiast can visit http://numusiczone.com/genre.php?genre=soca.