MAY 22

The Soca season promises to be scorching hot this year if two of the early releases are an indication of things to come. The parish of St. David's is in the early lead for Soca supremacy with two of its stalwarts enjoying favorable response to two tunes that promises to take Grenada's Soca music to the next level.

Sheldon Douglas and his infectious groove tune entitled "One More Chance" has the three times Soca Monarch champion on the top of his game.

Critics and fans alike all agree that this tune may be Sheldon's best effort to date and the response so far indicates that he has a hit that will make waves beyond the 2004 Carnival season. Papa Jerry known for his biting lyrics and no holds barred approach to his song writing has also created some early season buzz with a skillfully written number entitled, "My Time Now", Touching on issues ranging from the politics of the artform to the national political issues, Jerry once again has the Grenadian public hanging on to his every utterance.

With a full CD of more punishing lyrics and catchy rhymes, one can expect 2004 to be a year in which Papa Jerry solidifies his position as one of the Nation's top performers and composers.

There are also a couple of riddims that are stirring up much conversation within the recording industry here in Grenada. A group of local businessmen have undertaken a project to assist young local artistes with their recordings for the 2004 Carnival season.

Out of that effort the "Spice Riddim" was born. Grenada can expect a host of developing and promising talent on the riddim along with some of the veterans in the Soca arena. Additionally, the producers of the "Made In Grenada" CD is at it again. A re-make of the Moss International 1991 hit Jambalasie has given birth to the "Jambalasie Riddim". In the 2004 version of the riddim, the original drum and conch shell patterns are maintained while the accompanying music was updated.

Tallpree, Inspector & Baby Killer and Eggies have already recorded their offerings on the riddim. Grenada's Soca music is on the move and that fact will manifest itself in an even more impressive and convincing way in 2004.