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Exclusive cultural and political content highlighting issues affecting the Caribbean diaspora

True Masqueraders

True Masqueraders

Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)

I have been to Toronto many times for many reasons, but my favorite reason for venturing to T-Dot is Toronto's Caribbean Carnival (better known as Caribana).  This year, I resolved to not only sit on the sidelines and watch the parade from behind a giant fence, but to don the revealing costume and play mas. 

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Today I'm Feeling Nice
caribbean, culture, dance, festival, Music, Soca andtechgroup caribbean, culture, dance, festival, Music, Soca andtechgroup

Today I'm Feeling Nice

AWAKE 3.0 Boat Ride

“Who goes to a party at 7am on a Sunday morning?”

“Umm... I do.”

At a friend’s wine & cheese housewarming in the Bronx on Saturday, I told my friends that I needed to call it an early night as I had to get up early to go to a party.  The facial expressions cannot be captured in print, but suffice it to say they seemed concerned for my sanity.  Yes, although I do not usually party on Sundays (aside from Carnival getaways), I decided that Freeze International’s annual morning boat ride would be worth the penance.

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The Beginning of the Endless Summer

The Beginning of the Endless Summer

Memorial Weekend 2014 Parties

After such a long and difficult winter season, New Yorkers were ready for warm temperatures and outdoor parties.  Rather than firing up the grill or heading to southern beaches as so many typically do, DysChick took to the streets of Brooklyn for a weekend of parties featuring great deejays from around the world, live soca performances, and most importantly anti-stush revelers.  If this is the kickoff to New York’s summer party season, I’m ready for an endless summer.

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Big People Party
andtechgroup andtechgroup

Big People Party

Farmer Nappy's Album Release at SOBs

It’s official.  Farmer Nappy’s “Big People Party” album is out!  Last night, the soca star took to the stage at SOBs and wowed the crowd with an unforgettable show to promote the album.  I know it is not a good idea to head to work on a Monday exhausted because you were partying until 12:30am the night before, but I don't care.  I drank, I danced, I had a ball! 

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We Want Drinks
brooklyn, caribbean, culture, dance, Music, New York, Soca andtechgroup brooklyn, caribbean, culture, dance, Music, New York, Soca andtechgroup

We Want Drinks

LUSH Drinks-Inclusive Party

It is true that you can't judge a book by its cover.  If I had, I probably would not have gone inside the brownstone on East New York Avenue.  My initial thought was "who sells tickets to a basement party?"  Surprisingly, this basement party was one of the best events I have been to this year!  Good music and an abundance of good drinks make for an amazing night.  Big up Fusion Karnival and everyone involved in making LUSH an epic event!

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I's A Feter To Meh Heart

I's A Feter To Meh Heart

Dr. Jay's Return Fete in Toronto

I tried my best to resist the allure of yet another Dr. Jay fete in Toronto.  I told myself that I was not going to force myself to brave my fear of flying just to go to a party.  But then, the artists were announced.  The "Partier5 Star Akil, Miss "Bad Influence" herself Nadia Batson along with her baby sis JoJo of SASS, Chutney soca artist Ravi B., New York's own Lyrikal was going to lock it down with Groovy Soca Monarch Kerwin DuBois.  Arrgh!  Yep.  Looks like I had to take a shot of liquor and fly out to Toronto for "Return Fete." 

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Madd Sick
andtechgroup andtechgroup

Madd Sick

DJ Young Chow's MADD SICK pt.11 

On Saturday, January 25th, the cold and snow made daily activities so undesirable that I figured DJ Young Chow's MADD Sick would have a less than impressive turnout.  I admittedly underestimated Young Chow's allure.  Brooklyn's Pulse 48 was completely packed!  The online buzz about this party was so ridiculous that the VIP beds were completely sold out early (glean from that what you will).  Massive BSteelie BashmentPantrin VybezDJ MagicRoad International, and Big Show Squad entertained the sold out crowd until the wee hours of the morning.

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Did you walk with your flag?
andtechgroup andtechgroup

Did you walk with your flag?

MLK Weekend Review 

As a feter, the decrease in anti-stush parties is interesting to me.   If you follow me on Twitter or FaceBook, you know that I frequent Dr. Jay's epic events in Toronto.  These parties often have flag-waving, powder-flinging crews donning flat shoes and short pants.  So if Dr. Jay is producing these kinds of parties in Toronto, why are they dying out in New York?

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