Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

  BY STEPHEN WEIR The Toronto Caribbean Carnival Launch: A New Era, a New Home, a New Auidence photo by Gilbert Medina The ribbon has been cut, the songs have been sung, and the costumes have been strutted. Make no mistake, as of 2 p.m. last Saturday, the 2024 Toronto Caribbean Carnival is officially underway! For the first time this century, the launch was not held at Nathan Phillips Square, and it wasn’t free. Patrice Roberts sings at opening at right - G. Medina Still, this change didn’t stop an estimated crowd of 2,000 from traveling out to the Scarborough Town Centre to take in the vibrant costumes, listen to live music, and indulge in Caribbean food. Speaking outdoors on a temporary parking lot stage, Jennifer Hirlehey, the executive director of the Festival Management Committee (FMC) and the festival, stated, “The FMC has made significant improvements over the last year.” In previous years, when the festival launched at City Hall, many important speakers would appear at Nat...

The Prince of Soca Takes Over Flow 98.7 ( my article in this week's Caribbean Camera ) In a blockbuster announcement, Dr. Jay, Canada's renowned Soca DJ, has revealed his return to live radio with his signature show, SocaTherapy airing on Flow 98.7 FM. Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 14th, from 6-9 pm, as Dr. Jay brings back the beats and vibes that make him the Prince of Soca. While his radio roots trace back to 2001 when he started at Flow FM, Dr. Jay is returning to a different Flow this time. The radio landscape in the city has evolved, and he will now be on what was formerly known as G-98.7, a station founded by the late Fitzroy Gordon. The new owners acquired the naming rights to Flow, the first Black radio station launched by Denham Jolly back in 2001. This Flow from Flow to the new Flow marking a unique twist in Dr. Jay's radio journey. Having spent a decade at the original FLOW, Dr. Jay reminisces about his radio experiences, including stints at G-98.7 and...

  Patrice - the art of the blur HEADS WE WIN, TAILS NYC LOSES AS FANS MIND THEIR BUSINESS LOUDLY Patrice on stage Patrice Roberts had to make a tough choice last Thursday: Should she come to Toronto and perform outdoors at the CNE Bandshell, or should she fly to New York City to attend the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards? Patrice chose Toronto, and the city is delighted that she did! Thursday marked Soca Night at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), where the Trinidad and Tobago singer headlined a special Soca concert at the Bandshell. It was an evening dedicated to celebrating the art form and marking Trinidad's 61st birthday. As for the Caribbean Music Awards, their loss was Toronto's gain. While Patrice was on stage performing for an estimated 6,000 people, she was named the Female Artist of the Year, and her music video "Mind My Business" won the SOCA Video of the Year Award. The skimpy chic leather-clad singer never stopped singing, and neither did the audien...