Memorial Day is fast approaching, leaving many options for those of us in Florida. In the South Florida area, the 13th Annual Reggae Soca Music Awards will be held Saturday, May 27 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The finalists are as follows:

In the Best Male Soca Artiste you have from Barbados, Rupee and Edwin Yearwood, and from Trinidad, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin and Shurwayne Winchester. Rupee’s “What Happens in the Party,” made a strong presence, even though it was released in 2004. Edwin released music on Krosfyah’s album, and did well with his remake of, “All Aboard,” featuring Bunji Garlin. The remake is unique because Edwin originally wrote the song for Tony Prescott and Atlantik. In addition to the music he released with Krosfyah, Edwin released his 2nd solo CD, and received good play with, “Weekend.” Machel did well in 2005 with his collaborations with Doug E Fresh and Wyclef. Bunji Garlin won the Soca Monarch Competition with “Blaze De Fire.” Shurwayne took the Road March title in 2005 with “Dead or Alive.” The competition is stiff, so I look forward to seeing the winner.

Up for the Best Soca Group, are bands from St. Kitts (Nu-Vybes), Barbados (Krosfyah), Virgin Islands (Jam Band), and Trinidad (Xtatik). While I enjoy soca from all parts, I think Krosfyah and Xtatik had the strongest offering for 2005. In the Best New Artiste category, you have Barbados’ Mr. DJ that gave us, “Waistline Shots.” It was a strong roadmarch contender in Barbados, placing second. Also nominated is Elvis White from the British Virgin Islands. Their song, “Sexy Waist,” has been receiving good rotation in fetes. They’ve also received good reviews over their live performances. From Trinidad, Mini Priest’s, “Body Water,” has also done well over the year and he’s also nominated as a new artiste. The only new female in this category is Knycky Cordner who did fairly well with her song, “Wet Me.” If I had to choose who will win in this category, I’d go with Elvis White. They’ve made quite a name for themselves in a short period of time. They had a good performance during Miami Carnival and if you get the opportunity to attend this year’s awards ceremony, they will be performing for the event.

In the best Female Soca Artiste, are Alison Hinds, Destra Garcia, Denise Belfon, and Claudette Peters. While Destra did well with her song Fly, Alison made a very strong presence with her song, “Roll.” The song is still receiving heavy rotation in fetes and radio. The Best Song category is a bit unusual given their releases. Edwin Yearwood and Jamesy P’s songs are both from 2004. Jamesy P has a good chance of winning, as he was signed to a record label last year and released a remix of his song, “Nookie,” in 2005. For the Best Soca Combination, the decision is tough because all songs received good reviews. Natahlee & Shontelle’s, “Colors,” won Barbados’ Party Monarch Competition and Road March. All Aboard by Edwin Yearwood, featuring Bunji Garlin, did well as did Machel’s collaboration with Doug E. Fresh, “We Not Giving Up.” Also nominated and Bunji Garlin and Patrice Roberts, with “The Islands.” I haven’t a clue as to who should win, so I commend the judges for being able to pick one.

For more information and a full list of the nominees, the web address is www.reggaesocamusicawards.com. This Friday is the Island Xpress in Tampa. The 2nd Annual V.I. Family Day is this Sunday in Orlando. Orlando is also having their carnival with some of the biggest names in soca: Machel Montano, Shurwayne Winchester, Destra, Bunji, Fayanne Lyons, and many more. For more info on any of the Central Florida events, check www.smallislandmassive for fete info. Also coming up Memorial Day Weekend is KMC live and direct from Trinidad at the Bayside Hut. For more info, log onto www.partycyandone.com. Have a safe and fun weekend everyone!