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Featuring...
Anslem Douglas (Soca/Calypso)
Malika Booker (Spoken Word)
Nicholai La Barrie (Rapso)

Caribbean artists brought from home every month... this is the idea behind this new venture in London. Something different to the normal party scene according to one of the organizers. Acts have been lined up well into the next few months for these events which will take place on the last Saturday of each month. TJJ went down to this, the first one which featured well known TnT recording artist Anslem Douglas - of course of the original "Who Let the Dogs Out" fame (yes, Baha Men didn't produce the song 1st).

The venue was the Epicurean Lounge in EC London, a smallish place and maybe not the best layout, but the idea was for the performances to be intimate. We got there early and a few people were there just liming and ting. We went downstairs to the basement and found Hassan hiding out down dey with his selection of Trini food.

The performances began about 11-ish to a small crowd with spoken word artist Malika Booker starting off. Her first piece was a passionate poetry reading and she followed it up with a very funny story about Lucky 'The Sweetman' and how he finally get the gyul who was playing hard to get! Malika (www.myspace.com/malikaunplanned) is a well know writer and performer based in London and currently has a show at the Battersea Arts Centre.

After a break, we were introduced to Nicholai La Barrie (www.myspace.com/nicholailabarrie) - Revolutionary Rapso man! He did a quite lively set including "Reasoning", "Army of One" and "Thief Head" - a commentary about de Smelter plant situation in Trinidad now. Perhaps though the surprise star of the night was a new and yet unnamed band (a prize for the best name is on offer!). Lead singer Chantelle treated the crowd to covers of "My Love is Your Love" (Whitney Houston) and then the favourite "Roll It" (Alison Hinds), displaying her big voice and rolling skills.

After being away from the game for a few years, Sir Anslem Douglas recently made his comeback with a new album. One very noticeable thing about his performance on the night was his versatility, as he sang a variety of songs, from slow and melodic to the more upbeat "Ragga Pum Pum" and "Who Let the Dogs Out". All throughout he kept the crowd thoroughly entertained and melted many women's hearts with his voice - especially during his "Oooh Ahhhh" song. His latest CD "Remember Me" is a must for fans of this great performer (www.trinijunglejuice.com/anslem_cd_launch).

Well that was it for the night. A small turnout but a good start nonetheless and should improve once the word gets around.

-- TJJ UK Team