Ebuzz News
Archived: Buju Banton’s Legacy Lives. Fans, Artistes Say Freedom Is A Must.
Jamaican reggae and dancehall superstar, Mark Myrie- Buju Banton, will be released from US Federal prison in December 2018. For the past eight years, fans of the artiste known for mega hits such as, ‘Not An Easy Road,’ ‘Hills and Valleys,’ ‘Untold Stories’, ‘Driver’ and countless others, have yearned for the release of their champion. On Saturday night in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, the plea for Buju’s release resonated strongly again- this as conscious music lovers gathered as one, at the Hasely Crawford Training Grounds in Trinidad for Redemption 3.
Fans of Buju Banton say, Freedom is a must!
Buju’s music has maintained widespread airplay in Trinidad and Tobago. At Saturday’s concert, headline artistes Sanchez and Morgan Heritage called on fans to show their support for the reggae hit maker who was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being charged and convicted with conspiracy to distribute, and possession of more than five kilograms of cocaine. Gramps Morgan, in his solo rendition of the ’23rd Psalm’, which he had collaboratively recorded with Buju for Banton’s ‘Unchained Spirit’ album in August 2000 sang, ‘and in Jah’s house, forevermore, my brederen Buju shall be…” It was a magnificent moment that received genuine applause from every corner of the venue.
Throughout the night, Buju Banton’s music was played by DJs who simply understood that a reggae show of that magnitude would be nothing without the sounds and songs of a man who has contributed immensely to the Caribbean music genre. On Buju Banton’s ‘Bujuofficial’ Instagram account, some 49,000 fans keep abreast of his life, his thoughts, his musings. In recent days, the artiste has been sharing fan art, promoting the work of his sons and as always, sharing positive messages. A photo of the artiste posted on May 22nd was captioned, “Others cannot keep you from your purpose. People don’t determine your destiny. God does.”
The conviction held within the hearts of Buju Banton fans around the world, is certainly proof than only God determines his destiny. Now, the world waits for his freedom, many constantly chanting, ‘Freedom for Gargamel, is a must.’
EBUZZTT Writer: Aba A. Luke
Music News
Vybz Kartel To Headline Reggae Sumfest This Year, Alongside Mavado. New Album, ‘God & Time’ Set for June Release.
One of the most influential artists in dancehall history, Vybz Kartel, marks a defining new chapter with his forthcoming album God & Time, slated for release June 5th, 2026.
In recent weeks, dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel has been receiving some backlash online after sharing videos of himself wearing a bonnet while dancing in his underwear and a robe. The noise increased after he shared it a second time, almost taunting his detractors and making it clear that he is rich and does not care for the unsolicited comments of naysayers. Fast forward days later and like magic, the artiste’s pre-album release publicity stunt ushers in the release of his forthcoming album God & Time, set for a June 5th release. Kartel ain’t no fool.
The upcoming album is symbolic for the artiste who spent 13 years behind bars in Jamaica and was only released in 2024. It is being touted as his most personal and sonically expansive body of work since his release. The album will span genres and features an all star lineup of artistes including, Puerto Rican superstar Farruko, Jamaica’s Skillibeng, and Shenseea, with more artistes to be included.
In a media release, it is highlighted that throughout God & Time, Vybz Kartel moves seamlessly between personal reflections, hard-hitting dancehall anthems, sensual records for the ladies, genre-bending crossover records, and rare moments of vulnerability. It adds that it is inspired by the Jamaican expression “God & Time”—rooted in faith, patience, and destiny—and reflects the artiste’s survival, rebirth, and creative freedom.
The title track evokes the same introspective tone as Kartel’s most streamed post-release hit “God Is The Greatest,” which has surpassed 30 million video views year-to-date.
Produced by longtime collaborator TJ Records alongside Kartel, the album reunites the creative team behind Viking (Vybz Is King) (2015) and King of the Dancehall (2016), which included the RIAA Gold-certified hit “Fever.” God & Time will be released via TJ Records / Vybz Kartel Muzik and distributed by Zojak World Wide.
In support of the new album, Vybz Kartel will headline Reggae Sumfest on July 18th, alongside Mavado, reuniting two dancehall icons whose rivalry defined the genre throughout the 2000s in a landmark moment for Jamaican music and culture.
Ebuzz News
Denise Belfon Thanks Drake’s ‘OVO’ Team for Inclusion of Her ‘Work’ on New Track.
Canadian rapper, Drake is once again teaming up with Caribbean entertainers, delivering a brand new album called, ‘Maid of Honor,’ which is now available on all streaming platforms. It was one of three albums the artiste simultaneously dropped on May 15th – the other two being ICEMAN and HABIBTI.
One of the singles on ‘Maid of Honor,’ called ‘BBW’ features the work of Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, Denise ‘Saucy Wow’ Belfon – her 1998 track, ‘Work.’
The lyrics, ‘Put Yuh Back in It’ became a trending expression on TikTok in 2020 when it became a challenge on the popular platform. That viral opportunity six years ago, led to the song’s resurgence and Belfon’s name being called by younger generations whose parents, aunts and uncles would’ve more than likely grown up on her music and performances in the Caribbean. Fast forward to 2026, and Belfon is once again enjoying a viral moment as news broke that her song had been sampled by Drake. “Everything is legitimate and I want to thank the team – Fabian Alfonso, a copyright specialist out of Trinidad and Tobago ; He was very instrumental in making this deal become reality, said Belfon in a chat with Ebuzztt, before expressing gratitude to several other instrumental people, and Drake’s OVO team.
In 2022, dancehall artiste, Shenseea and rapper, Megan Thee Stallion also sampled ‘Work’ on the single, ‘Lick.’ Belfon, who lives in New York, had, at that time, attended a release party at a nightclub in New York, where Shenseea acknowledged the Soca artiste’s influence on the new release.
The Maid of Honor album delivers 14 singles and added to T&T’s Denise Belfon, Jamaican artiste, Popcaan is also featured on a single called, ‘Amazing Shape.’
Denise Belfon’s personality and charisma has, for a very long time, made her a fan favorite in the Caribbean. A vocal powerhouse and unique stage performer, she has stood the test of time in the Soca music industry, having created massive soca anthems like ‘Work,’ ‘Wine and Bend Over’ and ‘Wining Queen’ among countless other flavorful singles.
