Ebuzz News
Archived: “Why Would I Play Anything Else? Soca’s In My DNA”- Red Bull Thre3 Style Champ, Deejay Puffy
Barbados’ Deejay Puffy is presently the talk of the Caribbean. Here’s what he told EBUZZTT on Monday, following his major victory at the Red Bull Thre3Style DJ Competition in Chile.
On Saturday night, in Santiago, Chile, Barbados super DJ, Deejay Puffy stole the global spotlight, after being chosen as the wild card at the Red Bull Thre3Style DJ competition. He went on to seal the deal, trumping other major competitors by delivering nothing short of a unique DJ set that was laced with rhythmic Soca beats, melodies and vibes that no other genre in the world, could compare to. He did it with Soca!
Prior to heading off to Chile for the competition, Deejay Puffy told fans, his move was in the name of CULTURE.
Puffy, in a post- win interview with EBUZZTT on Monday, said the feeling was on par with winning an Olympic medal in the 100 metre dash. “It’s monumental for not only myself but the Caribbean. It’s also monumental for the genre of Soca and I’m honored. It’s still somewhat surreal,” he said. He’d only moments before our chat, awaken and already his phone had been ringing off the hook.
The Bajan soundman whose name has somewhat become synonymous with the Bajan party and fete circuit, told EBUZZTT that when he submitted his video to be a wild card in the competition, he was chosen for a reason. “I was unique. I played Soca. My career has grown as a result of Soca music and that’s a part of me. That’s my style. I’m not a Soca DJ but I play Soca- I play everything,” he said. Puffy said while he prefers to be labeled as a more versatile DJ, he could and would never deny the Caribbean genre that is innate to his existence. “Soca is always in my sets. I can play at a 100% Soca party if I had to. It’s in my blood. It’s in my DNA. I’m from the Caribbean, why would I come here- and this is what I asked myself, why would they give me the opportunity to be here and I try to be like anyone else,” he said thoughtfully.
The 25-year-old had been challenged by other globally recognized DJs- among them, wild-card entrant Trapment, JFB from the UK, Australia’s, Beast Mode and You-Ki who repped for Japan. “So far, it’s still sinking in- it’s really still sinking in but I’m looking forward to carrying the torch as best as I can and this means so much to the Thre3Style culture as well because when you compare my style to the other winners in the previous years, it’s really different. I kinda took it back to pure party rockin’. I’m not as technical as the other guys, I’m not. I can be but you have to know your crowds and how to adjust and that’s what makes a great DJ- adaptability and the ability to read your crowd and I try to do that to the best of my ability.”
“Soca is always in my sets. I can play at a 100% Soca party if I had to. – DEEJAY PUFFY
DEEJAY PUFFY ON HIS ACHIEVEMENT
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.
