Ebuzz News
Archived: Soka With Her Set to Transform the Face of Carnival.
There’s word that women will be celebrated more than ever before in Carnival 2020. Women have always been the centre of attraction at Carnival and in 2020 it will be no different. With that in mind, carnival event powerhouse, Randy Glasgow Productions is set to unleash Soka With Her – a spankin’ new fete experience that’s ultimately going to change the Carnival vibe.
Glasgow’s team says the event will showcase Soca’s top tiered festival makers while also providing a platform for new and upcoming Soca hotties. New York City based Leonce Taylor, of the Request Band is set to make her big stage debut in T&T, at Soca With Her, something that will likely propel her to the next level in her soca career.
Soka With Her takes place on February 7th at the National Stadium in Port-of-Spain- Carnival’s Homebase. Among the big names set to bring the stage action are Nadia Batson, Fay Ann Lyons, Destra Garcia, and Patrice Roberts among many others. Glasgow says DJs and superstar artistes from across the Caribbean region, will delight fans of soca who’ll be stopping in T&T for the Greatest Show on Earth in 2020.
Nadia Batson, who’s been having a hell of a year and has already released approximately three new singles for C2K20, says she’s excited to bring her A game to Soka With Her. “Women have always provided that spirited, vibrant spice in Carnival. I admire the women of Soca, not only the ones who are dominating the stage right now, but the ones who came before us as well. I’ll be performing at “Soka with Her” alongside my all female band, Sass. I’m always excited to showcase female musicianship, so you can expect nothing but pure energy,” said the ‘FATT’ singer.
The event will feature a select cast of male soca artistes to compliment the show, assured Glasgow, explaining that the event will be everything patrons look forward to at carnival and then some. “Get ready for something really special. We’re pulling out the stops and bringing true entertainment to T&T again!”
For more details on Soka With Her, visit Facebook and Instagram, keyword Soka With Her.
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.
