Ebuzz News
Archived: A Quick 2020 Recap and Nadia Batson Says It’s Time to Speak More Positively.
The end of 2020 comes with a desire by most, to see and experience a New Year that’s far removed from what the last 10 months or so have delivered. It’s been a rough year, to say the least. COVID-19, along with US government elections, exhausted countless people around the world.
In Trinidad and Tobago, crime and an influx of Venezuelan migrants amid the Covid-19 pandemic and its accompanying restrictions, aggravated many. The feelings of Trinbagonians were aired on social media daily.
Internationally, Kobe Bryant’s sudden death and that of his daughter and 7 others aboard a helicopter, at the start of the year seemed surreal. Followed by the passing of Black Panther actor, Chadwick Boseman in August, the year went from 0-100 pretty quickly.
This was also the year that saw Nicki Minaj visit her homeland, Trinidad and Tobago with her hubby, for Carnival. There was a little drama there too – jolly ole’ Iwer George’s name being dragged into the digital debates, but we’ll quickly skip that part and recall that months after Nicki’s return to the US when she revealed her pregnancy and later popped out a bouncing baby boy. She celebrated his 3 months of life earlier this week!
COVID-19 came with the harsh reality that the entertainment sector in Trinidad and Tobago would be hard hit. Travel restricted and large gatherings made illegal, entertainers and others who depend on the industry for their livelihoods, stared financial impediment straight in the face. Overseas, some Caribbean artistes did what they felt they needed to, to earn and take care of their families. The post T&T carnival 2020 reality seemed a far cry from the harsher truth that would present itself by September. Many had forgotten the blissful hysteria caused by Machel Montano and his wife Renee, mere months earlier when they tied the knot at the Red House in Port-of-Spain, followed up with “The Wedding” at Machel Monday, which Montano had signalled would’ve been the final instalment of the annually anticipated concert event. It’s been an unforgiving year, but even so, there may be a silver lining….
“I always try to understand what the true message is, in every challenging situation. To many, 2020 will be dubbed THE WORST YEAR EVER, but to me, this year has taught me a great deal about myself in terms of my strength, my resilience, my talents and my ability to adapt, shift and conquer,” soca hit maker Nadia Batson says.
Batson has been an excellent example of true resilience in 2020. She started her own YouTube channel – Yellow Cow TV and together with Digicel, she served her community with her Wonder Woman Wednesday series.
“As we look ahead, I want to encourage others to always look at the glass as half full and start speaking more positivity, prosperity and goodness over our lives,” she urged, adding, “There is a lesson to be learnt from every single situation that you may go through. Trust yourself, trust God and get rid of self doubt. We haven’t made it this far to only make it this far.“
We concur! As we end the year 2020, we here at EBUZZTT.COM wish you and your families, friends and loved ones, an abundance of healing, life and health, happiness and fruitfulness in 2021. What is done is done and we cannot return to 2020 but we can make 2021 a year of forgiveness, love and spiritual awakening… as Nadia said, “Trust God!”
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.
