Ebuzz News
T&T’s DJ Charlotte, Others Join Campaign to End “Period” Stigma.
U by Kotex will launch a campaign aimed at addressing period stigma on International Women’s Day, Wednesday 8th March 2023.
This latest public awareness initiative includes a powerful cast and crew that includes well-known Trinidad and Tobago personalities, including music aficionado DJ Charlotte, former beauty queen and media personality Yia-Loren Gomez, marketing professional Laura Narain, radio personality Virmala ‘Shala’ Balkaran and regional culinary consultant, Chef Brigette Joseph.
The national campaign is in line with the brand’s goal to provide products that meet women’s health needs and ensure that all women have access to period products across Trinidad and Tobago.
Designed to call out Period Stigma, the campaign tackles the social taboo and gender stereotypes that stigmatize menstruation as ‘unclean’ and ‘dirty’, something that has caused several women to experience menstruation under a cloak of secrecy and shame. The stigma has leaving many without access to the resources needed to manage their menstrual health safely. “Being a part of this campaign lets me highlight both the stigma of having a period and period poverty – both topics being very important to me, all while working with a women-led team; from photographer and videographer to content creators and other accomplished women in their fields was nothing short of fulfilling,” said Chef Brigette Joseph.
This influencer marketing campaign, developed and managed by award-winning advertising agency 10 Caribbean Marketing, will encourage people to engage in open discussions about women’s menstrual cycle, while advocating for improved access to sanitation products through its critical messaging on period perceptions.
Together with its brand ambassadors, U by Kotex is working to bring awareness to challenges faced in menstrual health, by sharing messages that encourage conversations among adolescents to normalize menstruation and to view women as the capable, competent period-having people they are. As the founding sponsor of the Alliance for Period Supplies, the company has already donated more than 53.1 million period products globally to help women in need.
U by Kotex’s Brand Manager, Samantha Chandool said, “U by Kotex created the feminine category 100 years ago and believes nothing should get in the way of a woman’s progress – not her period or the negative perception around periods.”
The launch date of the campaign, International Women’s Day, is in direct alignment with this year’s global theme of #EmbraceEquity. U by Kotex’s mission is clear: nothing should get in the way of a woman’s progress, especially not her period or the negative perceptions around periods.
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.
