Ebuzz News
At Just 11, Yung Kymani Understands the Importance of Culture. Calls for More Calypso and Soca in T&T.
“Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings”… and so it is that at just 11-years-old, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s rising superstars is calling on the nation to sing less dancehall and Trinibad music, and instead focus on the traditions of T&T. Yung Kymani placed second in the 2024 Junior Soca Monarch competition. This season, the youngster whose family ties are linked to both Morvant and Carenage, is using his voice in multiple ways, delivering a remake to Machel Montano’s age- old hit, ‘Too Young to Soca,” while standing in support of the development of, and investment in T&T’s Soca and Calypso music. Yung Kymani’s single is called, “Soca In Meh.”
Sustained and strengthened by the support of his parents, Kymani continues on his road to musical success. His appreciation for the cultural traditions of his homeland, is strong. “Calypso and soca are basically one in the same as uncle Machel said in his 2024 Calypso Monarch song, Soca is the soul of Calypso,” he noted, adding that the main differences he sees are the speed and the information that’s shared using both genres. “With Calypso, there’s a lot of information on things that are happening around the world and at home. I learn a lot of things from listening to Calypso music – things I didn’t even know were happening,” he rationalized, adding, “Soca on the other hand, is really upbeat and is there to make us dance and be happy.”
The entertainer who attends St. Peter’s RC School, is excited to once again partake in the Junior Soca Monarch competition in 2025. His remake of Machel’s ‘Too Young to Soca’ hits home, he says, having faced the same kind of remarks from those outside of his close circle. “I’ve been told that I am too young to be doing this, and that I should stop singing Calypso and Soca, but I am so happy to have gotten this opportunity to remake this song, and to add my flavour to it.”
The song was written collaboratively by Nigel Lopez, Yung Kymani and Kymani’s mom, Kezia Hector. It was produced by Miguel Charles of the A Team Band and Robert SN Baptiste. The track was later mixed by Lunatix Productions and mastered by Precision Productions, making it a true expression of collaborative energy. “As a youth in Trinidad and Tobago, I really think we should try to preserve our culture,” said Kymani, this as he prepares to go head-to- head with other brilliant, young singers this carnival. “This music not only makes me happy, it’s a part of our culture. I think it should be taught in schools as a subject, we should have more jump ups and instead of singing Trinibad music, we can sing more Calypso and Soca. There should also be community classes that can teach our youths and even the adults, about the music and the culture,” said the youngster.
In 1985, at the age of 9, Machel Montano released ‘Too Young to Soca,’ a track that became an immediate hit and remains a distinctive part of the King of Soca’s lifetime music catalogue. “I did not want the song to sound too much like the original. I’ve added my vibe to it and I am very happy that I have been given the opportunity to remake it,” said the budding star.
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.
