Ebuzz News
Archived: Caribbean Artist Tells the World, ‘Call on Jah’; Unleashes COVID-19 Healer.
Arising out of strict distancing measures, deaths and heartache suffered around the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, music to heal, uplift and empower is breaking through. For far too long, negative lyrics and hate have permeated the airwaves around the world, and now, one entertainer- a Trinidad and Tobago national who resides in the United Kingdom, is delivering against the grain.
Sheldon Skeete is Calypso Don- a four-time UK Calypso Monarch Champion and a Royal Airforce member. He has stood firmly for the Calypso genre, having been deeply impacted by his own father’s appreciation for the genre. Skeete migrated from Trinidad and Tobago to the UK in 1997 at the age of 18 and since that time, he has shown true patriotism, teaming up with producer and fellow artist, Kerwin DuBois in 1999 to first deliver a track called, “Millennium Jam.” The song- the artiste’s first major release, was produced by DuBois and made it to the Top 20 charts in that genre, in the UK.
Pleased with his initial effort, Skeete persistently poured himself into Calypso, focusing on bettering his writing and entering various competitions, even back home in T&T. His growth over time showed and from 2012 to 2015 he took home the first prize in the annual UK Calypso Monarch Finals. In 2014, he however won both the Calypso Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch titles, wetting his foot and essentially succeeding with the Soca genre. He was the first artist to accomplish this in the UK. Skeete was even asked to performed at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Royal Airforce and it was during that time that he met and began working with Trinidadian producer, Juelio Nelson. “They asked me to do a song to commemorate the occasion and this is where Juelio and I met and we did the production. The song was entitled, “One Hundred Years,” and while they wanted a calypso track, we felt it best to do a Soca track because of the celebration of the anniversary,” said Skeete. That initial meeting would start a relationship that has now led to a commitment to work together for the delivery of purposeful projects now and in the future. “We’ve released two songs so far this year, ‘Latina’ and ‘Call on Jah’”, said Skeete, noting the timeliness of the second release, amid the world’s current climate of uncertainty.
“Call on Jah”, a multi-faceted piece of work that hears reggae, dancehall and Afro beats manipulated for a crisp sound, offers additional vocal contributions from Jamaican artist, King Ferno and Nigerian singer, Xagi. “When we initially listened to the track, we felt the urge to add more to it and when it was done, we knew it was perfect,” said Skeete. The new single is purposeful and fitting for global audiences, sharing words of hope and encouragement to all, during this time.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating effects, certainly at the forefront of every persons’ thoughts at this time, Calypso Don says he knows the power of music and with that, hopes that the world will take a moment to hear, feel and embrace the love and hope that ‘Call on Jah’ brings to them. Beyond this project, the artist and his super producer are keenly anticipating work on Soca projects. Eager to get connected to everyone in T&T, Skeete urges music lovers to follow him on Instagram @doncalypso, Twitter @Calypso_don and check out his YouTube channel Calypso Don.
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.
