Ebuzz News
Carnival Catwalk Is Now Streaming on NBC’s Peacock- A First for T&T.
After a spectacular run in Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean, Carnival Catwalk has officially stepped onto the global stage. The ground-breaking Caribbean fashion competition series premiered August 1st on NBC’s Peacock streaming platform, marking a historic achievement for Caribbean television.
Carnival Catwalk is the first reality TV series created and produced in Trinidad and Tobago to be acquired by a major U.S. streaming network, a milestone moment for the country’s creative industry and the wider Caribbean.
With Executive Producers Jerome “Rome” Precilla, Gian Franco of Pavilion Entertainment, and Rodney Seemungal of SGP Studios at the helm, the show is a dazzling celebration of Caribbean creativity, culture, and craftsmanship.
“This is huge for our local design industry, the Carnival industry, the TV film industry, Tourism and our Culture” said Rome. “This series was built using a cast and crew of over 180 creatives that was 98% local. Editors, camera operators, producers, stylists, production managers, models, you name it. We’ve proven that our creatives, our vision, and our culture are world-class and the world is watching. This is our story being told by us!”
A Launchpad to Global Recognition
Carnival Catwalk features 10 designers from diverse backgrounds from around the world competing in high-stakes challenges that blend the essence of Carnival with the glamour of high fashion. With a grand prize of $100,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip and feature at Milan Fashion Week, the competition offers more than just prestige; it’s a launchpad to global recognition.
Viewers are treated to behind-the-scenes drama, electrifying runway moments, and emotional journeys as the designers pour their hearts into creations that honour the soul of Carnival. The show also features a panel of expert judges and celebrity guests from the Caribbean fashion and entertainment worlds lead by head judge Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam and features Project Runway Season 9 winner Anya Ayoung-Chee, bringing sharp critiques and star power to the mix. The show is hosted by T&T entertainer Rome and Jamaican TV Host and “Karnival Kween” Kandi King.
“Carnival Catwalk gives the world a front-row seat to the immense skill, passion, and pride that goes into our Carnival culture and how that translates to fashion,” said Gian Franco. “Our
A Space for Soca Too
The series is also a powerful platform for Caribbean music, featuring over 150 Soca tracks throughout its nine-episode run. By streaming on Peacock, which boasts over 41 million subscribers, the show significantly expands the reach of soca artists across North America and beyond.
“We are urging everyone in the Caribbean and the diaspora to stream Carnival Catwalk on Peacock,” said Rodney Seemungal. “This is our opportunity to show the power of our region and to keep the door open for more Caribbean productions to enter the global space. We thank our amazing judges, our dedicated crew, and especially the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Tourism, and the Ministry of Culture and Community Development for their crucial support.”
Carnival Catwalk now joins the ranks of global reality TV powerhouses on Peacock, which also hosts “Love Island USA”which became the number 1 reality TV show in the US and the ever popular “Keeping Up With The Kardashians”. As of the date of this release Carnival Catwalk sits at #3 on the “Peacock Picks” rankings on the platform’s homepage. Stream Carnival Catwalk now on Peacock.
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.
