Ebuzz News
Archived: Designer Ecliff Elie, Soca’s Go-To Designer.
For yet another year, Trinidad and Tobago menswear designer, Ecliff Elie is the man dominating the carnival scene with his spectacular menswear designs. From Swappi to Teddyson John, Problem Child and Ding Dong, this season, Ecliff’s delivering the wow factor with every stitch and hem.
In the past, the designer has shown his ability to show up and show out on carnival stages, using many soca artistes as models for his creativity. Trinidad and Tobago, his main arena over the past few years, Elie has even penetrated the markets up the islands, laying menswear fashion design claim to territories like Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. From cricketer Darren Sammy to Soca’s Mr. Killa from Grenada and even new sensation, V’Ghn, Elie’s proven that his fit is always a cut above the rest and his touch is magic, something that every client he’s worked with, can attest to.
“What I try to ensure of first and foremost, is the fit. Clothing, whether menswear or female clothing, should always fit well. Once that’s achieved, everything else is window dressing,” he told us. Elie’s styles, when customised for soca artistes like Swappi, SuperBlue and even V’ghn, are often embellished. Much like extravagant costumes worn by international celebrities, Ecliff’s signature pieces, whether jackets alone or complete suits, hold their own on stage, offering the artistes an undeniable opportunity to be seen like no other clothing option would allow.
“I take a lot of pride in how my clients look. Whether it’s a groom, a career professional, a superstar or a casual fetter, at Ecliff Elie we work with the client to match their personality and ambitions, after all, there are some people who, while low key in their professional lives, love to explore fashion options at carnival time,” he said.
Ecliff Elie opened a new menswear store in South Trinidad, at C3 Centre, last year. That store offers on the spot alterations and even boasts Elie’s signature accessories, inclusive of bags, belts, ties and more. “We’re pretty much a one stop shop for quality menswear. We’re a brand that has been built on quality and attention to detail. That will never change,” he assured.
Here’s are just a few of the Ecliff Elie designs that’ve stood out, worn by top billing Caribbean entertainers, over the past year:
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.
