Hearing enough of former International Soca Monarch Champ, Kerwin Du Bois this season, or not? Would you believe he’s contributed just about half a dozen songs for the Carnival 2017 season?
Last week, Du Bois told hosts of RED 96.7FM’s Red Hot Morning Show that he recently had a pretty eye opening experience. He said he’d been at the supermarket when someone walked up to him and asked whether he’d be releasing anything for the season. Pretty aweful, wouldn’t you say? Thing is, Kerwin has songs like ‘New Day’ with St. Lucia’s Teddyson John, ‘We Doh Play’ with reigning Soca Monarch Champ, Voice, ‘Misfits’ and ‘Dis Is De Band’.
Former Groovy King, Kerwin Du Bois feting in Jamaica.
On Wednesday, Kerwin made it clear that he had never been about the spotlight and celebrity life, explaining that he feels the Soca Monarch competition fuels negative energy among artistes and disunity. He touched on the fact that he’s really not a fan of social media either, but strangely, since that interview, we’ve certainly been seeing a lot more posts from the ‘Bacchanalist’ singer, of late.
Du Bois has been consistent as a creator and a true contributor to the music of the Caribbean. He has written and produced music for countless artists but on Wednesday, his hurt could not be hidden. He spoke of the need for Caribbean people to purchase the music that is created and sold online by the soca stars that they love, making it clear that until this is practiced, soca will never earn its rightful place as a genre of its own, internationally. “Soca Is Life,” he said at one point, almost shouting so that listeners could understand his passion. He relayed an experience where at an international event, dancehall music had been playing and from the moment Soca began blaring through the speakers, the entire vibe and energy of the people, changed and the fun could not be denied.
Undeniably a fetter, the entertainer last week made it clear that he’s not one to remain backstage after any performance. “I like to go in the crowd and I don’t want no security,” he said. That was certainly a shocker but truth be told, Du Bois has been spotted feting and having a great time to Soca music, around the world. That is certainly a trademark of a true soca music lover, whether artiste or otherwise. If you LOVE soca music, feting comes naturally.
We anticipate seeing and hearing a lot more from Kerwin Du Bois as the Carnival 2017 season climaxes. Don’t you?
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.
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.
Rapper, Drake has released three new albums simultaneously.
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.
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