Ebuzz News
Archived: Even After Death, Devon Matthews’ Memory Lives. Love Flows in Celebration of Fallen Soca Artiste’s Birthday.
Devon Matthews and Ella Andall during their Soca Monarch performance in 2017.
His larger than life personality may be solely responsible for the unexplainable sorrow that remains for many around the world, when thoughts of Devon Matthews float around. In that moment of sorrow though, those who truly know him, would know he wouldn’t have had it. His slogan, ‘No Kill Joy’ remains an ever-constant reminder that he was vibes personified and there was no room for sadness or negativity around him. Today, Trinidad and Tobago and those who knew Devon around the world, celebrated his birthday. He would have been 37- years-old.
On the radio station he’d called home for many years, RED 96.7FM, his voice was heard, introducing a segment from 12 noon, that marked the start of a tribute in his honor. The radio hosts at the frequency had given the public notice that all attention and respect would be paid to the young man who had brought so many people, so much hope, upliftment and joy. Personality, JJ, a close friend of Matthews, delivered Matthews’ popular radio segment, “Classic Gold”- a retro music experience which included music from Lord Nelson, the Black Stalin and of course, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson- Devon’s favourite entertainer of all time. It was during the delivery of that on air program today that Matthews’ mother, fondly referred to as Aunty Gloria, was telephoned. She expressed pride in her child, appreciation to the personalities and management at RED 96.7FM and even admitted that she still struggles with the loss of her only child.
Devon with his mother Gloria.
Devon died on Sunday, July 16th at hospital. He had complained of feeling unwell moments prior to mounting the stage at Tribe’s 2018 band launch event. He subsequently slumped to the ground while seated near the DJ, and was rushed to hospital, where he died. He had suffered a heart attack. Devon’s memory lives on. His popular hit, ‘De Journey’ sung with Ella Andell sends ripples when heard and his larger than life personality is often remembered on air. Today, as tribute was paid by many who had the opportunity to be apart of his life, there was no question that Devon Matthews flies high among his friends, family and all of Trinidad and Tobago- a country he loved so much.
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.
