Ebuzz News
Jalessa Is The Future. Young T&T Talent Ready for Junior Soca Monarch, Next Tuesday.
Beautiful and immensely talented, Trinidad and Tobago Soca star on the rise, Jalessa Lazarus is set to perform in the upcoming semi- finals of the Junior Soca Monarch competition. ‘Waistline,’ a track written by Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop and produced by Millbeats Entertainment, hears the 14-year-old speak on youths her age enjoying carnival, albeit without the vulgarity. She is conscious and smart. In fact, now being tutored at a private secondary institution, Jalessa balances her budding music career with academics and other performance art subjects that she enjoys.
“I enrolled Jalessa in a private secondary school when I realized how tiring it became for her with 18 subjects. Now she has the flexibility to do what she enjoys doing, and focuses on four primary subjects,” explained her mother, Phylicia. The young entertainer’s family has been extremely supportive of her pursuits over the years. “As a parent, I felt it was important for me to step up and do what was necessary for my child’s wellbeing. She is enrolled in guitar, vocal training with Tiffany Paul, piano lessons and at dance with Xtreme Dance Academy as well,” said Lazarus.
For Jalessa, the journey continues to be an exciting one. Surrounded by her musical peers like Yung Kymani, Wizabella, Zachary Ransom and others, Jalessa says the energy is always positive. “We have each other’s back and no matter what; we know we are all winners,” said the Arima born youngster. Beyond this, Jaleesa is looking forward to the release of a new collaborative single done with another youngster in the business. “I’m just looking forward to performing for audiences, sharing my talent and partaking in the competition,” she said, explaining that her desire is always to do her best and become better than she was before.
Coached in piano and guitar by Kevin Millien, Jalessa Lazarus is working her way into the world of music in a dynamic way. Her strong personal ambitions, strengthened by the love and support of her family, pushes her to new heights annually. “I’d like to work with Preedy and Patrice Roberts one day,” she said, noting that along with Soca artiste, Voice, these two singers are in fact, her influences in music.
Amid ongoing concern over school bullying in Trinidad and Tobago, and across the world, the young entertainer says she hopes this can be addressed with intention by authorities. “Jalessa was the victim of bullying as a child. Her father died before she was born and she was harassed about it at school,” said her mother. “What I did then, was reassure my child of her worth and I explained that bullies simply need love.”
On February 23rd, Jalessa will be a part of a meet and greet event at Solange Fashion, East Gates Mall, Trincity. “It’s an opportunity for kids her age and younger to come out and interact with her,” said her mom. For Phylicia, the support and earnest encouragement of her child, comes second nature. “I encourage every parent who seen a talent in their child, to push them into their purpose. Do not wait until they are older. Support them and do it now,” she urged, highlighting that gifts always make way for those who possess them.
As the Carnival season in T&T heats up and Jalessa prepares for the finals of the Junior Soca Monarch competition on February 25th, she is anticipating the support from all of T&T. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be and I’m very excited to once again be a part of the carnival experience,” said the young singer.
For more on Jalessa, follow her on Instagram @jalessa_lazarus.
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.
