Ebuzz News
Archived: What Did Machel Montano Just Do? Now, The World Surely Knows Soca’s Coming to Take Over.
Machel Montano on stage with his Soca ‘happy’ face at the TIDAL relief concert in Brooklyn on October 17th.
The secret’s gotta be out by now. The world’s best kept music secret, the sweetness of Soca, is now OUT. Under the spotlight of Brooklyn’s Barclays Centre, Machel Montano, on Tuesday gave the world what could have possibly been, the realest notice that Soca music is ready to penetrate and will, by any and all means necessary.
For decades, efforts have continued by Soca music ambassadors, willing music industry heavyweights around the world to pay attention and buy into what some would describe as the happiest music there is. On Tuesday, surrounded by big guns in the music biz like DJ Khaled, JayZ, Chris Brown, Cardi B, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Busta Rhymes, Yankee, Yo Gotti and A$AP Ferg, Trinidad and Tobago’s biggest soca star, Machel Montano, left Soca’s signature at Barclays Centre like only he could.
Machel with DJ Khaled, on stage at Barclays Centre, Brooklyn NY.
The TIDAL event, billed as a disaster relief concert for the victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, as well as the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that recently tore through Mexico, attracted a massive crowd to the Brooklyn venue.
Montano who hit the stage wearing a grey sweat suit, matching bandana tied around his head and punctuated by the red, white and black Trinbago flag, was amped up as ever, taking fans through the paces with a rendition of his hit single, “Like A Boss” before igniting the venue with a blast from the past- “It’s Carnival”, a song he collaborated on with Destra Garcia in 2003.
The energy was insane, to say the least. The crowd fed off the Soca star’s energy and DJ Khaled seemed genuinely impressed by the response. He even delivered his signature dance moves and jumped a bit to the beat of the Caribbean’s best kept secret.
On social media, Machel thanked producer, Kernal Roberts and fellow Trinidad and Tobago Soca star Destra Garcia for “It’s Carnival”, saying:
“Big Up Destra Garcia and Kernal Roberts for this amazing classic that will probably go down as the #1 Soca song of all time.”
Destra responded to his post, saying :
Thank you for Always Representing HARD! Little or a lot! The impact is evident and the soca flag was flown! Well done M….🚀🚀🚀 it’s Carnival to the world 🌎 you’re right I think the whole world knows that song😂😂 @machelmontano
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.
