Ebuzz News
Archived: Machel Montano’s Work Honored by The University of Trinidad and Tobago. ‘Lady’ Well Pleased In Her Son.
Machel’s achievement was celebrated last week by friends and family. Among those present were Tony Chow Lin On and Montano’s partner, Renee Butcher. PHOTO CREDIT: Jermaine Cruickshank
In the wake of the sudden death of two of Trinidad and Tobago’s calypso stalwarts- The Mighty Shadow and De Fosto, Machel Montano was last week honored by the University of Trinidad and Tobago- the young veteran receiving a Doctorate for his years of artistic and cultural contribution in his homeland.
Elizabeth Montano graduated in October with her Master’s Degree.
Machel Montano has given his life to the art form known as Soca and with every victory attained, Trinidad and Tobago has been represented. On Thursday, November 15th, as Machel received his honors, he thanked the people responsible for his development as a human being- his parents and brother Marcus. He also thanked his former music teacher, who he explained, was blind. “I want to dedicate this award to him also,” he said of the teacher who he credited with coaching him when he had just started his career in music. “He was a blind man by the name of Ashford Joseph of Siparia. Rest in peace, I wish he could have seen this moment,” said Montano.
Machel was all smiles last week’s graduation ceremony. PHOTO CREDIT: Jermaine Cruickshank
Machel’s mother, Elizabeth Montano who ironically, graduated with a Masters of Philosophy in Cultural Studies in October, said of her son’s bestowed honor, “Congratulations my son. I see the feeling in your heart, reflected in your smile.”
His response to his mom’s post was heart warming to say the least :
“Thank you beautiful mother! My work could not have been what it is today without you and ‘tocobushdoc” and our strong family. Thank you for always supporting us.” – MACHEL MONTANO.
Machel Montano has been a part of the entertainment industry since the age of 9. He is now 43 -years- old and celebrates his birthday on November 24th.
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.
