It was not a real Carnival fete until Neil Iwer George came to the stage. Like a savior, the water lord swooped in to save Soka In Moka’s vibe on Sunday, reminding all and sundry that Trinidad and Tobago Carnival’s major requirement is, and will always be, Power Soca music.
The event, which kicked off at 4pm and welcomed fetters to another venue just across the savannah from the school’s court venue where it had been held for many years, attracted a sizable crowd on January 1st.
Soka In Moka, after two years off, returned with a slate of in-demand artistes, among them, Nadia Batson, Viking Ding Dong, Patrice Roberts and the Boss, Neil Iwer George. Well known band, Dil E Nadan kicked off the performances and ended their set just after 6pm. That was followed by DJ Linx and hosts Whitney Husbands and Jason Williams’ attempt to warm up the crowd of patrons. The all inclusive event attracted a mature crowd with a sprinkling of youth in the mix, and as such, the cooler fete vibe could not be expected at Soka in Moka. Groovy soca trending across the airwaves and on social media, several artistes who performed would receive half-hearted crowd response, whether owed to the slow tempo of the music, or patrons’ unfamiliarity with the new songs.
The All Starz Band- a staple at Soka In Moka, took the stage with young entertainer, College Boy Jesse, at the helm. He began his set by paying tribute to his predecessor Blaxx, who passed away in March 2022. The reaction to Jesse’s tribute was warm, many singing along to the refrains of the patriotic artist who has certainly left an indelible mark on the soca music industry. As the event got into a rhythm, new music from College Boy Jesse failed to move the mature fetters, most simply looking on, hardly swaying to the rhythm of the beat. This is not to say that the young artist did not deliver, because he certainly did. Whether his music had been heard by the crowd enough prior to their attendance, was the big question.
The subsequent introduction of artistes, Viking Ding Dong and Jaiga increased momentum at Moka. By that time, those who’d been sipping on drinks, began swaying a bit more, turning the event into less of a concert and little by little, more of a fete.
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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