Ebuzz News
Miami Carnival is Coming. The Kiddies Are Ready Too.
The kids in Miami are about to have the time of their lives. We are in Miami Carnival mode and here’s all the info you need.
The Miami Broward Junior Carnival will be held at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium(3700 NW 11th Pl, Lauderhill, FL 33311)on Saturday, October 5, 2024. Gates to the event open at 1pm with the parade set for 2pm.
This enriching cultural event, presented by TD Bank in Lauderhill and hosted by Visit Lauderdale, showcases Caribbean culture and provides an excellent opportunity for youth to participate in and develop their artistry. This year’s Junior Carnival reaffirms steadfast commitment to youth and community initiatives, reflecting the strength and unity of the community. The day features 10 Junior Masquerade bands competing for prizes and bragging rights, and Nikki Crosby (AKA Granny), actress, comedienne, and radio host, is the Emcee. The event will kick off with the Junior Steel Pan Competition and the Junior Calypso Competition.
10 Junior Mas Bands On Display
The day’s highlight will be the parade of 10 masquerade bands, each presenting their unique interpretation of Caribbean culture. This year’s competing bands include Break Away Kru, China Mas Kids, D-Junction Mas Jr., Fun Generation Too, Karnival Kidz, La Familia, Major Players, Mas Dynasty/Party Room Squad, Natural Disasters, Royalty Kidz, Wassi Babes, and Zing-Zing Kidzz.
Prepare to be immersed in a rich display of cultural diversity at the Miami Broward Junior Carnival. From the rhythmic beats of African-Afro drumming to the native Caribbean Tassa drumming by the Romeo Tasso Group, this event fosters a sense of connection and appreciation for different cultures, making those attending feel the essence of being a part of a global community.
The Miami Broward Junior Carnival is not just a fun-filled event, but also a cornerstone of cultural inclusion and education. It offers children from all backgrounds the opportunity to embrace and appreciate Caribbean heritage. Tricia Baptiste, Junior Carnival Manager, emphasized the event’s importance: “Carnival is an integral part of Caribbean heritage. We are preserving this vibrant culture through Junior Carnival for future generations,” she said.
This family-centered event encourages young participants under 18, to showcase their talents, build meaningful connections, and express their appreciation for Caribbean heritage through music and movement. It fosters a strong sense of connection and unity among the community, making everyone feel part of something bigger.
In a media release, City Manager for the City of Lauderhill, Desorae Giles-Smith said, the city proudly welcomes all attending the Miami Carnival 2024 events, including Junior Carnival, Panorama, and J’ouvert! “We encourage residents and visitors to participate in all these fantastic events in our City’s Entertainment District. We look forward to seeing each of you and hope you plan your vacation next year, right here in the City of Distinction – Lauderhill!” –
Joan Hinkson Justin, Chair of Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee, explained that the Junior Carnival helps preserve Caribbean culture and provides a platform for children to understand and appreciate artistry in a unique format while building a strong sense of community. ” We look forward to celebrating the future of the Miami Carnival with our young people,” she said, adding, “This celebration of Caribbean culture is a source of pride and appreciation for all who attend.”
For more information, visit the Junior Carnival website.
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.
