Ebuzz News
Archived: Randy Glasgow Calls for Carnival 2022 Feasibility Study.
Even as NCC Chairman, Winston Gyspy Peters along with the Carnival Bands Association have hinted that they could be ready to pull off Carnival in February, 2022, promoter, Randy Glasgow is adamant that a feasibility study is needed before any kind of decision is made. Today, Glasgow called on Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley to refrain from taking the advice of National Carnival Commission Chairman, Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters, to host any kind of carnival in February 2022, pointing to the increased COVID-19 cases and deaths in the country.
“We are suggesting that the NCC first do a feasibility study to stage a Hybrid version of Carnival in 2022, in August or September,” said Glasgow, noting that there would be no clashing of carnivals with New York or London, should they host their festivals, next year. “At this hybrid version, we must ensure that, once funding is coming from government, our soca artistes, steel pan players, calypsonians, the mas fraternity, chutney singers and other creatives be the main beneficiaries of any government financial contribution,” said Randy.
He suggested that the hybrid version of Carnival in 2022, be used strategically, as a marketing tool to effectively promote the return of Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival in 2023. “For instance, let’s use the entire roadway around the Queen’s Park Savannah as the stage for mas revellers to enjoy and display their mas, practising social distancing and observing other health and safety protocols set by the Ministry of Health and strictly enforced,” he said, adding that the same could be done across other safe zones in the country, using stadia perimeters and large recreation grounds. Glasgow endorsed the concept of carnival related entertainment events and shows across the country, using designated safe zones and facilities, but maintained that the NCC’s rationale for wanting to host some kind of carnival in 2022 “is not in the best interest of our country and the citizens at this time.”
Last week. in an interview with EBUZZTT, Mr. Peters said while the Miami Carnival model did in fact work effectively for them, this did not mean that Trinidad and Tobago could ultimately follow suit. He explained that the dynamics surrounding Miami’s culture, its people and its resources, were not the same for Trinidad and Tobago, and as such, while some elements of the festival’s execution could be emulated, he would not say this was a reason for T&T to go ahead with hosting the festival in 2022.
Glasgow, in quoting Peters via other forums as saying, “If Miami could stage a carnival, we could do it too,” said he does not agree. “First of all, Miami has the healthcare infrastructure and professional manpower to handle any COVID-19 outbreak if one did occur. T&T is not in any position presently to handle any massive outbreak if one occurred.
Glasgow further urged the NCC and its main stakeholders to work with the Ministry of Health in getting unvaccinated, creative stakeholders, vaccinated.
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.
