Ebuzz News
Archived: And The REAL Big Winners of Carnival 2017 ARE…
Think you know who the real winners of Carnival 2017 are? We give you the RUNDOWN…
It’s barely been a week since we said goodbye to Carnival 2017 and many of us are already putting things in place for T&T Carnival 2018 ; But before we move on to next year, we have to admit, Carnival 2017 was filled with some unique moments. Ebuzztt has compiled carnival 2017’s biggest winners and best moments – moments that will likely live on in our memories for many years to come.
- The Highlight of Our Rose
Calypso Rose has been honored for her lifetime of service, by the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Even when her Songs “Abatina” and “Leave Me Alone” were released, it was hardly imagined that Tobago born, international Calypso songbird, Calypso Rose, would make the impact she eventually did, in carnival 2017. Amid the festive enjoyment in Trinidad and Tobago came word that the Calypso Queen of the world had won herself the Victoires de la Musique- the French Grammy. She had done so after her platinum selling album Far From Home, was voted Album of the Year. She subsequently performed at Machel Montano’s Machel Monday concert event in Trinidad, before a crowd estimated at over 10,000.
Toward the end of Carnival 2017, Trinidad and Tobago’s government announced that Rose would be honored with diplomatic status and a Caribbean Airlines aircraft would be named after her, for her lifetime service to Trinidad and Tobago.
- Vikings x MM
The Vikings and the MONK make amends.
The infamous promotional image took social media by storm mere weeks before Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Many doubted but many were optimistic. Bunji Garlin and Machel Montano together on a track? Both sides had found mutual ground and came together for ‘Buss Head’- a song which saw the pair find common vocal ground and balance. While many expected more, the unity of the artistes seemed to stand at the fore of the single, lending to a season that promoted more love and less division. Montano and Garlin’s first performance of the song came at the much anticipated and well attended Soaka carnival fete at O2 Park. Their meeting on stage buried, to some extent, talk of a ‘business arrangement’, with many seeing the collaboration for what it seemed to be even at the end of Carnival- a new found relationship. They appeared at numerous fetes on stage together and symbolic of their strengthened relationship was the headline performance of Bunji Garlin at Montano’s blockbuster Carnival event- Machel Monday.
- Terri Lyons Roars
Terri Lyons was joined on stage at ISM 2017, by her father, Superblue.
PHOTO CREDIT: @islandereventstt on IG.
She came from the jungle and we heard her roar loud and clear in 2017. Often referred to as Fay-Ann’s little sister or Superblue’s daughter, Terri Lyons made a name for herself this year. With a tune many heralded as a powerhouse for Soca Monarch and Road March, “De Lion” proved to many, that Terri Lyons is capable of standing on her own and holding her own, on stage. She appeared at numerous fetes including– Army Fete, certainly one of the biggest Carnival events. Her second release with Skinny Fabulous, a track called, ‘Recruit’ showed the young entertainer’s versatility and was heavily praised by Soca music pundits. Solidifying her stellar season, Terri placed 4th place in both the Calypso Monarch Finals and Calypso Young Queens this year with her contribution – “The Destructive Phrase.”
- Voice Proved he was Far From Finished
Voice earned the Soca Monarch title for a second year in 2017. PHOTO CREDIT: LizBliz.
While the Hasely Crawford Stadium saw a much smaller crowd assemble within this year, the International Soca Monarch contestants all brought their ‘A’ game as they vied for the coveted crown. Notwithstanding a questionable technical glitch, and strong competitors, Voice, the reigning champ, again won the hearts of the judges and the people when he performed his early release, ‘Far From Finished’, in the end, retaining his title. Showing great humility throughout the season and even after the wi this year, it’s safe to say, Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis has a bright future ahead.
- Ultimate Rejects No More
MX Prime and the Ultimate Rejects killed it this past carnival.
PHOTO CREDIT: UK Soca Scene.
From the moment “Full Extreme” was released back in December 2016, it was an instant hit. It didn’t need to grow on many of us, it had instantaneously stamped its name as a force to be reckoned with. The lyrics “We Jammin’ Still” “We Doh Business” and “Hold Dem and Wuk dem” became Carnival 2017 taglines. Written, produced and performed by Ultimate Rejects – a humble team of talented artists, the undisputed Carnival 2017 anthem perfectly described the culture of Trinidad and Tobago’s people. The Ultimate Rejects was a staple in almost every fete and was the people’s choice for the Road March title, from the onset. Opting to stay out of the International Soca Monarch Competition, where many thought they would have been a sure win, UR, eventually went not to take the Rad March title, with ‘Full Extreme’ being played at judging points, 556 times on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. The song had also made history, being played the most times EVER, in carnival’s Road March history. Now they’re off to SXSW Music Festival in Austin Texas this month where they will be performing a 40-minute Caribbean Dance Music set.
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.
