Ebuzz News
Rising Artiste, Phia Collaborates with Orlando Octave on Sensual Romantic Single.
There’s a new face to entertainment that’s rearing its head in the Caribbean. Slowly but surely, the fusion of global sounds we’ve all been familiarized with, along with traditional Caribbean sounds, are effortlessly going mainstream. Orlando Octave, a seasoned artiste in the entertainment industry in Trinidad and Tobago, along with up-and-coming sensation, Phia, have tapped into that energy, synergizing to create a song that has every bit of potential to go global.
Phia has been waiting for her turn. She’s delivered music in the past, feeding off of the entertainers and musicians she’s met along the way. A huge fan of the Afrobeat vibe, the young artiste believes it’s a gateway through which she can persevere onto a global stage. Having met Octave at Pengco Studio in Trinidad, the 22-year-old took the opportunity to spark dialogue on the potential for collaboration. “Orlando is such an awesome, positive, generous person. I really have to thank him for his dedication to this project and his wisdom along the way,” she said. The pair have unleashed, “My Side,” – a romantic Dancehall and Afrobeat infused single that speaks of love and relationship. “It’s a love song; A love song that emphasizes how much you want the one you love to stay at your side,” explained the young entertainer.
Over the past year, Phia has been focusing on the music she’s compiling for the release of an album. “I’ve really been writing a lot, playing around with different sounds and genres- basically trying to express my truest self through my music,” she said, revealing that as a young artiste, her goal is to inspire people with her music, sharing with the world just who she is as an individual and a passionate artiste.
“My Side” was released at the end of September and has been distributed to all major music streaming platforms for sale and download. “Following this release, another track called, ‘Foolish’ will be shared with the world,” she said, noting that her aim is to release music consistently as she hones her craft and creates her own dynamic space in the music industry.
As a young creative, Phia has shown immense dedication. The support of family, friends and music partners in her life, has helped her stay the course. She however shared that she feels more must be done in the Caribbean, to foster and nurture creative development among the region’s youth. “The creative industries can be a major help in our Caribbean economies. There’s always so much focus on the traditional aspects of education when in truth and in fact, so many Caribbean youths are dying for the chance to be seen and heard through their art,” said Phia. Careful with her words, the budding entertainer said she is hopeful that leaders would pay closer attention to the passionate cries of young people who desire direction and true support to see their dreams come true.
Excited about the direction of music globally, as more and more artistes experiment with genres, often fusing them, Phia is riding the wave. “It’s amazing to see how music genres from different cultural backgrounds can come together and make an awesome track. I’m really glad that Afrobeat and Hip Hop and other genres are fusing. It’s an awesome thing to see two or more genres blended and eventually bringing smiles to people from all walks of life, around the world.”
‘My Side’ was collaboratively written by both Orlando and Phia with production of the track done by Randal Alexander of PengCo Music.
To learn more about Phia, follow her on Instagram @phiazworld.
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.
