Carnival has officially been launched at sea. In true Trinbagonian style, a Friday morning breakfast Boatride hosted by 96.1WEFM radio personalities, Jaiga, R’odey, Nicki Crosby and Raw Fusion, saw the soca stars out in full force aboard the Harbour Master in West Trinidad.
As per usual, delayed sailing gave way for even more fun as fans of Soca showed no sign of disapproval, patiently waiting for the kick off of Runaway For Soca, a ride that marked its 5th year, in fine style. A good enough number aboard, and of course, the accompaniment of some of the best Soca artistes, the ride was equipped with all the right elements to make it intrinsically perfect.
Aboard, fans of soca couldn’t get enough! From vintage soca to hits of yester-year and today’s massive hits, DJs, which included the likes of Selector Pro, Chucky Ray Ban and Poison Sounds, kept the music flowing, showing carnival fetters that good vibes still exists. The event was billed as the introduction of the Soca stars to the season in T&T. Many in Trinidad to promote their new tracks, they seized the opportunity to be seen, heard and experienced at Runaway for Soca 5.
Sekon Sta, Nessa Preppy, Swappi, Patrice Roberts and even Trinidad Killa who was urged by organizers to sing his new Soca single, “Dyy Zess” rather than the controversial, “Gunman in She Hole,” performed for those aboard. Grenada’s Groovy Soca Monarch King, V’Ghn, International Soca Monarch King, Skinny Fabulous, Grenada’s Skinny Banton and Barbados’ Hypasounds were also aboard, delivering good vibes and sweet soca like only they could, but it would be popular DJ, Viking Ding Dong- the official DJ for Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons, who would steal much of the attention on Friday morning. His track, “Outside” was all the rave – the entertainer getting major approval from Soca lovers. Whether it was Dong’s easy going nature, his smile or the vibe of the song itself that made him steal the show, the fact that he made a huge impression is definitely something to note.
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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