Ebuzz News
Archived: Soca Monarch Is On! Semi Finalists Now Prepare to Battle. LIST INSIDE.
The Soca Monarch semi finals returns to the Arima Velodrome on Sunday, February 5th.
There had been some doubt as to whether there’d be another International Soca Monarch competition in Trinidad and Tobago. Speculation was rife that the event, after what was pretty much a low audience turnout in 2016, would return with the vigor and excitement that it once had. Low and behold, Soca Monarch was launched in Trinidad on Friday las, and the Soca stars did come out.
Shurwayne won’t be competing this year.
Entertainers, excluding the names of some very significant Soca heavyweights, have put their names in the pool, anticipating their shot at the big stash of cash and of course, bragging rights when finals night rolls around on Fantastic Friday- February 24th. Notably though, the artiste many are calling dibs on for the Road March title, did not enter the competition. Others like Fay-Ann Lyons, Bunji Garlin, Machel Montano, Kees, Kerwin Du Bois and we’re now hearing, Shurwayne Winchester, have opted not to compete. It is understood that Winchester said he would not be entering this year, even after qualifying for the semi-final round of competition, his management having submitted his entry form, unknown to him. He said he would be focusing on his company’s goals and as such, would not be able to give his full attention to the Soca Monarch competition.
Meanwhile, Ricardo Drue is among those who’ve qualified for the semi final round of the event. His songs ‘ID’ and ‘Iron’, have been receiving widespread love. At Soca In Moka held last Sunday, Drue showed that he has the ability to truly engage audiences. His energy was certainly felt and enjoyed as he delivered songs like “Vagabond”, “Professional”, “Bet” and his 2017 anthems. The Soca Monarch semi finals returns to the Arima Velodrome on Sunday, February 5th.
CHECK OUT RICARDO DRUE AT SOKA IN MOKA.
Here is the list of Soca Monarch 2017 semi finalists.
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.
