Ebuzz News
Teja’s ‘Mas’ Exceeds Expectation. Young Road March King Brings Real Good Vibes.
Mical Teja may very well go down as one of the most influential entertainers of this generation in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. His music, never failing, has infectiously mesmerized audiences, with some verses and choruses though written for others, distinctly carrying his flavorful vibe. Now, as January 2025 makes its exit and the season of revelry intensifies in Trinidad and Tobago, all eyes are on the hit-maker, many eager to see if he will in fact secure a second Road March win, or better yet, become so undeniably integral to the culture, that no promoter, anywhere, could resist hiring him.
In 2024, Mical Teja performed around the world, his hits, ‘DNA’ and ‘Runaway’ sending crowds in a frenzy. This year, he is pretty much doing the same with ‘Energy’ and ‘Higher Power.’
On Sunday, January 26th, at the Normandie Hotel in St. Ann’s, Trinidad, Teja hosted ‘MAS’ The Experience, a showcase that promoted him even higher, if that is in fact possible. Supported by the illustrious, Brian MacFarlane, creativity stood out front, beckoning eyes, ears and all other senses, in a moment in Carnival 2025 that will be remembered by many.
Prior to last season, Mical Teja was often quiet and reserved in the background. He hopped on the scene as a producer and songwriter, but when 2024 came around, the world would come to know him as a performer. His elevation was supported by artistes like Viking Ding Dong, Kees Dieffenthaller, and others who were impacted by his creativity over the years. Teja had written for Machel Montano, Destra Garcia, Olatunji Yearwood, Kerwin DuBois, Patrice Roberts, Nailah Blackman and countless others, prior. Now, infected by the stage and the excitement of it all, he is back on stage in 2025, pouring his heart and soul into all that he does.
On Sunday, Teja made his way to the stage at around 8:30pm, amid a true cultural explosion – Jab and blue devils on full display, making their way through the thick crowd who’d come out in support. In the background, heavy riddim echoed, bringing fans to loud outbursts of appreciation. Teja would go on to sing his 2025 hit, ‘Higher Power’ backed by dancers who showcased special choreography to suit the song, bringing immeasurable impact on stage.
The event featured a number of performers, among them Coutain, Kees Dieffenthaller, Kris Kennedy, Anika Berry, Farmer Nappy, Freetown Collective, GBM Nutron, Nadia Batson, FullBlown and Yung Bredda. “They are some of the writers on some of the biggest soca songs,” he had said of Fullblown, as he thanked them for joining him at MAS- The Experience. “To see this – y’all making full circle – brothers, this is allyuh time,” he said to the siblings who, like him, have ventured to the stage after years of writing songs for other artistes.
Undoubtedly appreciated by his peers, Teja was warmly greeted and his energy matched each time he introduced a new artiste. When Freetown Collective took the stage with him to single, “Mas Cone Again,” the moment was pure, real, tangible. Freetown would go on to take charge of the perfectly in tuned and alive audience, delivering his 2025 hit single, “Come Home,” – a song that has echoed the feelings, though sometimes willingly subdued, of the real Trinbagonian patriot.
The energy of this year’s MAS – The Experience may never be truly replicated, but it is certain that Mical Teja, Brian MacFarlane and team have delivered to patrons, a slice of carnival that has been missing – something true, fresh and authentic.
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.
