Ebuzz News
Archived: So That’s Why Bunji Garlin Smiles More Now…
He’s been extremely vocal on almost every topic that’s thrown out there. Bunji Garlin- Trinidad and Tobago’s lyricist, has been using his social media clout well. He’s managed to amass a massive following of some 147,000 followers on Instagram and he’s never afraid to tell them just what’s on his mind. Of course, it’s never just between him and his die hard fans. Word that Garlin has spoken often travels leaps and bounds, even making its way to international eyes and ears- proving that he is no ordinary man by any means.
On Monday evening, Bunji rattled humbly, but with a tone that expressed true satisfaction. He had posted a simple image of his eight year old daughter, Syri. The caption however, was another story. His words deep, expressively fitting and undoubtedly well thought out, the “Chicken and Dumplin” singer spoke candidly of the reason he now smiles more than he ever did before. You see, Bunji Garlin- the man initially reputed in the music world as a masked warrior, hardly ever showed the happy emotion. There was, prior to the birth of his daughter, a mystery to him that some even found dark and unlikeable. Syri, he says, is his reason to smile, this as he credits wife, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez for giving her to him.
Here’s what he shared:
Eight year old Syri.
“Everything this little girl knows it’s because we taught her. She watched us and she asked questions and as parents we owed her every honest answer. It is because we answered those questions honestly and showed her the fruitfulness and value of the knowledge she amassed, she is incredibly well mannered, polite, loving, EXTREMELY CARING adding to the fact that she wants to be a paleontologist and knows some dinosaurs by their Latin origins (at age 8) she can light up any room she walks into. She understands clearly what she is and where she is positioned and already acts on taking up the weight of what she sets her eyes on. People want to know why I smile so much now it’s because her mother gave me her to call daughter. This kid makes me like a kid all over again hahaha. She encourages joy only when she’s around, it’s like you can’t be sad once she’s there. Syri girl you’ve got one superlatively proud father. Wow @fayannlyons we did great here baby. Sometimes I feel like God is smiling more than me and you when we look at her.”- Bunji Garlin
Bunji and his wife, Fay Ann Lyons- Alvarez on set in LA.
Now, we understand the depth of Bunji Garlin’s being. He certainly is no ordinary man and even as he travels the world, makes the acquaintance of some of the high powered folk in the entertainment world, we can’ help but feel proud that the Wallerfield youth many once referred to as, “too ghetto,” has risen above the expectations of the naysayers. Bunji recently shared his behind the scenes footage alongside his wife for the filming of scenes for the movie, “Prison Logic”, which is being created by actor, Romany Malco. Garlin plays the character, “Upgrade.” While on set in LA, he shared his feelings with his fans around the world, saying, ”
EVERY SINGLE THING that was said or used knowingly or not to try to deter me is exactly what was used to place me in this position. This is not my doing. This is God allowing this to happen. One thing could’ve stopped me from being here, me. God allow the opening and gave me the strength to take it up, little did I know they were waiting all the time for the signal. I am also very glad that I have @fayannlyons to share this very moment with both on and off screen.
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.
