Ebuzz News
The Countdown Has Begun to A Barclays Shell Down Like No Other. Machel Is On His Way.
Soca superstar Machel Montano has been busy over the past couple weeks, this as he hits various destinations with his ‘One Degree Hotter’ tour. The Taipan of the art form which originated in Trinidad and Tobago, and has since spread across the Caribbean region, will deliver his special brand of energy at Barclay’s Centre in Brooklyn, later this month.
PHOTO: Anil Mathi
In July, Machel and the Monk band performed at Tipsy Music Festival in Barbados and the Caribbean Melting Pot in Antigua. The tour will see him hit destinations like Toronto, Anguilla, Washington, Miami and of course, Brooklyn New York. The highly anticipated, Planet Brooklyn mega show is set to ignite New York on August 24th ahead of Labour Day celebrations within the West Indian community. “I’m beyond excited to be apart of Planet Brooklyn. It’s an honor to bring the energy of soca back to the borough and to the iconic Barclays Center,” said Machel. He noted that Brooklyn has always felt like a second home to him, explaining, “The vibes, the culture, the people — there’s nothing like it. Every time I step on that stage in New York, especially in a place as electric as Barclays Center it’s a celebration of Caribbean spirit and unity.”
Founded by BSE Global, Planet Brooklyn seeks to celebrate and highlight artists who represent the cultural and creative diversity found within the borough of Brooklyn and the varied genres of music they represent. The two day festival- a first of its kind, hits New York with a slate of both free and ticketed musical performances across three iconic entertainment venues in the borough – Barclays Center, Brooklyn Paramount and BAM – on Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24.
Stars of Soca, Dancehall, Chutney, Zess and Afrobeats will take the stage at Planet Brooklyn, with the one and only, Machel Montano headlining Barclays on Sunday, August 24th. Jamaica’s Ayetian and Skillbeng, along with T&T’s Bunji Garlin, Lady Lava, Ravi B, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Problem Child and Skinny Fabulous. The event will be hosted by Majah Hype and feature, Travis World.
Brooklyn at the Heartbeat of Caribbean Culture.
With more than 150 distinct cultural identities in Brooklyn, the borough stands as one of the most culturally diverse communities in the world. Planet Brooklyn will reflect the unique role Brooklyn plays to influence music and culture globally, while fostering togetherness and uplifting local artists and businesses that make up the heart of the borough.
“When putting together the lineup for Planet Brooklyn, it was paramount that our performers reflected the incredible diversity of Brooklyn itself — a true mosaic of cultures, sounds, and stories,” said DeJuan Wilson, Chief Products and Experiences Officer at BSE. “Our goal is that Planet Brooklyn will further elevate and celebrate those unique voices, bringing together artists who represent the heartbeat of this borough, and we are excited for everyone to experience a festival that’s as vibrant and dynamic as Brooklyn itself.”
In addition to musical performances, Planet Brooklyn will include a free two-day block party in the streets near the three participating venues, designed to connect the festival’s flagship venues with a continuous flow of music, movement, and culture through the streets of Downtown Brooklyn. The block party will be comprised of local food vendors and merchants that also reflect the diversity and creativity of the borough. Open both Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, the block party will also feature multiple stages where attendees can enjoy free performances from a range of artistes and other creatives.
The Planet Brooklyn Brand
Planet Brooklyn is produced alongside Multiply Creative, a cultural marketing and experiential agency founded in Brooklyn with a mission to create meaning and evoke emotion through narrative and creative expression, designing moments that have a profound cultural impact. Planet Brooklyn is part of series of year-long events, programs and partnerships participating in New York City Tourism + Conventions’ Founded By NYC campaign, marking the 400th anniversary of New York City. BKMag is the supporting media partner of Planet Brooklyn. Visit www.planetbrooklynfest.com or follow Planet Brooklyn on all social media platforms at @planetbkfest to learn more.
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.
