Ebuzz News
This Band Is Going Nine Years Strong. Their Vibe is Definitely IT!
Today marks a very special occasion. One of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean’s well known music bands celebrates its ninth anniversary. The A Team Band, managed by Zarin Morean, with frontline acts, Eddie Charles, Kerlz and D Soca Trainer, have proven that they’re well able when it comes to representing the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, in any arena.
Morean says the journey that has led to this ninth year, has not been easy, and thanks the band’s musicians for their every effort, sleepless nights and their undying commitment to the goal.
The A Team Band has become somewhat of a staple to Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival landscape. In the past few years, the band has been chosen to support numerous artistes, among them, Patrice Roberts, Shal Marshall, Ricardo Drue, Lil Bitts and many others, at events locally, regionally and internationally. “There were times when we could have given up,” said Morean, recalling the early years of the band’s existence. The A Team Band’s musicians had been a part of another unit prior to the formation of A Team. “During their rehearsals with the Soca Unit band, back in the day at Question Mark Entertainment, the members all agreed that the band leader’s direction was not in line with what they wanted at that time,” explained Zarin. He said the members envisioned a more youthful, energetic vibe. “They decided to change their course and I was one of the people around them at that time. I was asked to manage the new band and I’ve been on board ever since,” he explained.
The A Team Band has performed across the world. One of the events Zarin says stands out was the band’s performance in Germany for the Bon Fire Festival. “It was a festival with all kinds of bands from all around the world and The A Team was called to be a part of it. It really was a proud moment to represent Trinidad and Tobago at that Bon Fire Festival in Germany,” he said.
Not As Simple As It Looks.
The A Team Band is, above all, a dedicated unit. Music Director, Miguel Charles and engineer, Brennon Virgil are credited by Zarin for their musical direction. “To get to where we are now, we’ve had to commit ourselves to very long hours- learning every song from the artistes and getting it to where the artistes themselves, want it to be,” he noted. He said a lot of tweaking takes place by Charles and Virgil. “They both have keen musical ears,” said Morean.
Excited for 2023
Carnival 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago, less than eight months away, The A Team Band is gearing up for the excitement. Morean says the focus at this time is to equip the band’s frontline artistes with their own music. “We’re working with Jason ‘Shaft’ Bishop, Zan, Kitch (Kernal Roberts) and Chinese Laundry, to make this a reality,” he explained, also assuring that the band’s 2022 Engine Room production will also be expanded. Further to that, Zarin said the band’s members are looking forward to working alongside YUMA and Chocolate City for the next season. “We really need to bring back that live music element on the road. I’m seeing it happening and I think that’s a good thing.”
Cheers to the A Team Band! The journey has only just begun!
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.
