Ebuzz News
Archived: Thongs Galore, Paparazzi Carnival Adds Its Heat to Another T&T Carnival Showcase, Come 2018.
Paparazzi Carnival launched its 2018 carnival presentation on Saturday night in Port- of -Spain, Trinidad, to a pretty good size crowd at the Government Campus Plaza. The spanking new government facility in the heart of the city offered the ease of parking at the nearby Parkade along Edward Street however, the heat of the night, coupled with the fact that tall buildings surrounded the outdoor feting space, proved a buzz kill for some. Nonetheless, DJs for the night, DJ Niko, Artiste Team, Mixology Muzik, Jet Lee and DJ Duane, kept the energy up with the music, and as the night progressed, and certainly after the costumes had been presented, patrons loosened up a bit for some true Trini-style fun.
This section, Negazi Rebels, which was collaboratively designed by entertainer, Bitts and local designer, Loud By Afiya, will take carnival by storm in 2018, with the band Paparazzi Carnival.
The band’s theme, Nomadik Nation, according to Paparazzi, was created to bring together the scenes and stories of our journeys, as travelers in a well connected world. The band, in 2018, will display a collection of art, culture, adventure, style, people and stories from around the world, it says. The hues of the 2018 presentation weren’t particularly different from previous carnival mas presentations, however, the band’s designers certainly did what they could to ensure ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ were heard throughout the stage show. Thongs ruled the runway no doubt, as sexy, skinny babes strutted their stuff in wild abandon to the sound of soca music, leaving one to wonder whether carnival truly caters to everyone or whether you’re automatically ousted from the festival if you measure upward of a size 6.
This section is called, Wahkan Warrior.
Soca artiste and actress, Shivonne Church who’s best known as Bitts on the entertainment circuit, made her debut to the mas creation business on Saturday night. Certainly a highlight of Paparazzi’s launch, the costume which was collaboratively designed by the young, ambitious culture lover and T&T designer, Loud By Afiya, got the nod of approval from many. A dark purple, black and white themed design- the costume section, Negazi Rebels was modeled by Athaliah Samuel. Other sections that seemed to be loved by the ladies in the audience in particular were, Mystic Romani, Wahkhan Warrior, Akibahara and Tacana Tribe. The band will deliver ten sections for revelers to choose from ahead of C2K18.
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.