Ebuzz News
YUMA Welcomes Chocolate City Mas to Awakened Treasure.
One of Trinidad and Tobago’s most well reputed J’ouvert and International mas brands, Chocolate City Mas, is delving into bigger things ahead of Carnival 2023.
Earlier this month, Chocolate City’s committee signed off on a deal with Carnival Masquerade band, YUMA, cementing its association on the ‘big mas’ scene. “It’s a major move for us,” said Larry Williams, President of Chocolate City Mas U.S. Together with Zarin Morean, President of Chocolate City J’ouvert in T&T, Williams and the rest of the committee now prime up for T&T Carnival 2023. The duo and their committee are eager to deliver to Trinidad and Tobago, new promotional efforts that could boost tourism through what they believe will be an equally beneficial partnership all the way around.
Ahead of next year’s carnival in T&T, Chocolate City, via this exciting association with YUMA, will promote Carnival particularly to its international market, offering dynamic promotions and exclusive offers on the road with YUMA, via a code, which will be exclusive to Chocolate City customers.
Both Williams and Morean agree that the Chocolate City brand has done well over the years, in T&T and overseas. Now, they’re excited to offer something that includes the pretty mas dynamic in Trinidad and Tobago. YUMA Director, Tanya Gomes says the entire team at YUMA is happy to welcome Chocolate City. “We’re thrilled and excited to be partnering with Chocolate City Mas. Carnival 2023 promises to be the mother of all Carnivals. As you know, Carnival in T&T has been dormant for 2 years (that’s 730 days and approximately 17,520 hours), and now, the Carnival spirit has awakened. We’re happy to partner with Chocolate City, an entity that matches our energy, vibe and spirit. Good things are coming!”
On Saturday, June 25th, YUMA launched 12 sections under the theme, Awakened Treasure. “Every section will be available to every customer who purchases via the Chocolate City code. We’ll be packaging the sections with unique additions that’ll offer increased satisfaction to masqueraders,” assured the Chocolate City team.
Carnival 2023, set for February 20th and February 21st, the journey to delivering on this promise, is now underway. Chocolate City’s committee assures that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that everyone who buys into YUMA, via Chocolate City, returns each year thereafter.
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.
