Soca icon Denise Belfon brings legendary catalog to Rum Island Festival
Fresh off a major global moment, Trinidad & Tobago Soca icon Denise Belfon is bringing her legendary catalog to Rum Island Festival as the newest addition to its inaugural lineup, according to Caribbean entertainment publicist Paul Thom of the Thom Brand.
He said Belfon’s classic anthem “Work (Put Yuh Back In It)” was recently sampled by Drake on the track “BBW” from his surprise album Maid of Honour, “introducing one of Soca’s most enduring records to a new generation of listeners around the world.”
Taking place on Saturday, July 11, at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Thom told Caribbean Life on Monday, July 6, that Rum Island Festival is bringing together Caribbean music’s biggest names for its inaugural celebration.
Following a recent spotlight on Atlanta News First via ATL Live, the festival continues to build momentum as Atlanta’s newest destination for Caribbean music, food, fashion, and culture, Thom said.
Affectionately known around the world as “Saucy Wow,” Thom said Belfon has spent more than 35 years shaping the sound and spirit of carnival.
“A singer, performer, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador, she has built an international career defined by electrifying live performances, fearless authenticity, and timeless music that continues to inspire audiences across generations,” he said.
Originally released in 1998, Thom said “Work (Put Yuh Back In It)” has become one of Soca’s most influential recordings, remixed thousands of times and embraced by DJs and fans across the globe.
“Nearly three decades after its release, the record is enjoying a renewed global spotlight after appearing on Drake’s Maid of Honour through the track ‘BBW,’ further cementing Belfon’s lasting influence on contemporary music and introducing her signature sound to millions of new listeners,” he said.
Beyond “Work,” Thom said Belfon’s celebrated catalog includes carnival favorites such as KaKa Lay Lay, Hard Wuk, Wining Queen, Boss Lady, Indian Man, Chuku Chuku, and Wanti.
Throughout her career, Thom said Belfon has performed across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, “proudly representing Trinidad and Tobago while serving as one of Soca’s most enduring cultural ambassadors.”
He said Belfon joins a dynamic lineup led by dancehall heavyweight Aidonia, Billboard-recognized rising star Ayetian, and official festival host Pretty Vee, alongside an all-star DJ roster featuring Ricky Platinum, Yung Rage, Unique Soundz, Propa English, Boogy Ranks, DJ Fabb, and more.
Thom said Rum Island Festival is a premium Caribbean-inspired cultural experience born in Atlanta and built to travel.
“Positioned at the intersection of world-class music, artisanal rum culture, Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and authentic community, the festival is designed as an immersive celebration of island culture in all its forms,” he said.
“With a lineup that blends legendary artists, rising talent, and cultural tastemakers, alongside curated brand activations and experiential programming, Rum Island Festival delivers a fully immersive environment that reflects the global influence of Caribbean music and lifestyle,” Thom added.
“Rooted in culture and community, Rum Island Festival makes its debut in Atlanta with the goal of growing into a traveling platform that celebrates Caribbean excellence across major US cities and destination markets,” he continued.
