Denise Belfon headlines Atlanta Rum Island Festival after Drake sample

Trinidad and Tobago soca veteran Denise Belfon has been added to the inaugural Rum Island Festival lineup in Atlanta, Georgia. She will perform on Saturday, July 11, at Piedmont Park, joining acts such as dancehall star Aidonia, rising artist Ayetian, and host Pretty Vee, with a supporting DJ roster that includes Ricky Platinum and Yung Rage.

Belfon's 1998 anthem “Work (Put Yuh Back In It)” was recently sampled by Drake on the track “BBW” from his surprise album Maid of Honour, reviving global interest in the classic soca hit. Festival organizers say the event aims to celebrate Caribbean music, food, fashion and culture, positioning itself as a traveling platform for island‑style entertainment across major U.S. cities.

The addition of the three‑decade‑old soca icon underscores her status as a cultural ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago and highlights the growing mainstream visibility of Caribbean sounds.