AceShowbiz - This month's Caribbean Fresh Picks column and playlist highlight new music from the region, but a classic song is also back in the spotlight due to a heated dispute between Buju Banton and fellow reggae artist Wayne Wonder.

The controversy ignited following an interview Buju gave to Dollar Van's Queenz Flip, in which he reflected on the long and complicated history between himself and Wayne Wonder, best known for the hit "No Letting Go." Shortly after, Wayne Wonder responded on social media with a series of posts vehemently denying Buju's version of events, even going so far as to label him a "demon."

The tension escalated particularly around the creation of the 1995 single "Murderer." Wayne Wonder's team claims the song was co-written in 1992 by both artists alongside the late Frankie Sly. They also allege that Sly was never properly credited for his musical contributions and that Wayne's songwriting credit was removed at the time of the track's release in 1995. This adjustment allegedly deprived both artists of rightful royalties from the song’s enduring success.

In response to these allegations, which also touched on other tracks such as "Not an Easy Road" and "Departee," Buju Banton's representatives issued a statement on March 23 demanding a full public apology and a retraction from Wayne Wonder. The statement emphasized that the claims were "entirely untrue, without factual basis," and that they had caused significant damage to Buju Banton's reputation both in Jamaica and abroad.

Amidst this dispute, the international music scene saw dancehall and reggae artists receiving major recognition at two prominent awards ceremonies this month. At the MOBO Awards on March 26, Vybz Kartel took home the prize for Best Caribbean Act, surpassing nominees including Ayetian, Lila Iké, Masicka, Shenseea, and Yung Bredda. Notably, Vybz Kartel was the only West Indian artist nominated for Best International Act, an award that ultimately went to Nigerian Afropop sensation Ayra Starr.

Then, on March 29, the JUNO Awards were held at Ontario’s TD Coliseum, where Naomi Cowan earned Reggae Recording of the Year for her debut album, Welcome to Paradise. As the daughter of reggae legends Tommy Cowan and Carlene Davis, Naomi became the first solo female artist this decade to win in this category, and the first woman overall since Elaine Lil'Bit Shepherd did so in 2011 with Likkle But Mi Tallawah.

While this column cannot cover every release, the curated Caribbean Fresh Picks Spotify playlist offers listeners an expanded selection beyond the ten featured songs. Among these fresh tracks is the standout soca hit "My Head Very Bad" by Skinny Fabulous, produced by OG Park. This energetic anthem is expected to dominate Carnival celebrations with its infectious percussion and catchy horn arrangements.

Skinny Fabulous boldly declares in the song’s bridge, "Have no shame, forget mi reputation/ I come to handle di ting," encapsulating the fearless spirit of the season. This track is poised to become an anthem for revelers across the Caribbean as the summer unfolds.