On November 2, 2026, Belize’s tight-knit independent music community is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished creative voices: Justin Castillo, the R&B, neo-soul and Kriol fusion artist professionally known to fans across the country as J. Cas. For more than a decade, Castillo carved out a distinct, beloved niche in the local entertainment landscape, earning widespread acclaim for his warm, soul-drenched vocal delivery and innovative sound that wove together global contemporary Black music traditions with the rich, rhythmic storytelling of Belize’s Kriol cultural heritage. A prolific live performer, he graced the stages of nearly every major national music festival and high-profile community event, building a loyal cross-generational fanbase through both his electrifying live sets and a catalog of original self-released tracks that became staples of local independent radio and playlists. Official condolences have been extended by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), speaking on behalf of Culture Minister Francis Fonseca, the institute’s governing board and entire staff body. In an official tribute statement, NICH leadership emphasized that Castillo’s creative contributions did not just entertain audiences, but helped expand and enrich Belize’s national cultural tapestry, noting that his work would be preserved and celebrated for generations to come. The news outlet is compiling a retrospective feature of J. Cas’s most iconic performances and career milestones to honor his life’s work, with accompanying archival video content set to be added to the digital story in the coming days. This report is adapted from the outlet’s evening television newscast, with all segments featuring Kriol dialogue transcribed using a standardized, widely accepted official Kriol spelling system for accessibility.