Ebuzz News
Archived: Don’t Get It Twisted. Shurwayne Winchester Remains One of Soca Music’s Best Entertainers. HERE’S WHY!
A lot of artistes have great music. That’s a fact. How many artistes however, can really perform their tracks, delivering seamlessly when they hit a big stage- or any stage for that matter?
Have you ever been caught with your mouth open, face turned up and vibe soured after an artiste you’d been anticipating all night, because he has a “big tune” as promoted by radio men, failed to execute? Trust and believe- it’s a common occurrence. On Friday night, former Road March King, Power Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch King, Shurwayne Winchester- Tobago’s hero, reminded us that among the dozens of entertainers who deliver Soca music annually, he remains a true champion, never failing to truly put on a show, no matter the setting. Shurwayne hosted a pretty intimate video release party, inviting close friends and family and hardly any media it would seem, to share in a night of bliss with him at the Radisson Hotel in Port-of-Spain. It was no major soiree. In fact, among the crop of people in attendance, the celebs spotted were Baron and Chris Garcia. In early October, in a chat with Ebuzztt.com, Winchester had said, “I can only be me. I can’t change the way I am, to suit the hype. If that is’t enough then I guess I’ll be performing for select audiences.”
The question is however, is that fair? Then again… life isn’t fair, right?
Shurwayne with fellow Soca star, Destra Garcia some time ago.
Shurwayne entertains friends at Radisson Hotel in Port-of-Spain.
Shurwayne’s catalogue of music is immense. He proved it, much like Destra Garcia did on Thursday night when she appeared on urban frequency, Boomchampions 94.1FM and belted out her oldies but goodies that’ll never cease to make audiences smile and move. The same expression came when Shurwayne delivered, ‘Come Beta’ and ‘Don’t Stop’ to his friends on Friday. His signature style of giving directives didn’t fail either. He instructed his small crowd to form a conga line and they obeyed, chipping in unison around the Radisson pool, much to their personal enjoyment. Later he would sing his two new single, ‘Right Away’ – the song for which the new video was created, and ‘Oxygen’- one that is likely to become one of Carnival 2017’s most enjoyed, if given the chance to, by radio DJs and personalities.
Annually, Shurwayne Winchester hosts events in Arima, Trinidad and his birth place, Tobago. Despite the fact that he’s often sidelined for major Carnival fetes that pull big crowds, he remains highly appreciated for his ability to truly entertain, by promoters who host select events, so, during carnival, Shurwayne may be found in fetes hosted in South Trinidad and parts thereabout that are hardly ever advertised. Sadly however, many will hardly ever get the opportunity to feel what a ‘Shurwayne Winchester’ party vibe is like. To put it simply- he’s a performer at heart and he never fails to make his crowd sweat. Added to that, Shurwayne Winchester can sing!
WINING ADDICTION
NEW MUSIC
Caribbean Buzz
Kes The Band’s ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour Concludes with Sold-Out International Success.
Kes the Band has officially concluded its highly acclaimed Roots, Rock, Soca Tour, marking another groundbreaking moment in the band’s remarkable journey. The international tour captivated audiences across the United Kingdom, Europe and North America – making history as the first Soca act to sell-out stadium shows in the United States and to sell out the RBC Amphitheater in Toronto, Canada with 16,000 fans.
The tour featured sold-out shows in major music cities such as London, Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, and its final stop in Toronto – with thousands of fans gathering night after night to experience the signature sound, musicianship, and infectious energy that have made KestheBand one of the Caribbean’s most influential live acts.
The ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour became a celebration of culture, connection, and community. Each performance in the concert series showcased the band’s ability to transcend borders and generations, bringing together audiences from diverse backgrounds through music rooted in Caribbean identity. With energetic performances spanning storied venues such as Forest Hills Stadium in New York and The Bellwether in California, Kes the Band continues to cement its place in history as an enduring, generational force that bridges rhythms, unites audiences, and elevates the heartbeat of Caribbean culture in communities across global borders.
Led by charismatic frontman Kees Dieffenthaller, the band’s world-class lineup includes Dean Jameson drums, Jon Dieffenthaller on guitar, Riad Boochoon on bass, Mario Callender and Geiron Mangon keyboards, and Robert ‘Robbie Styles’ Persaud on DJ and Ableton. Together, they delivered dynamic performances that combined exceptional musicianship with the unmistakable spirit that has become synonymous with KestheBand.
Adding to the excitement throughout the tour were a number of memorable surprise guest appearances from some of soca’s most celebrated artists, including Coutain, Lady Lava, Barbados Soca legend Edwin Yearwood, Iwer George, London’s Haile of WSTRN, Haitian singer J Perry, and Ravi B. Their appearances created unforgettable moments for fans while highlighting the camaraderie and creative excellence that continue to define Caribbean music.
The overwhelming response to the tour underscores Kes the Band’s continued evolution from a beloved Caribbean band to a truly global cultural ambassador. Across every city, audiences embraced the music, creating an atmosphere that reflected the growing international appreciation for soca and Caribbean artistry.
Photo: Jono Hirst.
As the curtain closes on the Roots, Rock, Soca Tour, Kes the Band is already focused on the next chapter. The band will soon return to the studio to begin work on new music for an upcoming album, continuing its tradition of pushing creative boundaries while staying true to the sound that has resonated with fans around the world.
The momentum also continues for Kes the Band on stage over Labor Day Weekend as the iconic group takes the stage at the DC Jazz Festival (DCJF), one of the United States’ premier music festivals, taking place September 2–6, 2026. Following the band’s debut on NPR Tiny Desk in the capital of the United States earlier this year, the band continues to expand its reach and introduce Caribbean music to new audiences on some of the world’s most respected stages.
With decades of groundbreaking music, unforgettable live performances, and an unwavering commitment to cultural excellence, Kes the Band continues to redefine what’s possible for Caribbean artists on the global stage. The success of the Roots, Rock, Soca Tour is both a celebration of an extraordinary series of performances and a defining chapter in the band’s enduring legacy, setting the stage for an exciting new era of music and global performances.
Caribbean Buzz
Charly Black, Kevin Lyttle Release ‘Summer Banger’ Produced by Global Hitmaker, Walshy Fire.
Two of the Caribbean’s most legendary hitmakers have joined forces for what is shaping up to be one of the Caribbean’s biggest records of the year.
Dancehall superstar Charly Black, whose global smash “Gyal You A Party Animal” has amassed more than one billion streams worldwide, joins forces with St. Vincent Soca hit maker, Kevin Lyttle, whose timeless international hit “Turn Me On” has generated hundreds of millions of streams. That single remains one of the most recognizable Caribbean songs ever recorded.
The single, “Island Ting,” unites the music of Jamaica and St. Vincent & The Grenadines, celebrating the beauty, confidence, and irresistible energy of island women. More than just a song, “Island Ting” is a celebration of the Caribbean, its vibrant diaspora, and everyone around the world who embraces the region’s unmatched culture, music, and love of celebration.
Blending irresistible Dancehall and Soca influences with an unmistakable tropical vibe, the record is poised to become the soundtrack of the summer, says a media release issued.
Produced by well known international producer, Walshy Fire, with the instrumental crafted by acclaimed producer Jason Julian, “Island Ting” is already making waves across the streaming landscape. The single has secured significant editorial playlist support from Apple Music and Spotify, with Spotify further backing the release through premium placement on its coveted Mobile Home Banner – one of the platform’s most prominent promotional spaces for new music.
Industry insiders are already tipping “Island Ting” as one of the Caribbean’s defining songs of the summer, with momentum expected to carry through Notting Hill Carnival, into Trinidad Carnival 2027, and beyond. From beach parties and festivals to clubs, radio, and playlists around the world, the record has all the ingredients of a timeless Caribbean anthem.
“Island Ting” is available now on all major streaming and digital platforms.
