It’s barely been a week since we said goodbye to Carnival 2017 and many of us are already putting things in place for T&T Carnival 2018 ; But before we move on to next year, we have to admit, Carnival 2017 was filled with some unique moments. Ebuzztt has compiled carnival 2017’s biggest winners and best moments – moments that will likely live on in our memories for many years to come.
The Highlight of Our Rose
Calypso Rose has been honored for her lifetime of service, by the government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Even when her Songs “Abatina” and “Leave Me Alone” were released, it was hardly imagined that Tobago born, international Calypso songbird, Calypso Rose, would make the impact she eventually did, in carnival 2017. Amid the festive enjoyment in Trinidad and Tobago came word that the Calypso Queen of the world had won herself the Victoires de la Musique- the French Grammy. She had done so after her platinum selling album Far From Home, was voted Album of the Year. She subsequently performed at Machel Montano’s Machel Monday concert event in Trinidad, before a crowd estimated at over 10,000.
Toward the end of Carnival 2017, Trinidad and Tobago’s government announced that Rose would be honored with diplomatic status and a Caribbean Airlines aircraft would be named after her, for her lifetime service to Trinidad and Tobago.
Vikings x MM
The Vikings and the MONK make amends.
The infamous promotional image took social media by storm mere weeks before Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Many doubted but many were optimistic. Bunji Garlin and Machel Montano together on a track? Both sides had found mutual ground and came together for ‘Buss Head’- a song which saw the pair find common vocal ground and balance. While many expected more, the unity of the artistes seemed to stand at the fore of the single, lending to a season that promoted more love and less division. Montano and Garlin’s first performance of the song came at the much anticipated and well attended Soaka carnival fete at O2 Park. Their meeting on stage buried, to some extent, talk of a ‘business arrangement’, with many seeing the collaboration for what it seemed to be even at the end of Carnival- a new found relationship. They appeared at numerous fetes on stage together and symbolic of their strengthened relationship was the headline performance of Bunji Garlin at Montano’s blockbuster Carnival event- Machel Monday.
Terri Lyons Roars
Terri Lyons was joined on stage at ISM 2017, by her father, Superblue. PHOTO CREDIT: @islandereventstt on IG.
She came from the jungle and we heard her roar loud and clear in 2017. Often referred to as Fay-Ann’s little sister or Superblue’s daughter, Terri Lyons made a name for herself this year. With a tune many heralded as a powerhouse for Soca Monarch and Road March, “De Lion” proved to many, that Terri Lyons is capable of standing on her own and holding her own, on stage. She appeared at numerous fetes including– Army Fete, certainly one of the biggest Carnival events. Her second release with Skinny Fabulous, a track called, ‘Recruit’ showed the young entertainer’s versatility and was heavily praised by Soca music pundits. Solidifying her stellar season, Terri placed 4th place in both the Calypso Monarch Finals and Calypso Young Queens this year with her contribution – “The Destructive Phrase.”
Voice Proved he was Far From Finished
Voice earned the Soca Monarch title for a second year in 2017. PHOTO CREDIT: LizBliz.
While the Hasely Crawford Stadium saw a much smaller crowd assemble within this year, the International Soca Monarch contestants all brought their ‘A’ game as they vied for the coveted crown. Notwithstanding a questionable technical glitch, and strong competitors, Voice, the reigning champ, again won the hearts of the judges and the people when he performed his early release, ‘Far From Finished’, in the end, retaining his title. Showing great humility throughout the season and even after the wi this year, it’s safe to say, Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis has a bright future ahead.
Ultimate Rejects No More
MX Prime and the Ultimate Rejects killed it this past carnival. PHOTO CREDIT: UK Soca Scene.
From the moment “Full Extreme” was released back in December 2016, it was an instant hit. It didn’t need to grow on many of us, it had instantaneously stamped its name as a force to be reckoned with. The lyrics “We Jammin’ Still” “We Doh Business” and “Hold Dem and Wuk dem” became Carnival 2017 taglines. Written, produced and performed by Ultimate Rejects – a humble team of talented artists, the undisputed Carnival 2017 anthem perfectly described the culture of Trinidad and Tobago’s people. The Ultimate Rejects was a staple in almost every fete and was the people’s choice for the Road March title, from the onset. Opting to stay out of the International Soca Monarch Competition, where many thought they would have been a sure win, UR, eventually went not to take the Rad March title, with ‘Full Extreme’ being played at judging points, 556 times on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. The song had also made history, being played the most times EVER, in carnival’s Road March history. Now they’re off to SXSW Music Festival in Austin Texas this month where they will be performing a 40-minute Caribbean Dance Music set.
Grammy Award-winning reggae band Morgan Heritage returns with “Come Feel The Love,” an uplifting new single written and produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Stephen Marley.
Released on July 10th through Ghetto Youths International, the song serves as a vibrant musical invitation to experience Jamaica through its people, culture, landscapes, and unmistakable spirit. According to a media release the song celebrates the essence of Jamaica through authentic storytelling, using the universal language of reggae to capture the island’s warmth, resilience, beauty, and enduring sense of community.
Led by the unmistakable voices of Gramps Morgan and Mojo Morgan, the single paints vivid images of Jamaica’s natural beauty, from the iconic lignum vitae and soursop trees to Negril’s coastline, Lovers’ Leap, and the communities where generations have shaped one of the world’s most influential musical cultures.
Complementing the song is a visually stunning official music video produced by Filmaica and directed by Fernando Hevia. Filmed entirely on location throughout Jamaica, the visual showcases many of the island’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks. Gramps Morgan’s performance scenes were captured in Negril and at the iconic Lovers’ Leap in St. Elizabeth, both destinations referenced in the lyrics, bringing an added level of authenticity and emotional connection, while celebrating the beauty and diversity of Jamaica.
Built around the infectious refrain, “Come Feel The Love,” the record embodies Jamaica as more than a destination – it is a feeling rooted in family, music, community, and connection.
Celebrating Home.
“Come Feel The Love” marks Morgan Heritage’s first newly recorded release since the ascension of one of its founding members, Peetah Morgan, opening a new chapter for one of reggae’s most celebrated groups while honoring the legacy he helped build. The single reflects the band’s enduring commitment to carrying its message of unity, love, and cultural pride to audiences around the world.
“Jamaica has given us so much, our identity, our music, our culture, and our purpose,” said Gramps Morgan. “This song celebrates everything we love about home and invites the world to experience the same warmth and inspiration that continues to shape who we are.”
Mojo Morgan added, “Reggae has always connected people across cultures and generations. ‘Come Feel The Love’ reminds us that Jamaica’s greatest gift isn’t just its beauty, it’s the love, unity, and positive spirit that people feel the moment they arrive.”
The record seamlessly blends Morgan Heritage’s signature harmonies with Stephen Marley’s timeless production, creating a contemporary roots,reggae anthem that honors Jamaica’s traditions while introducing its story to a new generation of listeners.
As one of reggae’s most celebrated families, Morgan Heritage has spent decades carrying Jamaican music to audiences around the world, earning a Grammy Award and building a legacy of socially conscious, spiritually uplifting recordings. Their collaboration with Stephen Marley, one of reggae’s most accomplished artists and producers, brings together two of Jamaica’s most influential musical legacies in a powerful celebration of the island, its people, and its culture.
More than the release of a new single, “Come Feel The Love” represents the beginning of Morgan Heritage’s next chapter, one rooted in the same values that have defined the band for generations while embracing a renewed purpose. As they honor Peetah Morgan’s enduring legacy, the group continues its mission of celebrating Jamaica through music and spreading love, unity, hope, and positivity to audiences around the world.
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.
KestheBand’s Frontman, Kees Dieffenthaller, serenades the sold-out audience at the RBC Amphitheater in Toronto, Canada to conclude the ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour.Photo; Jono Hirst
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.
Soca is joy: these fans could barely contain their excitement at the closing show of KestheBand’s ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour stop in Toronto, Canada. 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.
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