Caribbean Buzz
Archived: Devon Matthews Dead at 36. Sudden Passing Sends Ripples Through T&T and the Caribbean.
This is the most difficult feature we’ve ever had to write.
Entertainer and Radio personality, Devon Matthews has passed away. Youth was certainly still on his side. Matthews, the name behind the ‘iShare’ project- a Christmas charity drive, was pronounced dead at the St. Clair Medical facility in Trinidad on Sunday morning. He had reportedly complained of feeling unwell, to a fellow radio personality, prior to taking the stage at Tribe’s 2018 Carnival band launch, held at the St. Mary’s College Grounds in Port -of- Spain. It is believed that Matthews suffered a heart attack.
Devon’s larger than life personality on the urban airwaves could never be missed. His ‘Affairs of the Heart’ radio talk show had grown exponentially in little to no time and he had taken it to television, helping people from all walks of life with the inclusion of experts on panels that dealt with topics related to relationships, sex and so much more. The iShare project had helped many as well, Matthews having used his celebrity and station to encourage people to give from their hearts, whatever foodstuff that they could, to help make the Christmas of those who couldn’t afford it, a happier one.
Today, many across the Caribbean and internationally are shocked by the news of Matthews’ sudden passing. His friend, producer Anson Soverall wrote :
Devon Matthews has passed on at the age of 36.
“Even though the Road is long……” 5 years ago this brother opened up his home and his studio to me for nothing In return, where he encouraged me to just express myself musically and help other up and coming talented youths.
He didn’t just become my friend but he became a true brother!!!! His dad and mother welcomed me everyday with welcomed arms.
Devon actually preached to me everyday “Dawg you need to learn to do soca!!!” He would laugh at my basic soca kick pattern and would drum it on the desk to teach me how it should be done. I owe my soca Career to you brother.
Through his efforts he helped birth a new generation of artists .and producers some directly others indirectly by helping me push their music on radio or by allowing me to record and produce them at his home studio. That list is extensive, a lot of artists in all genres of music owe there starts to Devon Matthews.
Devon was there for me in my time of need when my mother Arlene Jackman Soverall passed away. So I made sure I was there for him when his dad Mr Selwyn Matthews passed. Filled with all the emotions of both of them passing he was inspired to come to me to produce a song called D Journey. We dedicated this song to our deceased parents R.I.P
Devon and I made history only just last year by being victorious in the regions first ever copyright infringement case. After wich he went on to take the 3rd place young kings and 3rd place soca monarch with D Journey ft Ella Andall
I was glad that after all the years of him giving to me I was able to finally guve him what he wanted, a classic hit song and 2 titles. Devon never wanted to win. He would always say “I going for 3rd place” and that’s exactly what he did.
He was also the founder of the various feeding programs
which every Christmas he would collect and distribute to the needy. He would help flood victims the homeless etc.
He was one of the pioneers of Team Rosa and Forward Movement Music Group and this list goes on and on. The man was just a all-round good person!!!!! Devon Matthews my brother!!! Rest In Peace. Hate to say this but you went to be with your dad and my mother in heaven. R.I.P
#MyBrother4life #DJourney #Love
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.
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Caribbean Buzz1 week agoCharly Black, Kevin Lyttle Release ‘Summer Banger’ Produced by Global Hitmaker, Walshy Fire.
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Caribbean Buzz5 days agoKes The Band’s ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour Concludes with Sold-Out International Success.
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