A steamy showcase of Soca, reggae, R&B and even calypso music courtesy Kes The Band – led of course by the band’s main man, Kees Dieffenthaller was all that it took to get the crowd at Speyside in the countryside of Tobago, to their feet and moving toward the front of the stage last evening. Taking over the show from performers like the ever enjoyable Fire Empress and her husband, David Reid who together make up Fire Fuzion, Trinidad based jazz band, Hyjnx, Tobagonian vocalist, Kervern Carter and Barbados’ Arturo Tapin, Kees left a lasting impression at the first event on the Tobago Jazz Experience 2013 calendar. He even scored points among the ladies when he went shirtless- strutting his stuff across the stage and teasing with every chord sung.
Kees wearing his island hat that’s become a mainstay to his look, exemplified Caribbean swag. #islandGQ
His sex appeal wasn’t the main attraction last evening but that certainly didn’t stop the ladies from lusting. His vocals on point as usual, the island pop heartthrob and his musical outfit of well endowed male and female dancers, musicians and technical crew impressed beyond words. Kees’ on stage swag has been a topic of many discussions in the past. On show night in Tobago, the conversations continued as many looked on in awe of his presence and natural knack for stimulating audience members of different ages.
The Speyside event brought out a massive crowd of villagers from the area and certainly as far as the Scarborough area. Many had made the trek to the countryside to take in the experience and with Kes the Band a headline act, it was more a matter of what time to get there, rather than if they should be there. They were all there!
Delivering a slate of hits that ranged from his 2011 Groovy Soca Monarch winner, Wotless to his reggae hit, Tuesday on the Rocks, some of the oldies but goodies in genres familiar to most if not all, and in between flashing smiles of appreciation to the crowd who raised their hands and moved their waists in approval, Kees was a hit. Chatting with ETCETERABUZZ.COM before the show, he said he felt privileged to have been included on the Jazz Experience cast and was happy to have had the opportunity to appear in the rural village of Speyside, noting that such areas are often forgotten.
Fya Empress of Fya Fuzion gave a tremendous performance.
Also appearing and impressing with their powerful renditions were King Super Blue- T&T’s reigning road march and Power Soca Monarch King and his step son, K Rich. Backstage, K Rich told us he was happy to be a part of the show and couldn’t wait to perform for the audience. Also leaving his mark last evening with what could only be described as a powerful reggae set was Guardah Knight. He performed just after Kees and truly thrilled the crowd. SuperBlue donned a dapper looking blue jacket that dazzled in the spotlight and like the showman he is- he infiltrated with poise and fervor.
This evening, the Jazz experience continues. Fans of Positive, Kimba Sorzano, Isaac Blackman and others are in for a treat and ETCETERABUZZ.COM will be live on location to bring you the latest, as it happens. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook as we follow the fun and bring it to you.
The Atlantic Ocean has long connected Africa and the Caribbean through history and culture. That connection finds a powerful new expression with “Love Again,” an Afro-Caribbean collaboration between global Ghanaian superstar, Black Sherif and Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed songwriting and performing duo, brothers Kory and Kevon Hart of Full Blown.
The single was released globally through EMPIRE on September 4th. Built around themes of vulnerability, healing and the courage to love again, the record arrives at a time when creative partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean are reshaping the sound of global music.
‘Love Again’ captures the emotional highs and lows of choosing hope after heartbreak. For Black Sherif, whose introspective storytelling has earned him over 1bn+ streams from his previous album “Iron Boy,” over 5bn+ streams across his catalogue, and a global audience, the collaboration represents another step in expanding the dialogue between African and Caribbean music.
For Kory and Kevon Hart, internationally respected producers and songwriters whose work has shaped countless Caribbean hits, it marks an opportunity to showcase their artistry alongside one of Africa’s defining voices. As Black Sherif continues to share his life through his music, he is not shy about discussing intimacy and love. “Almost all of the necessary affections that I have needed, and have gotten, came from afar, physically and figuratively. As a result, I have a tough time receiving and keeping love or better say intimacy, even though I crave them intensely,” he shared.
Black Sherif
He admits that in his adult years this topic “has become one of the greatest discussions in my bedroom mirror and with this project, I have allowed you a glimpse of it.” Remarkably, despite creating this song together, the artistes did so from different parts of the world. They did not meet until the filming of the official music video. The reality TV-inspired video, which drops on October 15th, further celebrates the undeniable musical chemistry between West Africa and the Caribbean – regions whose cultural ties continue to inspire some of the world’s most exciting sounds.
Full Blown’s involvement in this project further supports their continued exploration of themes related to love and relationships. “This project felt natural and fits our vibe and style perfectly,” the brothers expressed cohesively.
Hailing from the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, where Soca music is the dominant genre, a big part of their dream for the genre has always been to carry the sound of Soca music to the corners of the globe, and to collaborate and share their particular vibe with artistes from different cultures. “This project is another step forward for Full Blown. We’re keeping our dream alive,” said the duo.
As Afrobeats continues its global rise and Caribbean music expands its international reach, ‘Love Again’ reflects a broader movement bringing African and Caribbean artistes closer together. Rather than borrowing from one another, the record celebrates a shared musical lineage while pointing toward an increasingly connected future.
‘Love Again’ is one of 6 tracks featured on his EP titled SUN SHERIF, which is set to follow the success of his second studio album.
There’s a thriving theatre industry in Trinidad ad Tobago. Theatre is a part of T&T’s entertainment landscape that just isn’t given the attention it truly deserves. In the weeks ahead however, there’s certainly going to be a buzz surrounding one production that’ll have everybody talking.
Penelope Spencer’s adaptation of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” opens at the Cipriani Labour College on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October 2026, with additional performances scheduled through February 2027 at Queen’s Hall, SAPA and the Central Bank Auditorium.
CPR Productions will be bringing back a play that is undoubtedly fondly remembered by theatre lovers. This time however, a new cast, which includes Cecilia Salazar and Penelope Spencer, as Carmen and Frances, along with Ro’dey, Serran Clarke, Shevonne Metivier and Rachel Bascombe – step into the spotlight with a fresh production under the directorship of Penelope Spencer.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Guapo,” is an adult comedy-drama that’s set in Guapo, deep in the Southern end of Trinidad. It follows four women making a living through the world’s oldest profession and the complicated relationships inside the house they share.
CPR Productions has delivered several successful theatrical productions, including Ridiculous 61⁄2, 7 Year Itch and Two Fat Fellas. With this latest production, the company continues its focus on Trinbagonian theatre, local stories and comedy, rooted in situations and characters audiences recognize.
Tickets for the play are available online at islandetickets.com, as well as K’Squared Fashion locations, Domon’s Shoe Store, Long Circular Mall and HYPEDTT Home & More, Valpark Shopping Plaza. Tickets will also be available through the relevant venue box offices as announced. Patrons are encouraged to secure tickets early for the opening weekend at Cipriani Labour College.
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