Caribbean Buzz
Bass Gets LOUD… “Could Maracas Bay Look Anything Like This?”
Trinidad and Tobago may be known for the greatest carnival experience in the world but added to that, the island has often been highlighted by international magazines and travel analysts for the sublime Maracas Bay experience. The Huffington Post, in a 2014 travel feature dubbed Maracas Bay- ‘ As close to perfect as a beach can get.’ These days however, the facility leaves much to be desired and one soca artiste has made a passionate plea for Tourism officials in his country, to simply get it together.
Bass wants to see a better Maracas Bay facility in Trinidad.
Having visited St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the end of May, Bass – formerly known as Third Bass, an often outspoken songwriter and artiste who doubles up as a radio personality at Boomchampions 94.1FM in Trinidad, posted videos to social media, voicing his passionate plea for Maracas Bay to be transformed into a facility like that of Buccament Bay at the multi-award-winning Buccament Bay Resort in St. Vincent.
Maracas Bay, having been earmarked for a multi million dollar upgrade, has been left in shambles since April 2016, after the country’s government halted the project, having fired the contractor that was hired by the previous administration. Tourism Minister, Shamfa Cudjoe outlined a number of issues that plagued the project, including how much of the project had been completed in the time allowed. Bass however, isn’t concerned with the politics of the matter. Using his mobile phone camera, the entertainer who’s been touring with Destra Garcia in recent weeks, having hit Barbados, the Bahamas and St. Vincent, captured the awesome layout of the Buccament Bay facility in St. Vincent. He said, “why can’t our Maracas Bay look like this?”… passionately calling on Trinbagonian authorities to spend tax payer’s dollars better than they currently are.
Set to hit Antigua this weekend, Bass whose ‘Stush in the Bush’ sentiment caused a stir in Carnival 2016, says when he travels, he is often in awe at how governments with far less financial resources in the Caribbean, manage to deliver much more, when it comes to tourism for their respective countries. He is now appealing to Trinidad and Tobago’s Tourism Minister and the ministry of Tourism to get it right in the shortest possible time.
Maracas Bay is, by all accounts, the most popular beach facility in Trinidad with thousands often flocking to the crescent, scenic weekend spot for a dip, and a good ‘lime’ with friends and family. The meandering roadway that leads to the Bay is also a topic of much conversation for tourists who upon reaching to the beach, lose themselves in the beauty of the very natural atmosphere. According to Bass, this is more than enough of a reason for government to expedite the process of making the facility a truly world class one.
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.
