Jamaican entertainer, Mark Myrie, best known by his stage name, Buju Banton- yesterday walked out of a Tampa, Florida courtroom victorious. No, he was not freed from the prison cell he’d been occupying since 2009 but the gun possession charge that had been part and parcel of his nightmare, was dropped. ETCETERABUZZ.COM, in our bid to bring the Caribbean full circle, spoke with a couple of our Trinidad based artistes who reflected on Buju Banton’s legacy, one of them telling us that the ‘Optimistic Soul’ hit maker had even offered him words of positive inspiration when he was about to embark on starting his own band.
Kerry John says Buju has been an inspiration.
Banton was arrested in 2009 on a charge of conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute, more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. Yesterday, we spoke with Trinidad and Tobago reggae and soca entertainer, Kerry John who said he felt good to know that the gun charge had been dropped. “I hope he eventually comes out and corrects his wrongs because once you have time, you have life,” he said. The young artiste who admitted to being a great fan of Myrie, said he had always looked up to Buju and marvelled at the Jamaican sensation’s artistic ability. “He’s so multi talented. He can sing and he’s lyrically verse and he plays the drums and other instruments,” he said, noting that everyone is not perfect and as such he refused to judge anyone. John’s recent video release for his single ‘Put It On Me’ on the Magic Riddim has him riding a high wave these days but in spite of his elated spirit, there was a sense of sadness felt for the confined reggae crooner.
Buju Banton encouraged Shurwayne to start his band.
We also caught up with Shurwayne Winchester who in recent years has collaborated on a number of tracks with some of Jamaica’s artistes. Winchester said Buju Banton’s music has always been very influential on his career, especially the lyrical content and the way he structured his lyrics. “He’s an elder who has offered such great reggae vibes. He was a very consistent artiste. I saw him at several shows and when I was thinking about starting the band, Buju told me- ‘what is for you is for you, get up and get it.'”
Shurwayne said he’d shared the stage with Buju at a Caribbean show prior to his incarceration some years ago and was impressed at how through music, he fed the minds of the youths and tried to teach them to believe in themselves.
Buju Banton’s last appearance in Trinidad and Tobago was at the I Am Legend concert event hosted by Home Grown Entertainment in 2009. He had provided reggae lovers with a show, the magnitude of which, has since, never been outdone, according to many. Many of his fans in T&T- like the rest of the world, anticipate his freedom with hopes of seeing him live on stage at a massive venue like Trinidad’s Queen’s Park Savannah, again. On Facebook, fans of the reggae superstar plea for his freedom, some echoing the words of his hit single, ‘They shoulda never hurt Buju.”
Buju Banton’s new single- ‘Pressure Dem’
Yesterday’s verdict now leaves his attorney mulling over whether an appeal should be filed to have his drug conviction overturned. According to the Jamaica Observer, Buju’s defence attorney, Kwame Lumumba said they are not certain whether this will be done, at this time, however it is being considered. Buju has already served 40 months of a 10 year sentence and recently a new single called, “Pressure Dem” was released on the Fuss Cuss riddim, on the entertainer’s behalf.
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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