Ebuzz News
Archived: DJ’s Being Paid for Play? Comedian and Radio Personality POWERFULLY States Her Claim.
Rachel Price is never to be toyed with. She’s a tough one when it comes to the business of entertainment in the Caribbean and while her words can be as stinging as her comedic expressions when she hits the stage, the proclaimed Queen of Caribbean comedy is often fearless when she has the proof to back her words. This morning, on the airwaves of urban frequency, RED 96.7FM, Price excitedly pounced on the topic of the Road March contenders and the race to the finish, suggesting that a competing frequency has been pushing its own agenda in playing Machel Montano’s music more than the music of the other competing artistes, and even going as far as to suggest that DJs at many radio stations were enjoying payment for airplay.
Patrice Roberts’ “Sweet For Days” has been a refrain for weeks. PHOTO CREDIT: Jermaine Cruickshank
Calling for the people on the ground to be given the opportunity to decide on the Road March, Price said while she had no problem with the music receiving widespread rotation, she was bothered by the unfairness of the present situation. She noted that on the weekend when Montano’s song was released, the radio in her vehicle had been on the competing frequency, where for an extended period of time between driving to complete various errands, she had heard the song unceasingly wheeled and played.
Many are now taking to social media with their views following the weekend explosion of Machel Montano and Superblue’s “Soca Kingdom.” Many are in agreement with Price’s sentiments while others argue that Machel has the recipe for the Road March. It was also suggested this morning that the population had been brainwashed, a term that has been used to describe the Machel madness, for years.
Iwer George’s “Savannah” has suddenly been pushed back it would seem, with Montano’s weekend release. PHOTO CREDIT: Jermaine Cruickshank
Iwer George, Patrice Roberts, Ricardo Drue and some say, Shurwayne Winchester all have tunes that are deserving of equal airplay for a chance at the coveted Road March – the song that is most played for masqueraders to cross the various judging points, on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. No airplay or little airplay would obviously equate to less than thunderous reception from the masses at fetes. When that is experienced, DJs then cast the songs that receive little reaction to the back of the pack. FAIR OR NOT? You tell us.
Montano meanwhile, is preparing for his Machel Monday concert event he has aptly coined, “Soca Kingdom”. That takes place on February 5th with tickets being sold for $300, $600 and $1200 for General, VIP and Platinum All Inclusive, respectively. He performs at Army Fete on February 2nd at the Queen’s Park Savannah where as we understand it, every Road March contender will have the chance to show the crowd the strength of their contender prior to the Road March race.
Ricardo Drue’s Intensity is certainly a Road March contender but airplay has been minimal.
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.
