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Archived: Glitches Mar Soca Monarch- Kerwin's Groovy Win Pleases The Masses.

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It’s over. The International Soca Monarch, anticipated by thousands annually during Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival season, is now over and done with and the winners have been announced, much to the shock of some. There has been a three way tie in the Power category and Machel Montano has again secured his $2 million dollar grand prize but now with the event behind us, speculation is rife that the International Soca Monarch is no longer a competition, but instead, many are saying that it is leaning toward the ideals of a simple talent showcase. Question is, do the artistes themselves know and are organizers willing to admit it?

Machel   has won the Power Soca Monarch title for a third year. He was however dethroned in the Groovy category by Kerwin Du Bois. PHOTO COURTESY: TRINIRAZZI.

There’s no confirmation of this but as we said, speculation is rife in several quarters, particularly so, among members of the local news media and entertainment media fraternity. In several social media posts by reputed media personalities in T&T on Friday night into Saturday morning as the show unravelled, there were sentiments of dismay and disappointment over numerous things seen on show night. Our ETCETERABUZZ.COM team was on the inside and we took things in from the crowd, looking on as perturbed attendees scoffed at several technical glitches experienced during the performances of artistes like Destra, Mr. Killa and even Farmer Nappy. This year, the Soca Monarch crowd also seemed to have dwindled a bit with the back of the venue- the Hasley Crawford Stadium, appearing bare even as the early hours of Saturday morning came. Toward the front of the stage, the usual big flag crews planted themselves, but there seemed to have been something amiss. The energy just wasn’t there. The Groovy leg of the competition which took place first was hosted by radio, television and entertainment personalities, Nikky Crosby and Paul Richards and although it appeared as though they were both mandated to make the show look completely different than it had in previous years, they failed in lifting the spirits of the people in a competition that has for years created an atmosphere of wild abandon and a true celebration of carnival. 

Kerwin Du Bois is the new Groovy Soca Monarch king! PHOTO COURTESY: TRINIRAZZI.

The production issues, the order of appearance in the Groovy category and not to mention what seemed like a downplayed performance by Montano in the power category seemed a bit questionable. When the order of appearance had been announced prior to the event, many noted that the top seeds were placed consecutively toward the category’s end. Nevertheless, with the show now behind us and with Carnival Monday and Tuesday in sight, the three way tie in the Power category of Destra Garcia, Iwer George and Grenada’s Mr. Killa, will soon be a distant memory. Many now anticipate the road and with two songs vying for the Road March title- those being Montano’s ‘Ministry of Road and Bunji Garlin’s, ‘Truck on de Road,’ we turn our sights to the street parade of Carnival 2014!

HERE ARE THE OFFICIAL RESULTS OF THE ISM 2014. 

 

POWER CATEGORY: 

• Machel Montano- Ministry of Road – 1st PLACE. 

• Mr. Killa- Rolly Polly- 2nd PLACE

• Destra Garcia- Mash Up- 2nd PLACE

• Iwer George- Mama Oye- 2nd PLACE

 

GROOVY CATEGORY: 

• Kerwin Du Bois- Too Real- 1st PLACE

• Machel Montano- HMA- 2ND PLACE

• Farmer Nappy- Big People Party- 3rd PLACE. 

PHOTOS COURTESY: The local paparazzi- TRINIRAZZI

Music News

Grammy Award Winning, Morgan Heritage Salutes Jamaica with First Release Since Losing Peetah Morgan.

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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.

“Come Feel the Love” is available now on all major digital streaming platforms.

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Caribbean Buzz

Kes The Band’s ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour Concludes with Sold-Out International Success.

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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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