Caribbean Buzz
Jesse Royal Drops First Single Ahead of EP Release. It Features Romain Virgo.
Following his nomination for a GRAMMY with his last full album (2021’s ROYAL), Jesse Royal returns with this powerful, rousing track speaking about ways to fight for justice, uplift his community, and move forward.
This is the first new song from Jesse (besides features on other artists’ tunes) since ROYAL began his next cycle of releases, which will culminate in a new EP later this year.
He is joined on “Hope” by superstar Romain Virgo, whose 2015 reggae version of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” topped the charts in numerous Caribbean countries, and whose 2018 album, Lovesick, hit number one on the Billboard reggae chart. The combination of both singers over a propulsive track produced by Sean Alaric provides one of the most powerful singles you will hear this year.
“My thing is that we are blessed in excess as a little nation [Jamaica] that has caused a huge impact on the world, from music to culture to respecting the herb,” explains Jesse about his thinking behind the track. “This song is just a reminder that we don’t need too much government interference – we just need ‘hope.’ The opportunity to think big and dream big, because it’s necessary on a broader scale for the world. A confident Jamaica to me means a happier world,” he said.
Since his GRAMMY-nomination, Royal has stayed busy on many fronts while working on new music all along. He is an ambassador for Digicel in Jamaica, regularly doing community outreach for the company; he appeared on Protoje’s single “Family,” as well as on songs with Zac Jone$, Konshens, and Kabaka Pyramid’s GRAMMY-winning album The Kalling. Meanwhile, Jesse has continued building up his touring, especially within the US, where he did very successful shows in 2022 with Protoje and Lila Ike, as well as appearances at major festivals like California Roots, Cali Vibes, and Reggae Rise Up. In fact, this single arrives just as Jesse is embarking on some early summer touring, including his own headlining shows in New York City, Chicago, Burlington (VT), and others; festival appearances at Cali Roots and Dry Diggings, and supporting Stephen Marley on four shows. He is also playing Wolf Trap outside of Washington DC with Protoje, SOJA, and special guest J Boog.
Fans are now encouraged to get ready for Jesse Royal coming at ‘em in 2023, bringing plenty “Hope” as he comes through.
Tour Dates:
MAY 27 @ California Roots Festival 2023 in Monterey, CA
JUN 02 @ Do Division 2023 in Chicago, IL
JUN 05 @ Ocean Mist in South Kingstown, RI
JUN 07 @ Higher Ground in South Burlington, VT
JUN 08 @ Bernie’s Beach Bar in Hampton Beach, NH
JUN 10 @ Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA w/ Soja and Protoje
JUN 11 @ SOB’s in New York City, NY
JUL 08 @ The Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA
JUL 26 @ Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, MA
JUL 26 @ Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, MA *
JUL 27 @ Indian Ranch in Webster, MA *
JUL 28 @ South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset, MA *
JUL 29 @ The Clubhouse in East Hampton, NY *
JUL 30 @ Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, NY *
AUG 25 @ Dry Diggings Festival in Auburn, CA
* w/ Stephen Marley
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.
