Caribbean Buzz
Archived: Lyrikal talks J’ouvert Violence in New York- Says Soca Could Change Things.
It’s been two weeks since New York’s West Indian Day Parade; Two weeks since two people, one of them a Trinidad and Tobago national who had lived merely 17 years on the face of this planet, were killed in gun violence in the pre-West Indian Day Parade, J’ouvert celebrations. In the aftermath of the incident, there is now discussion among New York state authorities as to whether the J’ouvert should be cancelled altogether. For one Trinidad and Tobago Soca star who resides in Brooklyn, if the actual elements of J’ouvert aren’t added to the pre-dawn event, it makes no sense whatsoever.
Ebuzztt.com spoke with Lyrikal- the man who has, in recent years, amassed a pretty loyal following and proven his worth with a catalogue of Soca hits that speaks volumes. He’s a ‘Brooklyn boy’ and reps hard for West Indians in that part of the US. He’s also Trini to the bone and understands the importance of the Carnival culture to not just Trinbagonians residing in New York, but also people from across the West Indies. In the aftermath of the two murders this year, Lyrikal is however saying, the organisers of the festival should deliver what J’ouvert really is, to the pre-dawn festivity.
“Everywhere else, J’ouvert is J’ouvert, except New York. New York doesn’t have any music trucks. There’s nothing for revellers to do so you’re bringing a whole bunch of people, including gang affiliated members- because their presence is very heavy in New York as everyone knows, and there’s really nothing for them to do. They are just gathering there and standing up,” he said.
Lyrikal says real J’ouvert elements should be added in New York.
He acknowledges that there are pan bands in the pre-dawn J’ouvert, however in the same breath, he said, “but the people aren’t really into that.” Explaining that many Americans have become intrigued by the J’ouvert and the overall festival itself over the years, Lyrikal says it’s all because of the soca music- a natural gravitation of sorts, to the vibe Soca invokes. “But if they come to experience that and there is none of that, all they’re doing is standing up on a street corner, so what else is there to do if they’re just standing there drinking and they probably see somebody that they have beef with?,” he questioned. The soca artiste admits that the crime rate surrounding the J’ouvert, has been high, in recent years but feels this can be curbed if the people who come out to experience the fun of a real J’ouvert, are given exactly what they yearn for, when they gather.
“I’m not agreeing with them to totally shut down the J’ouvert, but as of now, it doesn’t make any sense without the music.”
Lyrikal says he does not attend the J’ouvert celebrations in Brooklyn and never gives it a second thought. He says without the soca music element added to the equation, the likelihood of violence and further tarnishing of the overall West Indian Day Parade, is highly likely.
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.
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Caribbean Buzz1 week agoCharly Black, Kevin Lyttle Release ‘Summer Banger’ Produced by Global Hitmaker, Walshy Fire.
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Caribbean Buzz5 days agoKes The Band’s ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour Concludes with Sold-Out International Success.
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