Last Tuesday, Kes the Band chronicled their 4th year of its Tuesday on the Rocks event. One of the most highly anticipated events during the Carnival week, the O2 Park saw scores of patrons ready to support Kes the band’s ‘Journey through the Music”. Ebuzztt was there for the action and recaps some of the highlights of the signature event.
Well organized.
Kees was amazing as usual at Tuesday on the Rocks 2017. PHOTO CREDIT: Teeography.
Not that its any surprise but Kes had their Ts crossed this year. Notwithstanding a fairly thick crowd, there were no unnecessarily long lines to enter, secured parking was made available at the Army base and shuttles for those who didn’t want to strut the short distance to the venue. There was one main entrance irrespective of the ticket you were holding so there was no confusion as to where to line up. Access to food and drinks were within reach, photo booths to document your attendance, a make-up booth was accessible for a nice price if you were into that kind of thing and bathroom facilities were clean and outfitted with air conditioning. The show started after 8pm with Farmer Nappy and De Red Boyz kicking things off but Kes The Band took full flight at 10pm.
Girls Girls Girls!
The ladies love ’em some Kees! They came out in their numbers last Tuesday. Some wore heels, some wore flats, some donned shorts and others flowy skirts and rompers but no one was afraid to wine down low or scream to the top of their lungs when the man of the moment graced the stage. In between the large girl groups that attended, it appeared to be well suited for lovers as well as many couples were spotted.
Bajan Invasion
Bajan Soca superstars Edwin Yearwood, Alison Hinds and Rupee were all incredible. They not only made Barbados proud but the entire Caribbean with their raw talent and powerful stage presence delivering hit after hit! Alison, the epitome of sexual class, had all eyes on her as she delivered some of her popular tracks. Rupee maintained his charm and easily captivated the crowd with his old hits and 2016/2017 hits ‘Tipsy’ and “I’ll be okay”. The trio professed their love for Trinidad and Tobago countlessly during their performances, calling it their second home, and it’s safe to say by the crowd’s reception, the feeling was mutual!
Vice Versa Love from Barrington Levy, Kes and patrons.
Shifting gears a bit was the introduction of a legend to the Kes The Band stage. Jamaican reggae hit maker, Barrington Levy was part and parcel of the show and based on what we witnessed, it’s safe to say, he’s like fine wine, getting better with age. The reggae superstar had everyone singing word for word as he walked on to the stage casually dressed, with a portable microphone in tow giving him the freedom to easily engage the crowd and move about the stage. Singing mostly acapella, supported by the vocals of the thousands gathered, Levy sang some of his favourite hits like “Too Experienced”, “Here I Come”, “Vice Versa Love”, “Everybody Must Work” and “Black Roses”! Maintaining his presence and showcasing his versatility with different genres of music, Kes also joined Mr. Levy on stage for some collaborations admonishing how much of an inspiration Levy had on him musically growing up. Undoubtedly, Barrington Levy was definitely one of the biggest highlights of the night and further exciting fans announcing that his new album would be dropping soon.
Music was the mission
Barrington Levy is getting better with age. PHOTO CREDIT: Teeography.
The event was not restricted to one genre of music as Kees also performed some of his own island pop and reggae material. He definitely seemed humbled by his fans’ support and constantly maintained engagement with the patrons, even those on top in the VIP area. He echoed the sentiments of his fellow compadre in the business, Machel Montano and others, to spread and promote love. Kees had his uncut moments, creating intimate moments with his fans singing some of his older recordings like ‘Fighter”.
An Unexpected Guest
Ravi B can mash up any fete whether or not he’s scheduled to be there. To the surprise of many, Ravi B was introduced and immediately poured his energy over the crowd. They lapped it all up. The Chutney Soca Monarch Champ and fellow Digicel endorsee to Kees, was not scheduled to performed but maintained that he had to come out and support his brother. MX Prime & The Ultimate Rejects were exceptional as usual and veteran Ronnie McIntosh and Voice were well received by the patrons as well. With Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica well represented, the Caribbean connection was strongly felt. Team Kes executed well because at the end, it’s safe to say that their objective ‘Mission Through Music’ was realized.
He had one of the most memorable Carnival seasons with a Soca track that stole the hearts of Soca lovers in 2026 and now Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis is set to represent hard for the Soca music genre at the upcoming ‘Best of the Best’ Music Festival in Miami on May 26th. His appearance will be his debut to the highly anticipated festival and already, the energy is high.
Voice makes his debut at Best of the Best 2026.
Voice represents the bridge between Millennial Soca and GenZ vibes. ‘Cyah Behave Mehself’ was lapped up like good Caribbean food at Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago back in February, and it is expected to do the same as the international summer season approaches.
Set to take place on May 26th at Museum Park, Downtown Miami, Voice’s inclusion on the cast underscores the Soca genre’s continued global reach within a predominantly reggae and dancehall showcase. Known for his high energy performances and melodic songwriting, the Trinidad and Tobago three -time Soca Monarch King has built an extensive catalogue of hits that that has proven to resonate with a global audience.
Organizers say anticipation for Voice’s performance at Best of the Best, is high. “Fans are looking forward to a dynamic set that brings soca’s signature energy to the festival stage.”
Best of the Best Music Fest remains one of North America’s premiere Caribbean music events, drawing fans from across the region and Diaspora for a full day of live performances. This year’s lineup includes, Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Rajah Wild, Skeng, Vanessa Bling, among others.
Ahead of its 11th annual voyage in November, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruiseshares its story through a new film. VIBE premiered All in the Same Boat, a documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Reshma B and produced by Boomshots TV that traces Marley and his manager Dan Dalton’s brainchild from a bold, outsider idea into one of the most culturally significant movements in reggae and dancehall today.
With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.” These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive.
Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy.
Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.
The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.
Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event
The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.
Beenie Man will be on the cruise in November.
Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.
As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all.
The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.
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