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.
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.
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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