Internationally acclaimed, Trinidad and Tobago band, KestheBand scored big points, delivering a vibrant, culturally rich performance on NPR Tiny Desk Concerts. The pre-recorded showcase was uploaded to YouTube, for the viewing enjoyment of over 12 million, on Friday, May 8th. It was recorded at NPR Music Headquarters in Washington, DC.

The set featured classic Soca hits including ‘Hello’, ‘Fallin’, ‘Rum and Coca Cola’, ‘Jolene’, ‘Cocoa Tea’, ‘Wotless‘ and ‘Savannah Grass’. Also featured in the spotlight were three other Caribbean musical superheroes – Calypso Queen, Terri Lyons, Ace pannist, Dane Gulston and St. Lucia’s very own, Teddyson John. Their accompaniment added both visual and acoustic appeal to the showcase, likewise the men who musically embellish Kes The Band.

Lead vocalist of Kes the Band, Kees Dieffenthaller, reflecting on the historic moment for the band, said it was an honor. “Performing at Tiny Desk is an incredible honour that we’ve dreamed of for a very long time. This moment is a powerful reminder of how far Caribbean music can travel when it stays true to its roots. To strip it down, feel every note, and share that energy with the world in such an intimate space—it’s something we’ll carry with us for the rest of this journey.” Dieffenthaller added, “We are vessels of sound and song, and this moment is so much bigger than us: it’s about our culture, our people, and our joyful connection we bring through music.”

NPR Tiny Desk host and series producer Bobby Carter praised the band’s performance. He need that Kes the Band brought something truly special to the NPR Tiny Desk, defining that special something as a sound that feels both deeply rooted and globally resonant. He said that ahead of Caribbean American Heritage Month, celebrated across the US throughout June, Kes The Band’s performance is a celebration of Caribbean culture in its most dynamic form.

The outstanding showcase comes as KestheBand completes the European/UK leg of the ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour, which officially kicked off in Paris, France on April 30^th – including historic sold-out dates in London and a double-run in Amsterdam. The tour, hosted in collaboration with Live Nation and WME, is set to kickstart its North American journey with Seattle, Washington State on May 28th and marks the beginning of an expansive international journey connecting audiences through Caribbean sound and spirit.

Check out KestheBand’s NPR Tiny Desk Performance now.

David Brooks, best known as dancehall artiste, Mavado is set to be honored at this year’s 43rd International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) awards on May 17th, in South Florida. He’ll be presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award which represents a celebration of resilience, dominance and legacy.

In a statement, the organizers noted that Mavado is known for his unmistakeable voice, global influence and cultural impact. “Mavado has transcended borders, elevating Dancehall to international acclaim,” the statement reads.

In addition to this night of IRAWMA’s celebration of excellence in reggae and world music, globally renowned dancehall superstar, VYBZ Kartel tops the list of more than 150 nominees with  11 nods, and competing against himself in some of the categories, he is followed by Sean Paul and Shaggy with 8 nominations, each.

On the female side, Spice, Lila Ike, and Shenseea tied with 5 nominations each. Hosted by a dynamic lineup including Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Marcia Jackson, and Oliver Mair, the evening promises electrifying performances, unforgettable tributes, and a room filled with icons, tastemakers, and industry leaders.

In a show of gratitude for his conscious musical contribution, Gramps Morgan will be recognized for his song “People Like You,” highlighted as the most outstanding Spiritually Uplifting Song since the new Millennium.Gramps will join a distinguished class of honorees including Burning Spear, Wayne Armond, and Awilo Longomba—each representing excellence across genres and generations.