Ebuzz News
Soca Star on the Rise; Leighanna’s Reminding All Men, Women are ‘Flowers.’
With the most powerful vocals heard in the Soca music industry in some time, Shavon Leighanna David is hitting the carnival 2025 scene hard, and early. A South native who’s more than just a pretty face, the singer who’s simply called, Leighanna, has a brand-new single called ‘Flowers.’ It’s guaranteed to stir things up as T&T’s carnival season comes into focus.
“I’ve been singing since I was three. I’ve always known that this is the path for me; It’s what I do,” said the artiste. Her humble beginnings, having been encouraged by her father, a former singer himself, took her on a journey that started with songwriting, before being redirected onto the stage. “I was a teenager then and my first release was called, ‘Ah Feelin’ It,’” she explained, adding that at that time, fellow female singers, Lil Bitts and Patrice Roberts were also making their presence felt on the entertainment scene. “Things were ticklish back then. I didn’t know anyone. I had never taken part in any of the Soca or Calypso competitions but I went around to the radio stations with my song and I was well received.”
Her follow up singles included collaborations with D Angel Journey and Terry Seales. “Back then the stage fright was strong but the music was well received,” she said. Despite her best efforts however, circumstances halted Leighana’s upward mobility and she took a break from music, to focus on essential matters in her life. Time away coinciding with the pandemic, Leighanna was forced to assess her career and strengthen her strategy in a bid to make a stronger breakthrough in the industry. In November 2023, ahead of Carnival 2024, she released a single called, ‘Bam Bam Good’ and according to the entertainer, the song was embraced by the DJs at all major radio stations in T&T. “I have a strong team now, with my manager Zoe at the helm, my assistant, Jalyan and international interest, Chris. It’s an exciting time,” she said in the wake of the new release. Now, as 2025 looms, she once again strengthens her posture and positions herself to push hard into the music business. “Flowers was written by Kambon and produced by Shot Master J and Body Roc. My daughter who’s just 3-years-old is also fascinated with singing and she is so brave. Her braveness inspires me. I’m doing this for her as much as I am doing it for myself.”
A true fan of the male Soca artistes in the business, Leighanna says Patrice Roberts, Destra Garcia, Terri Lyons and sister Fay Ann, also give her great inspiration. “I love Fay-Ann’s controlling personality in the industry. I’m also so happy for Patrice and I always remember her telling me that I should never give up,” she admitted. Leighanna says she is also friendly with Jadel and appreciates the friendship they share. “We are friends and we connected easily.”
Having worked with Kyle Phillips on the new single, the South native expressed complete satisfaction on the project. “I love working with Kyle. He is great at what he does.”
‘Flowers’ was released last week and has already won the hearts of Soca music lovers on music sharing platform, YouTube. The track comes complete with visuals and features a cameo by radio personality, SupaHype. “This song is a powerful expression to men. I want them to understand that women are the flowers of life and should be respected, loved, appreciated, treated with compassion,” said the singer. “Women – mothers, daughters, aunts, grandmothers are the nurturers of life and this is a reminder to all men, in song.”
To learn more about Leighanna, follow her on Instagram @leighannaofficial.
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.
