He came in like a boss and by the end of what turned out to be a six hour long showcase of global music, Machel Montano came in for praise among fans who came out in their numbers on Machel Monday in Trinidad. The Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain was filled to capacity, by all accounts and even with the General Admission patrons being forced to view things from quite a distance, the vibe at the much touted and anticipated annual event, was on point.
Machel Montano sings, “Pop A Bottle” at Machel Monday. PHOTO CREDIT: MachelMontano via INSTAGRAM
Montano made his grand entrance into the venue at around 9:45pm, leading a drum line from the car park of the stadium, through the tunnel and onto the stage, his fans looking on in awe. Stage side, Montano’s accompanying dancers and drummers towered over him from several decks that were erected over the main stage area. Screens provided patrons with an up close view of his every move and when the sound of his larger that life hit single blared, the stadium erupted. “I does do it like a boss,”- it was a refrain that could be heard miles away at that very moment and there was no doubt that Machel had arrived.
Machel referred to Farmer Nappy as his family on stage at Machel Monday. Both Farmer and Patrice Roberts are no longer linked to Montano’s band, however. PHOTO CREDIT: MachelMontano via INSTAGRAM
The night was filled with numerous acts, local, regional and international. Creativity seemed to have been explored and infused in every possible way on stage- this as the Monk changed several times, delivering to his fans an image for every feeling he projected . His recently released track, “On My Way,” introduced a level of introspection on show night, Montano’s words seemingly calling on every Trinbagonian to assess their appreciation for country and make changes for the betterment of Trinidad and Tobago. On several occasions he called for love and when former HD bandmates, Farmer Nappy and Patrice Roberts were introduced, Machel referred to them as his family. He said he began Xtatic with Farmer Nappy, crediting him and thanking him for his years of dedication. With Roberts, he sang two duets, the new single, “Great Parade” and the single that won them the road march title, “Band Of The Year,” but before that, Montano had brought on Bajan beauty, Alison Hinds and the artiste he referred to as one of the best songwriters around, Nadia Batson. Batson took the opportunity to thank Machel, telling him, ” If no one has ever thanked you, I thank you for your love and your music.”
From Major Lazer’s, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire, dancehall artistes, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Chris Martin and Beenie Man, to the legendary Fat Man Scoop and 6-year-old Papa J, the entertainment seemed never-ending. Each regional act performed their hits, Beenie Man getting the crowd’s attention like no other. Some felt Sean Paul’s performance lacked in many areas, but despite that, the show was touted by Montano as the first without hiccup. A vocally melodic performance with female soca artiste, Destra Garcia would lead to some speculation that there was more to their relationship than just music, but that is certainly just speculation. Love certainly took centre stage as the duo showed fans that they had buried any differences, Destra singing Adelle’s “Someone Like You” and to that Machel responded with Bob Marley’s, “No Woman, No Cry.” In the end, their relationship seemed stronger than ever.
Machel Montano performs on stage with Angela Hunte. PHOTO CREDIT: Jo Wheeler.
Machel Monday definitely started the Carnival countdown right. Montano’s performance with international singer and songwriter, Angela Hunte, may have been the best for the night, Hunte becoming emotional as she held on to Montano at the end of their performance of “Party Done,” the entertainer who was raised in T&T, telling Monk Monte that being on stage in Trinidad was a dream come true.
Machel next performs at Destra’s House of Bakanal at O2 Park this Wednesday. Even amid the aftermath of what may have been one of his best events to date however, there remain dark clouds over his parade as newspaper reports this morning indicated that organizers of Fatima Fete are now calling for the soca megastar to apologize for his “deplorable” behavior at their fete, held just two days before Machel Monday.
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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