Caribbean Buzz
TONIGHT! BET Features the Caribbean Music Awards at 8PM. DJ AG, Caribbean Superstars and More Will Be Spotlighted.
The Caribbean will be on full display internationally, later tonight – this as the Caribbean Music Awards airs on US television network, BET at 8pm. The Caribbean Music Awards took place at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York on August 28th, marking its third year.
Caribbean celebrities on full display, the event’s red carpet experience saw various media outlets interact with entertainers and socialites from various islands. A special highlight of the evening was the U.S. debut of Tottenham-born DJ AG, known for transforming the streets of London and other UK cities into vibrant musical venues. He brought his culturally rich open-format DJ sets to Brooklyn in celebration of the awards, with a special activation powered by Amazon Music.
From August 29th to September 1st, DJ AG traveled around New York City and illuminated various inner-city neighborhoods across four boroughs. His DJ sets brought the community together seamlessly, creating a vibrant atmosphere without issue.
This initiative coincided with the West Indian Labor Day Parade, one of the biggest celebrations for Caribbean people, which attracts between 1 and 3 million attendees in Brooklyn, New York, annually. Among the notable artistes who participated in this DJ AG’s activation were Machel Montano, Alison Hinds, Lady Lava, Konshens, Scar Lip, I-Octane, Kevin Lyttle, Armanii, Edwin Yearwood, Beniton, Nigy Boy, London Hill, Faith Calendar, Lady G, Lady Ann, Trilla G, Ravyon,Lead Pipe, Hood Celebrity, Wayne Wonder, Mr. Easy, Rome Streetz, Saddis, and Renee Neufville of Zhane.
Expressing his excitement about the overall experience at the Caribbean Music Awards, DJ AG said, “It’s my first time streaming on a red carpet, so to make that debut at the Caribbean Music Awards was truly special. Caribbean music has shaped so much of my identity, and to champion it on a stage this big is an incredible honour. I was excited to bring a touch of London energy to the streets of New York and truly grateful to the awards for inviting me to be part of this moment and to celebrate a culture that continues to inspire the world.”
Alongside the electrifying DJ AG, the red carpet dazzled with renowned figures, including the host for the night, Majah Hype, as well as honorees Busta Rhymes, Sizzla, Austin ‘Superblue’ Lyons, Kerwin Du Bois, and Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers. Previously announced performers, who also made their presence known, were Ding Dong, Full Blown, Lady Lava, Lila Iké, Maureen and Romain Virgo. Present nominees included Amanda Reifer, Anika Berry, Armanii, Buju Banton, D’Yani, Dexta Daps,Konshens, Nailah Blackman, Patrice Roberts, Rajah Wild, Ras-I, Skinny Fabulous, Spice and others.
Special guests featured Elephant Man, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz, Alison Hinds,Mya, Jessie Woo, Naomi Cowan, Nicolas Nuvan, Serani, Shaneil Muir, DJ Puffy, Donnell Rawlings, London Hill, Ayetian, and more, including Chelly Bissainthe from Love Island USA (Season 7), who served as the official co-host for Billboard’s live stream of the Caribbean Music Awards Red Carpet.
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.
