Caribbean Buzz
Warrior King Shows T&T What Real Love Should Look Like, Leaves Lasting Impression.
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad was the scene of an epic and truly memorable concert experience on Saturday night. The One Love Experience – a concert promoted by Caribbean Love Promotions, delivered more than just good music to reggae music lovers, but also, an escape from the many societal triggers that have cluttered the minds of many for weeks, months, perhaps even years. One Love- The Experience was just that! It was a love off – an escape from the ordinary, and for a moment in time, couples held each other as they rocked away to music from some of the Caribbean’s most extraordinary entertainers.
The lineup was unconventional – none of the overly popular names, and for that reason, those who traditionally attend major reggae concert events in T&T, may have chosen to sit this one out, but little did they know they’d be missing a truly enjoyable reggae experience.
Opening acts for the evening were T&T’s reggae artistes – Isasha, Mr. King, Jamelody, King David and Black Loyalty. Never disappointing, each of the artistes treated those present to their hits, all the while, educating through music and pleading for positive redirection onward. Isasha, the last of the local acts to perform gave a mini preview of what is likely to come when he delivers his event on May 1st, in Point Fortin ahead of Borough Day celebrations this year. The artiste was warmly welcomed to the stage, the crowd eating out of his hands as he engaged them with his high impact songs, among those, the hit single, ‘Don’t You Know.’
The energy would increase with the introduction of the Jamaican artistes – this as the local entertainers made their way toward the VIP area to take in the show themselves. Walking around, Mr. King was warmly greeted by fans, stopping for photos and sharing kind words with those he met. “Yuh know I have to come and see my people,” he told Ebuzztt. It was only days before, that a song, conceptualized by the said artiste, and collaboratively sung by Isasha, King David, Ziggy Rankin, Prophet Benjamin and Mr. King himself, would go viral. The track, ‘The Call,’ has since been dubbed the new anthem, with many affirming that they too are fed up of the crime scourge that has near crippled the nation.
On stage, Jamaican entertainer, Warrior King made good of his time. Pouring his heart and soul out, the artiste laid the groundwork for what would essentially prove to be a show- stopper toward the end of his set. Songs like ‘Never Go Where Pagans Go,’ ‘Jah Is Always There’ and ‘My Life’ would lead to a love story shared live on stage. Bringing his wife to the stage, Warrior King told fans that he had married a Trinidadian woman from Gasparillo. To this, the crowd immediately cheered and the artiste would go on to share a brief, tender moment with his wife, holding her in his arms, and kissing her for all to see and appreciate. His affectionate declaration would then lead to his reassuring single, ‘Baby Girl.’
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.
