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Yung Kymani Takes Home the Junior Soca Monarch Crown. Artiste Advocates for Authenticity in Soca.

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Pure heart and true spirit, a focused mind and the understanding that faith conquers all fear, has secured the Junior Soca Monarch crown for 12-year-old artiste, Yung Kymani. In the aftermath of his success on February 10th, the young artiste attested to the support of his parents, saying he was grateful that they pushed him and motivated him to keep going.

It’s certainly not his first roll in the hay, but this year he was more confident than ever that his music could engage his peers and the judges in the competition. Kymani was also a semi-finalist in the Junior Calypso Monarch competition this year, and while his goal had been to successfully make it into the finals, he will have to try again in 2027.

No matter the challenge, the young, ambitious student who puts culture above hype, says he isn’t concerned with titles as much as he’s focused on creating quality music that can live on for many years to come. His mother, Kezia Hector says she’s incredibly proud of her son’s attitude. “He is preparing for the SEA exam in March and he has been balancing his studies and his music very well. He told me that he is focused on making quality music and the winning track, ‘Link Up’ was created based on that mindset,” she explained. 

‘Link Up,’ written by Kymani, his mother Kezia Hector, and Nigel Lopez, expresses in song, the diversity and variety that Trinidad and Tobago’s culture presents to the world. “The song is mid-groovy and it’s all about the culture, the music, the events, the carnival vibes and all else carnival. There’s a dual meaning as well, since the musical styles in the song are varied. There is a little Calypso, Soca, rhythm section and dub,” said Hector, as she highlighted Kymani’s desire to promote the authenticity of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural product. “The song is really a poem and it’s written with a poetic flow. It’s done in a way that everyone can enjoy,” she explained. “We really wanted to address the fact that Soca is sounding a bit different now- more like RnB, and we wanted to bring back the original sound of our music,” she added. Acknowledging the public discourse on the sound of Soca, she highlighted that while a Grammy award would be nice for Trinidad and Tobago’s music and culture, authenticity should not be compromised. “We are making every attempt to help our son stay close to the true energy of Soca music. Kymani is very versatile and he can pivot outside of the carnival season,” she said. 

Machel Montano, a source of tremendous inspiration for Kymani, he hopes to follow in the megastar’s footsteps, sharing good music with people, the world over. “This year my goals also include reaching more people around the world with my music and building a bigger fan base,” he said. 

Amid the hard work and dedication to ensure her son is healthy and mentally prepared for any outcome, Kezia Hector says she consistently reassures Kymani. “As a parent you have to encourage them and even if they don’t win, we have to explain the importance of trusting in God always,” she said. 

On the topic of Soca’s continuity, Kezia said, “We are hoping that people his age who are in the entertainment sector, can pick up the mantle and push the culture, and that’s why we are sticking to the sound of our music.” Additionally, she said, “I do think there are a lot of young people, Kymani’s age, who do enjoy the music of our country, however these children are not showcased enough. They need to do a better job of showcasing the youths to encourage them. We can’t just stop at Machel Montano or Terri Lyons. There are so many talented youths out there. You can’t keep the focus only on 5 or 10 artistes,” she reinforced. 

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Music News

Grammy Award Winning, Morgan Heritage Salutes Jamaica with First Release Since Losing Peetah Morgan.

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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.

“Come Feel the Love” is available now on all major digital streaming platforms.

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Caribbean Buzz

Kes The Band’s ‘Roots, Rock, Soca’ Tour Concludes with Sold-Out International Success.

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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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