On Saturday night, New York City’s Central Park was buzzing with anticipation and excitement as history was made. For fans of Kes the Band, it was more than just a concert: it was a nostalgic journey back in time, a celebration of Caribbean culture and a testament to the power of music to unite and uplift people.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the park transformed into a pulsating epicenter of soca fever. Kes the Band, or Kes for short, led by charismatic lead singer Keith Dieffenthaler, took to the stage and instantly transported the crowd to Trinidad and Tobago with songs that have become part of the soundtrack of soca lovers’ lives around the world (myself included).
“Look how far soca music has come! Look how far it has come,” Keith exclaimed, capturing the significance of the moment. The June concert marked the first-ever soca band to headline the SummerStage concert series in Central Park, an achievement that resonated deeply with both band and fans.
From the first notes, it was clear this concert was something special. The energy was electric and the audience was made up of people of all ages and backgrounds, but united by their love for Kes and soca music. Reflecting on the journey to this historic concert, Kees shared his gratitude and sense of the surreal accomplishment the band has made with ESSENCE. “It’s amazing. I mean, I’m still amazed by this day and its significance,” he said. “I can’t help but think about this whole journey. When you touch down on a milestone like Central Park, you realize this is something you’ve always wanted. It’s surreal to see things actually come to fruition.”
Kes has been revolutionizing the world of soca music since the band formed in 2005. Widely known for soca classics such as “Wotless,” “Savannah Grass” and “Hello,” they have not only maintained their core Caribbean sound but have also innovatively blended it with various musical styles. This journey of growth and adaptation was very clearly on display during the band’s historic concert, which was not only a milestone for the band but also a celebration of the evolution of soca music itself.
The band’s approach to music is characterized by a bold experimentation with different genres; their new album, “Man With No Door,” released in March, is evidence of this. The band seamlessly blends elements of rock, R&B and Afrobeat with their soca roots to create a rich, multi-dimensional sound. Songs like “Jolene” are a great example of this fusion, offering a fusion that respects soca traditions while pushing their boundaries. This creative freedom in the music-making process has allowed them to express soca in a fresh, yet accessible way.
“I just wanted to create freely, like I did when I was a kid,” Keith says. “This album is a gateway to explore more deeply the idea of connecting the world, understanding my roots and seeing where I can explore.”
Kes The Band has successfully taken soca music beyond the traditional spaces of Caribbean carnival and party scenes to diverse audiences around the world. Recently, he has introduced soca to new listeners through platforms such as the Tamron Hall Show and performances at venues across Europe and North America. Don’t forget, Kes is a featured artist at the ESSENCE Festival Of Culture, performing in 2021 and 2022, as well as the ESSENCE Holiday Special in 2023.
“I think it’s a sign of the times,” Keith says. “I was amazed that the concert sold out in four days. The demand for this vibration is there and now is the time to position ourselves in the places and spaces that need it.”
The importance of the event didn’t just stop with Kes the Band, as it also served as a platform to showcase the talents of other notable artists, including soca star Nyla Blackman, 2024 Trinidad and Tobago Road March winner Mikal Teja, Kompa music sensation Kai and legendary calypsonian Lord Nelson. “I have so many great friends in the industry and so many people doing amazing things,” Kes said. “It’s great to be able to interact with each other and create something really special together.”
The concert was a testament to the band’s ideals of inclusivity and community. Despite the spotlight being on them, Kes was determined to share the stage, emphasizing, “This is something I’ve dreamed of. An opportunity for me is an opportunity for everyone. It was a great opportunity to showcase our culture.”
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Kes the Band is excited about the future and the band’s 20th anniversary next year: “Twenty years is a big deal, but it’s never been more important than now. It’s about doing the work that needs to be done and making our dreams come true.”
As the concert’s final notes rang out across Central Park, the cheers and palpable sense of community from the audience made the night unforgettable. “I think the people in the room, the audience, were one of the most engaging and inspiring audiences I’ve ever played to,” Kees said. “The love and energy was palpable.” For Kes The Band, the concert was a celebration of their incredible journey and a glimpse into a future full of possibilities. For their fans, it was a magical evening that highlighted soca music’s extraordinary power to transcend time, space and culture.
