By Twylan Greatest
The electrifying pulse of Soca music took centre stage Tuesday evening in Toronto, as Trinidad and Tobago’s beloved Kes the Band was honoured for its excellent contribution to Caribbean tradition. Impressed by their signature “Tuesday on the Rocks” live performance, the occasion introduced collectively cultural leaders, creatives, and followers in anticipation of a historic milestone: Kes will grow to be the first-ever Soca act to headline the enduring Budweiser Stage on June 14, in collaboration with Stay Nation.
Hosted on the trendy Acqua Supper Membership on the CNE grounds, the “Kes Social Mixer” blended class with island power. The night was elevated by a particular second of recognition as Simone Younger, newly appointed Consul Basic of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto, introduced the band with a “Cultural Impression Award.”
“It’s my distinct honour and immense pleasure to current this award,” stated Younger. “Kes has helped take Soca to the worldwide stage, with grace, humility, and fierce Trinbagonian pleasure.”
Younger praised the band’s distinctive capability to attach throughout cultures and generations, highlighting fan favourites like Hiya, Falling, Savannah Grass, and Wotless. “Whether or not you’re waving a flag, dancing on a truck, or smiling via nostalgia hundreds of miles from house, Kes has a track that speaks to your second,” she added.
Visibly moved, Kees Dieffenthaller, the band’s charismatic frontman, accepted the award with heartfelt phrases. “Toronto has performed such an vital function in our lives and our careers,” he shared. “It’s the primary metropolis I ever toured in. That is really a full-circle second.”
He additionally recalled a pivotal turning level in his musical journey. “There was a time I felt like giving up music. However I had an exquisite journey to Canada, and Wotless got here out of that. If it weren’t for [fellow artist] Kerwin Du Bois calling me to return to Canada, within the snow, to the studio… that track may by no means have occurred.”
With 20 years within the trade and over 25 years of performances in Canada, Kes emphasised the upcoming live performance as not only a efficiency, however a cultural motion. “We wished to place Soca the place it deserves to be, entrance and centre. Soca is the heartbeat of Toronto’s summer season. Now it’s time for it to shine.”
The night included one other particular honour, this time recognizing Naveen Sharma and Andrew Lalla, the founders of SOS Fest, for his or her contribution to Caribbean cultural elevation in Canada. Offered by Jean Turner-Williams and Alpha King of the Trinidad and Tobago Affiliation of Ontario, the award celebrated their decade-long affect via world-class occasion manufacturing.
“Since launching SOS Fest, they’ve hosted the most important names in reggae, Soca, chutney and extra,” Turner-Williams famous. “They’ve constructed a cultural bridge, connecting generations and preserving the diaspora rooted in pleasure.”
Friends mingled, snapped photographs at a Caribbean-themed picture sales space, and celebrated a landmark second for Soca. Caribbean Digicam tuned in reside as Selena (@selenalovesoca) requested Kes the way it felt to be the primary Soca artist to headline the Budweiser Stage. He responded:
“I really feel prefer it’s time, time for Soca to be actually hitting in Toronto. I would like this to be the brand new base. I’d like to see us in additional festivals and areas like Budweiser Stage.”
Because the evening closed, the power was plain: Soca is flourishing, and Toronto stands on the coronary heart of its international rise. With Kes main the way in which, June 14 guarantees to be a second not only for music, however for cultural legacy.
Followers are inspired to “inform a buddy to inform a buddy” and be a part of historical past, as Kes and mates flip Budweiser Stage right into a Soca celebration like no different.
Comply with:
@kesthebandofficial @sosfestto @livenationon @budweiserstage
#KesTheBand #TorontoSoca #SocaHistory #BudweiserStage #TrinidadAndTobago #CaribbeanCulture #SocaInCanada #SOSFest #CulturalImpact #TuesdayOnTheRocks #Wotless #SavannahGrass #LiveNationCanada
