Kes set to make historical past on Budweiser Stage
By Twylan Finest
Trinidad and Tobago’s beloved Kes the Band will make historical past on Saturday because the first-ever soca act to headline Toronto’s iconic Budweiser Stage, and for lead singer Kes Dieffenthaller, the second is way larger than music.
“It’s a press release for the Caribbean individuals,” Kes stated in an interview with The Caribbean Digicam forward of the present.
“From the yard to Budweiser, that’s what that is. That’s how far we’ve come,” he famous.
The live performance, marking 20 years of the group’s journey, is just not solely a celebration of its evolution, however of soca’s rising affect on international levels.
With chart-topping hits, cultural collaborations and an unmistakable vibe, Kes continues to hold the sound of the islands into new territory.
A journey rooted in rhythm
Music was at all times a part of the image for Kes.
“My dad performed devices. My mother sang classical. I grew up round music, rock, R& B, reggae. It was all there,” he recalled.
By the point he was 5 years outdated, he was already singing. Earlier than soca grew to become his calling, he experimented with a number of genres, even forming a storage band together with his brothers.
As we speak, that genre-bending strategy nonetheless lives in his music. “Our album, Man With No Door. touches soca, dancehall, R&B and extra. I’ve at all times adopted the vitality,” he stated.
Dreaming daring, collaborating larger
When requested a few standout second in his profession, Kes factors to his collaboration with Shaggy.
“That was an enormous one. It opened doorways, creatively and culturally. I realized rather a lot, even met a number of the individuals I idolized whereas rising up.” he stated.
He nonetheless has extra names on his want listing, with Bruno Mars being on the high. “I respect his artistry, how he delivers with each voice and visuals. I’d love to combine our worlds, it will be magic.”
Behind the scenes, he’s additionally written hooks and verses for different artists. “I like co-writing. It’s about letting the creativity circulate.”
Navigating the highs and lows
However,as he identified, the journey hasn’t at all times been easy. A decade into constructing Kes the Band, he thought of strolling away from all of it.
“I used to be finished,” he stated.
“Ten years in, drained, pissed off. Then Kerwin DuBois referred to as. That dialog shifted one thing. It jogged my memory of why I began.”
Now, he grounds himself by staying in tune together with his personal rhythm.
“You need to press the reset button generally. Hearken to your self. Know when to pause and when to circulate,” he defined.
The soul of soca
Kes is keen about the way forward for soca, and the necessity to hold pushing it ahead.
“Soca has its personal temper, its personal soul, its personal color of paint on the canvas. We simply want to show the world when to take heed to it, to work out, to cook dinner, to really feel mild, to heal. It’s not simply partymusic. It’s life music,” he stated.
He needs to see it attain new locations and other people. “I need to step on a platform and make somebody say, ‘That is soca?’ and fall in love with it,” he added.
Recommendation for the following technology
When requested what recommendation he would give to up-and-coming artists looking for their manner, Kes stated: “Don’t underestimate the goals you have got for your self in the intervening time, even when they appear unimaginable.
“Lots of my goals got here true, and I ought to’ve dreamed even larger. Keep the course, dive deep, and most of all, hold selecting the reality.”
“It’s the form of recommendation born from lived expertise, and a reminder that success usually begins with perception.”
The person behind the mic
Exterior of music, Kes continues to be filled with surprises. “I like to cook dinner, lamb pelau particularly,” he stated with a smile. “I additionally love animals. I really wished to be a vet as soon as, would’ve gone to Guelph!”
He’s playful, grounded, and deeply grateful. “I wish to ‘play the ass’ generally too, you need to take pleasure in life.”
What to anticipate on Saturday
Followers attending Saturday’s present can count on a heartfelt, high-energy celebration, and possibly even a couple of surprises.
“There’ll be some pals passing by way of,” he teases. “Cool tracks from over time, and a few new ones no one’s heard but. It’s going to be particular.”
Greater than the rest, Kes needs followers to really feel the love.
“I’m grateful for each soul who listens to our music, who’s come alongside for this journey. Thanks for serving to us stay this dream. Toronto, let’s make historical past collectively.”
Observe Kes on Instagram: @kesthebandofficial
For updates, new music, and behind-the-scenes moments from the Budweiser Stage and past.
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