Kes set to make history on Budweiser Stage

By Twylan Best

Trinidad and Tobago’s beloved Kes the Band will make history on Saturday as the first-ever soca act to headline Toronto’s iconic Budweiser Stage, and for lead singer Kes Dieffenthaller, the moment is much bigger than music.

“It’s a statement for the Caribbean people,” Kes said in an interview with The Caribbean Camera ahead of the show.

“From the backyard to Budweiser, that’s what this is. That’s how far we’ve come,” he noted.

The concert, marking two decades of the group’s journey, is not only a celebration of its evolution, but of soca’s growing influence on global stages.

With chart-topping hits, cultural collaborations and an unmistakable vibe, Kes continues to carry the sound of the islands into new territory.

A journey rooted in rhythm

Music was always part of the picture for Kes.

“My dad played instruments. My mom sang classical. I grew up around music, rock, R& B, reggae. It was all there,” he recalled.

By the time he was five years old, he was already singing. Before soca became his calling, he experimented with multiple genres, even forming a garage band with his brothers.

Today, that genre-bending approach still lives in his music. “Our album, Man With No Door. touches soca, dancehall, R&B and more. I’ve always followed the energy,” he said.

Dreaming bold, collaborating bigger

When asked about a standout moment in his career, Kes points to his collaboration with Shaggy.

“That was a big one. It opened doors, creatively and culturally. I learned a lot, even met some of the people I idolized while growing up.”  he said.

He still has more names on his wish list, with Bruno Mars being at the top. “I respect his artistry, how he delivers with both voice and visuals. I’d love to mix our worlds, it would be magic.”

Behind the scenes, he’s also written hooks and verses for other artists. “I love co-writing. It’s about letting the creativity flow.”

Navigating the highs and lows

But,as he pointed out, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. A decade into building Kes the Band, he considered walking away from it all.

“I was done,” he said.

“Ten years in, tired, frustrated. Then Kerwin DuBois called. That conversation shifted something. It reminded me of why I started.”

Now, he grounds himself by staying in tune with his own rhythm.

“You have to press the reset button sometimes. Listen to yourself. Know when to pause and when to flow,” he explained.

The soul of soca

Kes is passionate about the future of soca, and the need to keep pushing it forward.

“Soca has its own mood, its own soul, its own colour of paint on the canvas. We just need to teach the world when to listen to it, to work out, to cook, to feel light, to heal. It’s not just partymusic. It’s life music,” he said.

He wants to see it reach new places and people. “I want to step on a platform and make someone say, ‘This is soca?’ and fall in love with it,” he added.

Advice for the next generation

When asked what advice he would give to up-and-coming artists trying to find their way, Kes said: “Do not underestimate the dreams you have for yourself at the moment, even if they seem impossible.

“Many of my dreams came true, and I should’ve dreamed even bigger. Stay the course, dive deep, and most of all, keep choosing the truth.”

“It’s the kind of advice born from lived experience, and a reminder that success often begins with belief.”

The man behind the mic

Outside of music, Kes is still full of surprises. “I love to cook, lamb pelau especially,” he said with a grin. “I also love animals. I actually wanted to be a vet once, would’ve gone to Guelph!”

He’s playful, grounded, and deeply grateful. “I like to ‘play the ass’ sometimes too, you have to enjoy life.”

What to expect on  Saturday

Fans attending Saturday’s show can expect a heartfelt, high-energy celebration, and maybe even a few surprises.

“There’ll be some friends passing through,” he teases. “Cool tracks from over the years, and some new ones nobody’s heard yet. It’s going to be special.”

More than anything else, Kes wants fans to feel the love.

“I’m grateful for every soul who listens to our music, who’s come along for this ride. Thank you for helping us live this dream. Toronto, let’s make history together.”

Follow Kes on Instagram: @kesthebandofficial

For updates, new music, and behind-the-scenes moments from the Budweiser Stage and beyond.

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