Jono Hirst/NPR Music
Following a stellar headlining performance at the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival on Friday, May 8, Kes the Band proved why they remain the act to beat. Despite two days of festivities remaining, the group left an indelible mark, demonstrating their absolute mastery of the stage.
Led by Kees Dieffenthaller—affectionately known as Kes—the ensemble delivered a high-octane set packed with infectious soca anthems, including “Wotless,” “Savannah Grass,” and “Cocoa Tea.” This festival appearance marks yet another milestone in an exceptionally busy year for the band, which has already featured high-profile performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center this past January and precedes the upcoming North American leg of their expansive Roots, Rock, Soca Tour.
“The Saint Lucia Jazz festival consistently curates a diverse lineup that truly inspires me,” Kes shared with Billboard after soundcheck. “I actually had the pleasure of chatting with Billy Ocean—who also hails from Trinidad—on the flight over. It’s those moments of connection that I cherish; I love how this festival bridges the gap between different musical genres and generations.”
The weekend held profound significance for the group. Just the day before their island appearance, Kes the Band celebrated their debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk, a major career accolade. If that intimate, stripped-back session highlighted the band’s musical versatility, their Saint Lucia performance confirmed their ability to captivate massive, sprawling festival audiences with equal ease.
The Tiny Desk setlist featured favorites like “Fallin’” and “Hello,” bolstered by stellar guest contributions from Saint Lucian artist Teddyson John and Trinidad and Tobago’s 2026 Calypso Monarch, Terri Lyons. The addition of steelpan virtuoso Dane Gulston further enriched the soundscape, showcasing the sophistication of Caribbean instrumentation. During the set, Kes honored the memory of his late sister, filmmaker Danielle Dieffenthaller, by placing her photographs on the desk, adding a layer of deep emotional resonance to his performance of “Savannah Grass.”
“Performing there was a dream realized,” he reflected. “I’ve admired that platform for a long time. It provides a unique space to highlight our musicianship outside the chaotic energy of a traditional fete. I essentially viewed my ‘We Home’ virtual performance during the pandemic as my audition tape for Tiny Desk; it’s just such a vital platform for our culture.”
Beyond their live success, Kes has pivoted toward a fresh sound, collaborating with Di Genius on the track “Masterpiece.” Drawing inspiration from the “Hill & Gully” riddim—a beat deeply rooted in early Jamaican mento folk music that has surged in popularity across dancehall and now soca—the song highlights Kes’s creative range. Following its successful release on May 9, the track is already positioned as a summer essential.
“It might have surprised some people, but when you strip back the production to those mento roots, it’s a natural fit for my style,” Kes explained. “This riddim is set to define the summer. Genius and I are both signed to Warner Chappell, so we’ve been operating in similar creative orbits for a while. We hit the studio, captured the magic quickly, and I headed to Jamaica shortly after to film the music video during Carnival.”
While fans are already enjoying this fresh summer anthem, Kes remains tight-lipped about the specifics of the band’s next full-length studio effort. “I’m dedicating this entire year to the writing process,” he teased. “A new album is definitely in the works, and I’m looking forward to unveiling something truly unique. I’m constantly experimenting.”
Looking ahead, Kes the Band kicks off the North American portion of their Roots, Rock, Soca Tour on May 23 at Soca Fest in Orlando, Florida. The trek will wind through major theaters and amphitheaters—including a prestigious date at New York City’s Forest Hills Stadium on June 27—before culminating on August 16 in a collaborative performance with reggae icon Beres Hammond in Duluth, Georgia.
