In a significant moment for Caribbean music, Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed ensemble Kes the Band received prominent recognition from ABC News during Black History Month. The special feature, broadcast on ABC News Live, was filmed at the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, symbolizing the genre’s ascending cultural stature.
The segment, released strategically on Carnival Tuesday, February 17, provided an in-depth exploration of Soca music’s rich heritage and evolving global footprint. Lead vocalist Kees Dieffenthaller engaged in a meaningful dialogue with ABC journalist Morgan Norwood, tracing Soca’s origins to post-Emancipation celebrations and its vital function as an artistic medium for cultural identity within the African diaspora.
Dieffenthaller offered personal reflections on his Trinidadian upbringing and Kes the Band’s two-decade musical evolution, highlighting their innovative fusion of styles that has propelled Soca onto international platforms. The discussion revealed how profound personal experiences, including periods of grief, have fundamentally shaped his songwriting methodology and creative perspective.
The feature has achieved viral status across digital platforms, underscoring both the growing appreciation for Caribbean musical traditions within major cultural institutions and Kes the Band’s pivotal role as ambassadors bringing Soca rhythms to worldwide audiences. This mainstream media recognition marks a watershed moment for the genre’s visibility beyond its traditional Caribbean strongholds.