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Featured Personality: Kees Dieffenthaller — The Global Face of Soca

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Kees Dieffenthaller, better known as Kes, is the charismatic frontman of the world-renowned Kes the Band, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most successful soca groups. With his soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence, Kes has become a driving force in the evolution of groovy soca, taking Caribbean music to audiences far beyond the Carnival circuit.


Kees Dieffenthaller, better known as Kes

Early Life and Formation of Kes the Band

Born on March 12, 1980, in Trinidad and Tobago, Kees was raised in a musically rich household filled with calypso, rock, and pop influences. This eclectic mix shaped his artistic identity. In 2005, he joined forces with his brothers Jon (guitar) and Hans Dieffenthaller (drums), along with close friend Riad Boochoon (bass), to officially form Kes the Band.


Musical Style and Global Influence

Kes the Band’s signature blend of soca, calypso, reggae, R&B, and pop—often called Caribbean Pop—has set them apart. Their goal, according to Kes, is to act as ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture, pushing soca beyond borders and onto the global stage.


Career Highlights

  • 🏆 Award-Winning Hits: From the 2011 Soca Monarch-winning anthem “Wotless” to streaming hits like “Hello,” “Savannah Grass,” and “Jolene,” Kes continues to deliver music that connects globally. “Hello” remains the most-streamed soca song of the past decade.

  • 🌍 Global Recognition: The band has toured across continents, performing alongside Sean Paul, Shaggy, Buju Banton, and even Snoop Dogg, expanding the reach of Caribbean music.

  • 🎶 Record-Breaking Feat: In 2025, Kes made history as the first soca artist to sell out two consecutive SummerStage concerts in New York City’s Central Park, signaling soca’s increasing mainstream visibility.

  • 💡 Creative Innovation: During the pandemic, Kes released the live-in-studio album We Home, followed by a U.S. television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, keeping the Carnival spirit alive worldwide.


Personal Philosophy

Despite fame and accolades, Kes remains grounded in humility and family. He often emphasizes unity and collaboration within the Caribbean music industry as keys to global success. His mission: to use soca as a healing force that celebrates life, love, and Caribbean identity.


Latest Album: Man With No Door

Released on March 29, 2024, Man With No Door is a 16-track project featuring collaborations with Shaggy, Queen Omega, Busy Signal, and Michaël Brun. The album expands soca’s reach beyond the Carnival season, positioning Kes as one of the genre’s most versatile and visionary artists.


Recent Singles (2024-2025)

  • “Last Drum” — February 2025

  • “Traffic Jam” — January 2025

  • “Pressure” — January 2025

  • “Medicine” — January 2025 (“Soca is healing”)

  • “Cocoa Tea” — November 2024

  • “No Sweetness” — December 2024 (from the Big Links Riddim project)

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