Kes Dieffenthaller, better known as Kes, linked up with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after the mayor visited the band backstage at SocaFest. The Trinidad‑born soca star posted a photo thanking Mamdani for introducing the group during their Brooklyn Museum performance and highlighted an even bigger moment to come.
The West Indian American Day Carnival Association announced that Kes and reggae icon Buju Banton will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals for the 59th annual New York Caribbean Carnival Parade on Monday, September 7. The theme, “One Caribbean,” showcases the shared spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s soca and Jamaica’s reggae and dancehall heritage.
SocaFest, held at the Brooklyn Museum, featured Kes alongside Bunji Garlin, Fay‑Ann Lyons, Viking Band and the Dominican group WCK. The lineup reflected the festival’s intent to bring together diverse Caribbean sounds under one banner.
The parade, slated to begin at 11 a.m. on Eastern Parkway, is expected to draw thousands of participants in one of North America’s largest displays of Caribbean culture. Kes and Buju will also be honored during WIADCA’s annual VIP Breakfast before taking their places in the procession.
Mayor Mamdani’s involvement—attending a security briefing with city and police officials—underscores the city’s commitment to celebrating Caribbean culture while ensuring a safe, vibrant event for the expected crowds.
