Kes

A versatile Caribbean soca group who parlayed their success in Trinidad and Tobago into international acclaim, Kes (also known as Kes the Band and KTB) emerged in 2005 with a broad musical palette that combines elements of reggae, Afro-beat, dancehall, calypso, rock, hip-hop, and pop. Known for their 2011 carnival breakout hit "Wotless," the band have won over audiences around the world with their energetic live performances and melting pot of sounds.

Founded in 2005 by siblings Kees (vocals), Hans (drums), and Jon Dieffenthaller (guitar), and longtime friend Riad Boochoon (bass), the group would eventually grow into a seven-piece with the arrivals of Ricardo Rameshwar (keyboards), Mario Callender (keyboards), and Robert Persaud (DJ). Kes released their debut album, Three Baldheads and a Dread, in 2006, followed closely by Lion in 2007, both of which received heavy rotation on local radio stations. 2009's On in 5 featured a mix of live performances and studio tracks both old and new and brought in some new fans after the group performed live on BBC World channel during its promotion. Kes expanded their audience even further with the release of 2011's Wotless, which included the chart-topping single of the same name, and continued to find success both inside and outside of the carnival circuit with subsequent releases like Wired (2012), We Know Nothing (2016), and 2020's high-energy concert LP We Home. ~ James Christopher Monger