Socavivor Dominating Miami Columbus Weekend With The Hottest Parties For the Carnival Season

 

Socavivor, the ultimate destination carnival series, is set to take Miami Carnival by storm this Columbus Weekend with six massive events over five unforgettable days. From October 8th to October 13th, carnival lovers from across the globe will immerse themselves in the vibrant energy, music, and culture that only Socavivor can deliver.

Known as “Di Ultimate Carnival Adventure”, Socavivor has built its reputation on curating unmatched experiences that capture the spirit of Caribbean carnival—bringing together the best in soca, dancehall, and reggae, while uniting cultures under one rhythm. And this year, there’s a new way to experience it all- guests can purchase an exclusive Socavivor armband granting access to all six events.

With one armband, revelers can go all in: from sunrise breakfast parties to late night cultural celebrations, non-stop vibes await at every turn. But here’s the real question- “Are you a true Socavivor?” Can you complete every event?

The festivities kick off on Wednesday, October 8 with Bon Ami at District, setting the tone for a weekend of nonstop celebration.

On Thursday, October 9, the energy soars with Lyrikal’s Happy Place a joyful night with one of soca’s most magnetic performers, joined by friends for a feel-good celebration of island music and culture.

Friday, October 10 delivers a double dose of excitement. The day begins with the Big Bad Breakfast Party at The Deck, hosted by Caribbean power couple Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons serving up high-energy performances alongside a festive breakfast atmosphere. That night, partygoers will celebrate unity and cultural pride at International Flag Night at Mad House, waving flags from across the globe for a vibrant display of unity through music and dance.

On Sunday, October 12, Jabba Strikes Back takes over District with an all-black attire event blending dancehall, reggae, and soca, powered by a lineup of renowned DJs at ROOFTOP 4.40.

The weekend wraps on Monday, October 13 with Renaissance: Last Lap! Miami at Blue Martini Brickell, a high-energy finale playing the best hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s—keeping the carnival vibe alive until the very last note.

Tickets & Info: full event details, visit www.socavivor.com.

SOCAVIVOR EVENT SCHEDULE

Wednesday, October 8 – Bon Ami

“Where friends and vibes come together to start Carnival right.”

Venue: District

Address: 31 NW 36th St, Miami, FL 33127

Time: 10 PM – 4 AM

Thursday, October 9 – Lyrikal Happy Place

“Step into a world of pure soca bliss with Lyrikal and friends.”

Venue: TBD

Address: TBD

Time:10 PM – 4 AM

Friday, October 10 – Big Bad Breakfast Party hosted by Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons

“The most epic breakfast party you’ll ever attend—energy from sun-up.”

Venue: The Deck

Address: 2250 NW Second Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Time: 8 AM – 2 PM

Friday, October 10 – International Flag Night

“Wave your colors high—celebrating unity across the Caribbean.”

Venue: Mad House

Address: 3301 Rickenbacker Cswy, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Time: 10 PM – 4 AM

Sunday, October 12 – Jabba Strikes Back (All Black Attire)

“Dark, bold, and bass-heavy—where dancehall, reggae, and soca link up.”

Venue: ROOFTOP 4.40

Address: 31 NW 36th St, Miami, FL 33127

Time: 11 PM – 4 AM

Monday, October 13 – Renaissance: Last Lap! Miami

“One last wine—reliving the soundtrack of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.”

Venue: Blue Martini (Brickell)

Address: 900 S Miami Ave, Unit 250, Miami, FL 33130

Time: 10 PM – 3 AM

About Socavivor Miami

Socavivor Miami is a carnival party brand known for curating unforgettable experiences filled with the vibrant energy and infectious rhythms of soca music. They aim to unite people through music, culture, and celebration, creating lasting memories that live on long after the last note fades away. Socavivor Miami strives to bring joy, excitement, and a true Caribbean carnival spirit to partygoers from across the globe.

Socavivor: The Challenge is simple – Can you survive them all? To be a true Socavivor means experiencing every soca event, from sunrise breakfasts to last-lap finales, and still having the energy to dance to the very last note.

International Soca Ambassador Kes The Band shines on Netflix Soundtrack with “Love It” in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Destination Wedding

Trinidad and Tobago’s global musical influence continues to rise as soca sensation Kes makes a vibrant appearance in the newly released Netflix film Madea’s Destination Wedding with his celebratory track “Love It.” The track, a joyful dancehall/reggae fusion written by Kitwana Israel, is featured in the soundtrack of Tyler Perry’s latest blockbuster, which premiered worldwide on July 11.

The inclusion of “Love It” comes on the heels of Kes' historic, two sold-out Central Park SummerStage shows in New York City, where the artist made history as the first soca act to headline and sell out back-to-back nights at the iconic venue. This latest achievement further cements his role as a cultural ambassador for the Caribbean sound on the world stage.With fans celebrating yet another cultural milestone for Trinbago music.

The film's vibrant energy is rooted in the Caribbean, with Madea's Destination Wedding set and filmed in the Bahamas-most notably at the stunning Atlantis Paradise Island resort. In a film that embraces island vibes and West Indian culture, the uplifting energy of Kes’s track perfectly complements the joyful chaos of Madea’s Destination Wedding, which is set in the Bahamas and features scenes filmed at the stunning Atlantis Paradise Island resort.

The production also paid homage to Caribbean talent behind the scenes. Casting director Kevvanna Hall, owner of Rhythm in Motion, was instrumental in bringing the island’s flavor to life, casting over 300 Bahamian actors and extras to contribute to the authenticity of the film.

Kes received official credit at the end of the movie, solidifying his role in this global celebration of Caribbean culture. As fans across the region beam with pride, “Love It” becomes more than just a soundtrack—it’s a symbol of the region’s creativity, joy, and growing global reach.

Watch “Love It” by Kes on YouTube: Click here

         

Kes Socials:

INSTAGRAM |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK | TIK TOK

SOCA SUPERSTAR KES THE BAND SET TO HEADLINE TORONTO’S ICONIC BUDWEISER STAGE ON JUNE 14, 2025

General On sale Thursday April 17 at 10 AM EST

Via www.Ticketmaster.ca

International Soca powerhouse Kes the Band is set to light up the legendary Budweiser Stage in Toronto on June 14, 2025, marking a historic moment for Caribbean music and culture in Canada.

"Toronto was one of the very first cities we toured outside of our home, Trinidad & Tobago — and it’s held a special place in our hearts ever since,” says Kes. “This city represents so much of our growth, and over the past 20+ years, we’ve built a deep connection here. To now bring not only KES THE BAND, but Soca music itself to the iconic Budweiser Stage is truly a dream come true — a full circle moment. It’s something we’ve always envisioned. While there’s still more ground to cover for our culture, this milestone is a powerful step forward. We’re honoured to represent Toronto; a city that has shown us love for two decades. This will be our only Toronto performance this summer — and we’re ready to make history with you on June 14th." 

Presented in partnership with Summer of Sounds Festivals INC (SOS Fest), the performance signifies a major milestone in the global rise of Caribbean music.

 "As event producers, every challenge we take on is part of a bigger mission – to grow alongside the culture, the music, and its global reach”, says SOS Fest. “To showcase Caribbean music on one of the worlds most recognized stages isn’t just a milestone-it’s a historic moment”.

Tickets are available via presale beginning Tuesday, April 15 at 10 am with additional presales available throughout the week. General on sale begins on Thursday, April17 at 10 AM via www.ticketmaster.ca. 

About Kes: 

Hailing from the rich cultural mosaic of Trinidad & Tobago, Kes The Band is one of the Caribbean’s most iconic and boundary pushing bands to emerge from the islands. Renowned for their high-energy sound, genre-blending creativity, and global appeal. Led by charismatic frontman Kees Dieffenthaller (Kes), the group also features his brother Jon Dieffenthaller on guitar, Dean James on drums (replacing founding drummer Hans Dieffenthaller), and lifelong friend Riad Boochoon on bass

Since officially forming in 2005 as Kes The Band, they’ve brought soca to stages around the world, while collaborating with artists from Snoop Dogg, Wizkid to Major Lazer, and giving the genre some of its most indelible hits (“Hello,” “Savannah Grass”). 2021 saw the group make its U.S. television debut, performing virtually from Trinidad on Late Night with Steven Colbert, before making their triumphant return to the road with their IzWe tour. 

Signed to Ineffable Records, the band propelled further throughout the next 3 years leading to the release of the highly acclaimed full-length album in 2024 titled 'Man With No Door'.  This Soca masterpiece included hits and future classics like ("Miracle, "Liki Tiki", "Tack Back", and "Banga").

Most recently, the bands latest hit song titled "Coco Tea" has been celebrated as one of the best songs released by Kes to date with over 200MM Plays on TikTok

Their momentum hasn’t slowed. In 2023, the band sold out Central Park SummerStage and in 2025 the band sold out two Central Park SummerStage shows in under 24 hours —marking another milestone for Caribbean music.

To stay connected and learn more, visit www.KesTheBand.com 

About SOS Fest: 

Founded over a decade ago, Summer of Sound Festivals (SOS Fest) has grown into one of Toronto’s premier music and entertainment producers. With a reputation for delivering high-energy, large-scale events, SOS Fest specializes in Caribbean-inspired festivals that celebrate culture, music, and immersive experiences.

At the core of SOS Fest is a commitment to excellence—bringing together world-class talent, cutting-edge production, and innovative stage design to create unforgettable moments for audiences. Each event is thoughtfully curated to reflect the richness of Caribbean culture while incorporating diverse music genres, interactive experiences, and next-generation technology. 

Whether through live performances, cultural showcases, or immersive activations, SOS Fest continues to set new standards in the festival space, redefining what it means to celebrate music and culture on a global stage. With an eye toward the future, the brand remains dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and delivering powerful, community-driven experiences.

To stay connected and learn more, visit www.SOSfestTO.com 

About Live Nation Entertainment:

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com. 

        

Kes Socials:

INSTAGRAM |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK | TIK TOK

Soca Superstar Kees of Kes the Band Makes History as the First Soca Artist to Sell Out Two SummerStage Shows at Central Park

Photo credit: Karston "Skinny" Tannis

Internationally celebrated soca artist Kees Dieffenthaller, frontman of Kes the Band, has made history once again—this time as the first soca performer to sell out two SummerStage concerts at Central Park within hours of going on sale. Set for July 5 and July 6, 2025, these back-to-back sold-out shows mark a groundbreaking moment not only for Kees but for the entire Caribbean music scene.

This will be Kes’ second appearance at SummerStage, following a sensational 2024 debut where his single show sold out within hours, leaving thousands of fans clamoring for more. This year’s double booking is a testament to his soaring popularity and growing global impact.

Coming off a record-breaking run, Kees’ chart-topping single Cocoa Tea continues to dominate streaming platforms worldwide, while his electrifying IzWe Festival: Trinidad Carnival Edition earlier this year drew massive crowds and united cultures through rhythm and revelry.

The band’s international reach has also expanded significantly, with two sold-out shows in Montreal during their 2024 tour in Canada, proving that the love for soca knows no borders.

As Kes the Band celebrates 20 years in the music industry this year, they continue to lead the charge for soca on the world stage—waving the red, white, and black of Trinidad and Tobago with pride and purpose.

“We’ve always believed in the power of soca to bring people together,” said Kees. “To see that vision unfold not just in Trinidad, but in New York, Canada, and beyond—it’s deeply humbling. This moment belongs to all of us.”

Presented by Capital One, SummerStage is renowned for spotlighting dynamic talent from across the globe. Kes’ back-to-back sold out shows not only showcase his unmatched showmanship but also reflect a larger cultural shift, as Caribbean music takes its rightful place in the global spotlight.

If you missed Kes the Band tickets for Central Park SummerStage you can catch Kes the Band live at:

·      April 20 – Tobago - Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival

·      April 27 – Kingston, Jamaica - GenXs Road March        

·      April 30 – St Thomas UVI - St. Thomas Carnival Village

·      May 4 – Trinidad – Bedrock All Inclusive 

·      May 9 – Cayman Islands – Festival Green

·      May 18 – St Pauls Bay, Malta - Ibiza Soca Festival

·      May 22 – Guyana - Stinging Nettles

·      May 24 – Orlando, FL – Soca Fest 

·      June 26 – St. Kitts – St Kitts Music Festival

·      June 28 – Baltimore MD – Pier Six Pavillion

·      July 3 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavillion

·      July 5 -  New York, NY - SummerStage Central Park 

·      July 6 – New York, NY - SummerStage Central Park

·      July 18 – Saint Lucia - Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium

·      July 26 – Toronto, Canada – IZWE

·      July 30 – St Michaels – Rise Barbados

·      August 9 - Santa Elena, Belize - Belize International Music and Food Festival

        

Kes Socials:

INSTAGRAM |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK | TIK TOK 

Soca Superstar & Ambassador Kes Set To Release Album 'Man With No Door' on March 29th

 

Soca superstar and cultural ambassador Kes is gearing up to drop his latest album ‘Man With No Door’ on March 29, marking his first full-length project in over a decade, released by Ineffable Records. The highly anticipated album promises to deliver a musical journey that transcends boundaries and celebrates the diverse influences that have shaped Kes's iconic sound.

Inspired by the concept of creative freedom, ‘Man With No Door’ aims to create a sonic space that unites the myriad worlds explored by Kes throughout his musical odyssey. With a blend of colorful melodies, infectious rhythms, and diverse styles, the album invites listeners to revel in the richness of musical diversity and discover the common thread that connects us all.

In a standout collaboration, Kes joins forces with Trinbagonian reggae powerhouse artist Queen Omega on the powerful track ‘Rise Up.’ The song serves as a poignant call to action for unity and positive change in a world that is ripe for transformation. Through their impassioned lyrics and soul-stirring melodies, Kes and Queen Omega deliver a rallying cry for collective empowerment and upliftment.

Another highlight of the album is the energetic track ‘Honeycomb,’ a collaboration with the acclaimed Jamaican artist Busy Signal. Infused with the classic bassline-driven dancehall vibe that Kes and Busy Signal both adore, ‘Honeycomb’ embodies the infectious energy of Soca Dancehall fusion and showcases the dynamic synergy between the two talented musicians.

With a track list featuring 16 vibrant songs, including standout tracks like ‘Banga,’ ‘Mood’ featuring Shaggy, and ‘Miracle’ featuring Tano, ‘Man With No Door’ promises to be a compelling showcase of Kes's artistic evolution and musical prowess. Each song adds a unique hue to the sonic palette of the album, creating a tapestry of sound that reflects the boundless creativity and versatility of Kes as an artist.

“Tack Back”, which was released earlier this year, continues to garner global attention, and reclaim the top spot as the most streamed soca song worldwide and throughout the Caribbean.

As Kes embarks on this exciting new chapter in his musical journey, fans can expect to be taken on a mesmerizing adventure through the diverse sounds and flavors of ‘Man With No Door.’ With its message of unity, diversity, and creative exploration, the album serves as a testament to the power of music to bridge divides and bring people together in harmony.

For more information on Kes of Kes the Band upcoming album please click pre save link http://ineffable.to/manwithnodoor.

Track List

1. Tack Back feat Tano

2. Liki Tiki feat J Perry & Michael Brun

3.  Yes Please

4.  Jub Jub feat Tano

5.  Talk to me 

6.  Banga 

7.  Honeycomb feat Busy Signal & Tano

8.  Jolene feat Dwala 

9.  Mood feat Shaggy 

10. Formula

11. Bless me 

12. Keep my cool

13. SOS

14. Miracle feat Tano 

15. Rise up feat Queen Omega 

16. It's Enough

ABOUT KES 

One of Trinidad & Tobago's most celebrated musical acts, Kes (aka Kes the Band), led by vocalist Kees Dieffenthaller, has been a pioneering force in soca since its formation in 2005. Collaborating with artists like Snoop Dogg, Wizkid, and Major Lazer, Kes has taken soca to global stages, delivering indelible anthems like "Wotless" and "Savannah Grass" while mastering smoothed-out, island pop jams such as "Hello" and "Liki Tiki." In 2020, they released the energetic "live-in-studio" album, "We Home," capturing their celebrated stage energy for home listening. Their upcoming album, "Man With No Door," is set to drop March 29, on California's Ineffable Records.

Kes Socials:

INSTAGRAM |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK | TIK TOK

 

International Soca Star Kes The Band Set To Perform at NYC Summer Stage Central Park

Tickets Available Starting Thursday February 15^th with Presale

General Onsale Begins Friday February 16^th at 10 AM Local at LiveNation.com

New York, N.Y. February 15, 2024. Today international soca star Kes the Band announced his first headline performance at Central Park Summer Stage on Saturday June 8^th.  Produced by Live Nation and KES, this concert will kick off the summer and Caribbean Heritage month with a unique blend of Caribbean and contemporary world sounds. Known for his energetic and infectious soca hits, Kes the band has captivated audiences around the world with chart-topping tracks like "Hello," "Savannah Grass,” “My Love," and most recently “Miracle”.  The Summer Stage at Central Park announcement follows Kes recent festival IzWe, where he announced the release of his highly anticipated album ‘Man With No Door’, set to release on March 29^th 2024..  

Fans can expect an electrifying performance as Kes brings his signature high-energy stage presence and dynamic vocals to the iconic Central Park Summer Stage venue. With his band backing him up, the concert promises to be an unforgettable night of celebration and non-stop dancing.

Summer Stage Central Park, a renowned outdoor concert series, has been a staple of New York City's summer entertainment for decades. Located in the heart of Central Park, this open-air venue provides the perfect setting for Kes the Band to showcase his vibrant and infectious soca tunes.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with a presale beginning Thursday, February 15^th at 10 AM local time. General on sale beginning Friday, February 16^th at 10 AM local time at Ticket Link.

 

ABOUT KES 

One of Trinidad & Tobago's most celebrated musical acts, Kes (aka Kes the Band), led by vocalist Kees Dieffenthaller, has been a pioneering force in soca since its formation in 2005. Collaborating with artists like Snoop Dogg, Wizkid, and Major Lazer, Kes has taken soca to global stages, delivering indelible anthems like "Wotless" and "Savannah Grass" while mastering smoothed-out, island pop jams such as "Hello" and "Liki Tiki." In 2020, they released the energetic "live-in-studio" album, "We Home," capturing their celebrated stage energy for home listening. Their upcoming album, "Man With No Door," is set to drop later this year on California's Ineffable Records.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kes The Band

Ronnie Tomlinson| ronnie@destinemediapr.com

Kes Socials:

INSTAGRAM |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK | TIK TOK