Caribbean music and culture took centre stage in New York as Kes the Band and chutney soca star Ravi B shared the spotlight during a sold-out performance at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, celebrating the region’s diversity and the enduring influence of its diaspora.

The June 26 concert formed part of the Roots, Rock, Soca Tour and coincided with Caribbean American Heritage Month, drawing a capacity crowd of about 13,000 fans to the iconic venue.

The event marked a major milestone for Kes the Band, becoming the first soca band to headline and sell out Forest Hills Stadium, highlighting the genre’s growing international appeal.

Throughout the night, soca, chutney soca and Caribbean fusion music blended seamlessly, reflecting the rich cultural influences that define the region.

Ravi B thrilled fans with performances of popular hits including Jep Sting Naina, Akela and Rum Is Meh Lover, while guest appearances from Barbados’ Edwin Yearwood, Haiti’s J Perry, Trinidad and Tobago’s Lady Lava, Dane Gulston and Angela Hunte added to the celebration.

For KestheBand frontman Kees Dieffenthaller, the evening was about more than music. He described it as a tribute to the Caribbean communities abroad that have supported the band throughout its 21-year journey.

“The Caribbean diaspora has always been family to us,” Dieffenthaller said.

“From the very beginning of this journey, the love and support from fans has been unwavering. Sharing the stage with Ravi B in this moment feels like a celebration of community, culture and everything Caribbean music stands for. Ravi is not just an artist I respect—he is my brother in music and someone who has given so much to this industry.”

Ravi B said performing alongside Kes the Band was a fitting reflection of the unity that Caribbean music continues to inspire.

“KestheBand represents the heartbeat of modern Caribbean music, and sharing this stage with them is always an honour,” he said. “The show felt bigger than all of us. It was a celebration of Trinidad, Guyana and the entire Caribbean coming together through rhythm, respect and love. This is what our music was built for.”