Trinidad and Tobago’s KestheBand was recently featured on ABC News, where they showcased Caribbean-born Soca music in a special interview on ABC News Live.
The segment was filmed at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City and forms part of a Black History Month feature released on Carnival Tuesday, February 17, as per a media release from the band. Placing Soca within a larger cultural context, the genre’s historical roots and expanding presence on the international stage were explored.
In the interview with ABC journalist Morgan Norwood, lead singer Kees Dieffenthaller discusses Soca’s origins following Emancipation and its role as a form of cultural expression and identity within the African diaspora. He shares insights into his early years in Trinidad and Tobago, the development of KestheBand’s fusion of musical styles over the past twenty years, and the group’s collaborations and tours that have helped introduce Soca music to audiences worldwide. The conversation also touches on how Dieffenthaller’s personal experiences and grief have influenced his songwriting and artistic outlook.
“The now-viral feature highlights Caribbean music’s growing presence in major cultural institutions and mainstream media, highlighting KestheBand’s role in bringing Soca to the world.” concluded the team.
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