Kees Dieffenthaller, lead singer of Kes the Band, performing in Jamaica. (Photos: Rory Daley)
Popular soca act Kes the Band will ignite the Clamshell stage at Emancipation Park this Carnival Sunday, as part of the offerings by GenXS.
The act, known for the hits Wotless, Savannah Grass, Liki Tiki, Tuesday on the Rocks, Cocoa Tea and Jolene, is a favourite with local soca music enthusiasts.
Emancipation Park will serve as the sole hospitality and entertainment hub for the full GenXS experience. From sunrise to well after sundown, the space will host breakfast, road marches, rest stops, and a live concert by Kes the Band, which is free and open to the public.
Smirnoff is title sponsor for GenXS carnival.
“Smirnoff is proud to present Kes Live in Kingston,” said Nadine Hylton, Smirnoff Brand Manager. “It’s a celebration of Caribbean music, creativity, and community. GenXS continues to raise the bar, and we’re honoured to be part of that journey.”
Masqueraders will kick things off with breakfast in the park, then make their way to the streets for a morning road march through Kingston. A midday return brings lunch and recovery time, before the second lap sets off in the afternoon. By nightfall, masqueraders will descend on Emancipation Park for dinner and the Kes performance.
“We’re working closely with park authorities to ensure everything runs smoothly and remains fully aligned with national guidelines,” said Jeremy Cole, Production Manager for GenXS. “It’s important that all masqueraders and spectators respect the official rules of the park. Our aim is to deliver a seamless experience from start to finish.”
The day’s layout has been thoughtfully designed to balance energy and ease. Masqueraders will have access to dedicated, barricaded zones that offer both privacy and structure, while the rest of Emancipation Park remains open to the public, giving spectators a chance to witness key moments from the road march.
“We wanted to build an experience that recharges as much as it excites,” explained Mala Morrison, GenXS Band Leader and Director. “Comfort Park is our way of giving back to our masqueraders a space to cool down, catch their breath, and return to the road feeling renewed.”