The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) has selected Trinidad and Tobago soca artist Kees Dieffenthaller of KesTheBand and Jamaican reggae and dancehall star Buju Banton as Honorary Grand Marshals for the 59th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival Week and Parade.
A WIADCA press release said the appointments reflect this year’s “One Caribbean” theme, which focuses on the cultural ties connecting Caribbean communities and the diaspora across generations, borders and musical traditions.
Dieffenthaller, the lead vocalist of KesTheBand, has helped take soca to international audiences while maintaining strong links to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival culture. Banton, one of Jamaica’s most recognized reggae and dancehall performers, has spent decades bringing Jamaican and wider Caribbean culture to audiences around the world.
WIADCA said the two artists represent the connection between Jamaica’s reggae and dancehall traditions and Trinidad and Tobago’s soca and calypso heritage.
“The appointment of Kees Dieffenthaller of KestheBand and Buju Banton as Honorary Grand Marshals is a powerful representation of what One Caribbean means to us,” said the WIADCA Board of Directors. “They have each carried Caribbean music and culture to the world, while remaining deeply rooted in the communities and traditions that shaped them. Their presence at this year’s Labor Day celebrations honors the diversity of our Caribbean heritage while reminding us of the strength we have when we celebrate what unites us.”
The two honorees will also be recognized at WIADCA’s 59th Annual VIP Breakfast.
WIADCA has organized the New York Caribbean Carnival for nearly six decades, promoting Caribbean music, culture, art and traditions.
The 2026 carnival is being presented in media partnership with Irie Jam Radio, VP Records, Gargamel Music, Chambers Media Solutions and Schure Media Group.
