Buju Banton and Kes Named Honorary Grand Marshals for New York Caribbean Carnival

Jamaica: Reggae singer Buju Banton has been named as an Honorary Grand Marshal of the 58th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival Parade. Soca singer Kees Dieffenthaller from Trinidad and Tobago, who is known for being a member of KesTheBand, will also join the parade.

The celebration will take place in Brooklyn on Monday, September 7, as part of the labour day celebration. It will be held under the theme of “One Caribbean” and will be organized by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA). This will also highlight the common culture and history of the people of various Caribbean nations.

It will feature Caribbean music, mas bands, costume and cultural performances. Apart from the parade that will take place on Labor Day, some other activities include youth activities and soca music.

The carnival will start with a VIP Breakfast that will take place on Carlos Lezama Netball Court, Lincoln Terrace Park, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am. The main parade will begin at 11 am on Eastern Parkway.

Buju Banton is one of Jamaica's most famous performers of reggae and dancehall music. His music has earned him a global audience for many years. Kees Dieffenthaller, or Kes, is the lead singer of KesTheBand. He is one of the top singers in soca music.

WIADCA explained the significance of the appointment of the two Caribbean artists via a press release. It read, “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.”

The organization also said that the two artists greatly contributed to Caribbean music and culture on the international stage. “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,” shared WIADCA.

The event will bring together Caribbean community leaders, officials, businessmen and culture representatives. It will attract thousands of people from across the world, who will participate in various activities.