Kes the Band Marks 20 Years with Unforgettable Iz We Celebration
For two decades, Kes the Band has been at the forefront of regional music, blending infectious rhythms with Caribbean soul to create a sound that resonates far beyond Trinidad and Tobago. This year, the group celebrated their 20th anniversary in grand style with their signature event, Iz We and according to patrons, this might’ve been the best staging yet.
Held at the Queens Park Savannah, the 2025 edition of Iz We was a night of pure euphoria and bliss, bringing together fans from across the globe for an unforgettable festival experience.
According to one patron, the electrifying performances, enjoyed by a mixed audience were a testament to the band’s evolution, influence, and unwavering connection to their audience.
Your Caribbean Guide caught up with Keston during a food break at the event. The gentleman who is a self-professed Kes superfan, said “he got everything right! It’s huge but intimate, I’m not sure how he was able to create this atmosphere but he did and I love it.”
“Kes is the President of the Red Man Association and in my mind, I’m his trusted and irreplaceable sidekick. Kes and Keston,” he joked.
Keston said Iz We is a reflection of the man (Kes) “and the man is epic so the show can’t be anything but amazing.”
This sentiment was echoed by Cassy. “As an entrepreneur myself, I really appreciate the fact that he consistently makes space for creatives. The fact that this event is also so spread out, is great. The team thought about everything, space for food, space to sit and eat your food and the vendor village which I absolutely love,” she told YCG. “Kes gets it, his team gets it and we love it.”
As Kes the Band reflected on their journey—from their early days to becoming one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated musical acts—Iz We served as both a celebration of their past and a glimpse into their future.
Twenty years, many of which were spent as front runners in the industry is no easy feat. Patrons were treated to performances by several other artistes who were present to help Kes The Band celebrate this milestone anniversary.
GBM Nutron, Coutain, Ravi B, Patrice Roberts, Voice, Erphaan Alves, the water lord Iwer George and Mical Teja were among those to perform on the IZ We stage.
Prolific song writer and entertainer Nadia Batson also performed. Did you know that she was the first and only woman to join the ranks of Kes The Band as a vocalist?
Despite a brief interruption due to technical difficulties early on in the show, the audience was high energy to the very end, often times singing along word for word as the entertainers graced the stage.
The night was filled with emotional and unforgettable moments, highlighting snippets of the bands journey. One of the most touching scenes came when Kes brought his mother and daughter on stage, a heartwarming tribute to the generations that have supported him and helped shape his sound. The crowd erupted in applause as the three shared the stage, a powerful symbol of family and legacy.
Kes was also visibly emotional as he paid tribute to his late father, reflecting on the profound impact he had on his life and career. With tears streaming down his face, he shared memories of his father’s influence, leaving many in the audience moved by the sincerity of the moment.
Beyond the music, Iz We was a full showcase of Trinidad and Tobago’s rich Carnival culture. From traditional elements of mas to the high-energy sound of rhythm sections, every aspect of the event paid homage to the festival that has played such a crucial role in Kes the Band’s identity. Fans appreciated the careful curation of the experience, which blended the essence of Carnival with the signature Iz We atmosphere.
The night came to an amazing close with the performance of Savannah Grass, a song that has become an anthem of nostalgia and unity. As the first notes rang out, the venue was transformed into a sea of waving hands and swaying bodies, with fans singing every lyric at the top of their lungs. It was a fitting end to a night that celebrated not just 20 years of Kes the Band, but the power of music to connect people, tell stories, and bring joy.
As we made our way out of the venue, people could be heard commenting on their respective experiences at the show. One woman told us “I was moved to tears so many times during the night. I’m tired but it was worth it…Kes is so versatile, he literally makes music for everyone. I feel proud when I see my citizens creating world standard products. Trinidad and Tobago is full of talent and I don’t think all of us fully appreciate that. Good job Kes, wishing you many more years of awesome music. I know your daddy is proud and your mommy too.”
If you missed Iz We 2025, let this mistake be a lesson , do better next year. See you at Iz We 2026!
