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

The Jamaican reggae legend and Trinidadian soca star will represent the “One Caribbean” theme at WIADCA’s 59th annual Labor Day celebration in Brooklyn

Buju Banton (L), Kes to Be Honored at New York Caribbean Carnival

The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) has named reggae legend Buju Banton and soca powerhouse Kes TheBand as Honorary Grand Marshals for the 59th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival Parade.

The Labor Day celebration is set for Monday, September 7, 2026, in Brooklyn, New York, with the two Caribbean music stars helping to represent this year’s theme, “One Caribbean.”

The appointments bring together two influential figures from different corners of Caribbean music and culture. Buju Banton has spent decades carrying Jamaican reggae and dancehall to audiences around the world, establishing himself as one of the island’s most internationally recognized and influential voices.

Kes, meanwhile, has helped expand soca’s international reach as frontman of KesTheBand while remaining closely connected to the traditions, energy and spirit of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.

“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 WIADCA Board of Directors said. “They have each carried Caribbean music and culture to the world, while remaining deeply rooted in the communities and traditions that shaped them.”

Buju and Kes will be recognized during WIADCA’s 59th Annual VIP Breakfast on September 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Carlos Lezama Netball Court at Lincoln Terrace Park in Brooklyn.

“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 breakfast will bring together elected officials, community leaders, cultural ambassadors, business executives and members of New York’s Caribbean-American community ahead of the main celebration.

The 59th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival Parade will then take over Eastern Parkway beginning at 11:00 a.m., continuing one of New York City’s biggest annual celebrations of Caribbean culture.