Trinidadian soca group Kes The Band executed the perfect prelude to Sunday’s Carnival Road March with a live show at Sabina Park in Kingston.

At exactly 12:33 am on Friday morning, the home of cricket in Jamaica, Sabina Park, lit up for a different kind of play as the concert officially started with lead singer Kes treating patrons to hit song after hit song, including Fallin, Boss Lady, Workout, Nah Let Go, Liki Tiki, Radar, and of course, Savannah Grass.

The scene would climax with a cameo set from Jamaica’s very own Busy Signal, who did favourites Stay So, One More Night and Sweet Love.

Screams, whistles, and calls for an encore rang out across the stadium.

Kes took a moment to pay homage to the late Arif Cooper, as well as his father, who passed away in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We celebrate their lives right now. They’re living with us right now!” he declared on stage.

Kes’ compatriot Iwer George also gave a musical treat. He added excitement to his set by asking attendees to spray water all over the venue while he sang Water. George also performed Stage Gone Bad, his collaboration with Kes.

Bloodline Franco, Brush1 The Road Marshal, Lurbz, Lord Hype, Akeem S O, Salty, Delano and Smoke kept the momentum going at the turntables.

Kes The Band was formed in 2005 and consists of founding members, brothers Kes, Hans Dieffenthaller (drums), and Jon Dieffenthaller (guitar), along with long-time friend Riad Boochoon (bass guitar).

Attendees at the concert had a whale of a time by all indications.

Kimberly Wiggan was in jubilant spirits when she spoke to the Jamaica Observer.

“It was so good. I can’t wait for the road march,” she said.

“It was a nice little vibe. I’m a huge fan of soca, so you know how that goes,” another patron, Mike Robinson, said.