The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) has announced reggae icon Buju Banton and KesTheBand lead vocalist Kees Dieffenthaller (Kes) as Honorary Grand Marshals for the 59th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival Parade, taking place on Labour Day, Monday, September 7, 2026, in Brooklyn, New York.

The appointments reflect this year’s theme, “One Caribbean,” bringing together two influential voices representing Jamaica’s reggae and dancehall traditions and Trinidad and Tobago’s soca and Carnival culture.

Buju Banton has spent decades bringing Jamaican music and Caribbean culture to audiences around the world, establishing himself as one of reggae and dancehall most influential voices.

Kes, meanwhile, has helped expand the international reach of soca while remaining closely connected to the traditions 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,” 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.”

The two artistes will be recognised at WIADCA’s 59th Annual VIP Breakfast on Monday, September 7, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am at the Carlos Lezama Netball Court at Lincoln Terrace Park in Brooklyn. 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 parade.

The 59th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival Parade will follow along Eastern Parkway beginning at 11:00 am.