Buju Banton and Kes to lead New York West Indian American Day Carnival

Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton and Trinidad and Tobago soca star Kes (Kees Dieffenthaller) have been named honorary grand marshals for the 59th Annual New York West Indian American Day Carnival Parade.

The parade is scheduled to take place on Labor Day, September 7, along Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York. The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) selected the two musicians to reflect this year’s theme, “One Caribbean,” which aims to unite the musical traditions of reggae, dancehall, and soca.

Organizers stated that the appointment of Banton and Kes represents the cultural connections that unite Caribbean people across different generations and national borders.