Buju Banton and Kes—two titans separated by generations but united in reggae excellence—are set to lead the 59th Annual New York Caribbean Carnival Parade in 2026 as Grand Marshalls. It’s a pairing that speaks volumes: the Godfather of Dancehall meets one of modern reggae’s most conscious voices, both carrying the torch of Caribbean artistry to New York’s streets.
The move signals what carnival organizers clearly understand—that reggae and dancehall aren’t separate worlds, they’re chapters in the same story. Buju’s return to prominence after his prison release has been nothing short of triumphant, while Kes continues to elevate reggae’s spiritual and lyrical standards globally. Together, they represent the genre’s past, present, and future walking side by side.
Also filed on reggaeodyssey.net.