Little Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidadian soca player Kees Dieffenthaller , known simply as "Kes", is a member of Kes the Band , famous for producing popular dance hits throughout the Caribbean. Kes's latest album, We Home, was released in August 2020. Needless to say, Kes knows exactly where to find the party on her home island of Trinidad and neighboring Tobago, and where to recover the next morning.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local" , a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions , which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to find out why his own territory should be your next destination.
How would you describe your island in your own words? What makes this place unique? Is there a smell, sound, or taste that instantly reminds you of her?
We are an island, where you have access to everything. When I am tired of my own patio, I find another patio. I really enjoy the views, there are a lot of beautiful mountains, we are lucky to have a lot of rain forest and water everywhere. I love walking around For min where can i see the Caribbean and the Atlantic , two separate bodies of water that come together again.
We have a party history in our spirit. If there's one thing Trinibagonians love, it's a good party. If you come at Christmas or carnival, there is one every weekend; that's where you see our true identity.
If a friend was visiting the city/country and only had 24 hours there, what would you suggest he do?
He would definitely start with a homemade breakfast , a true Trini-style breakfast. I am the host. Then we would have lunch by the river, enjoying a game, which we call "lime" (a Trinidadian word that speaks of socializing). Then we go out to a little bar or something. There is an area called Windbrook , which is a bar district, and I always like to hang out there. So many interesting things are happening now, sometimes it's an art gallery, sometimes a performance...
If we want to go to a little jazz bar, Arthur's It is a quiet place that runs a group of very nice people. For something outdoors Chaguaramas It has a few bars, it's more of the yachting community, by the sea, a bit more laid back. There is a lot of history there; It used to be an American base during World War II, and there are some remains and a museum and these bars that I think existed when the soldiers were in Trinidad.
If we had the opportunity to fly to Tobago (it's a short flight, only 15, 20 minutes), that would be amazing. That's where you find blue waters and white sands. I love the beach Mount Irvine.
Where to eat, have breakfast, dinner and have a cocktail in Trinidad?
The breakfast of champions for anyone in Trinidad is a double , which is like a taco from Trinidad, but was actually brought over by settlers from the East Indies. It is a lightly fried puff pastry that can have seasoned chickpeas, sometimes with fresh pepper, or sweet with tamarind. Everyone has their favourite, the airport carts are really good, but my favorite place is es Double Factory , in El Socorro.
Many people want to try the roti , which is a wrap with curry meat. Personally, I like the homemade ones, but there is a good place called Charlie's in Tunapuna , a simple space where they have an authentic flavor.
Kees Dieffenthaller, musician from Trinidad and Tobago.
Which movie, which music and which book capture the essence of Trinidad?
I wouldn't say we're famous for movies, but that's part of the charm. We don't have any place with a name as well known as Montego Bay or Jamaica, so it is discovered here. People who come are usually surprised. They say that the story of Robinson Crusoe was inspired by Tobago.
What excites you about Trinidad right now? What or who is causing a stir, is new and remarkable: what is your latest discovery
Trinidad's music is the most exhilarating thing happening right now. I must mention Nialah Blackman . Her father was one of the inventors of soca music, which is our main music.
Who would be the hero of your hometown?
peter minshall he is a big part of our carnival, he is a designer who used the streets and the people as a canvas to paint what he felt and saw in society. For me, growing up, seeing what he did there was something fantastic. There is also a painter named Che Lovelace , whose father is a great author. Finally, Mighty Sparrow , a calypsonian who influenced calypso throughout the world.