Kes is a popular Caribbean pop/soca group known for a unique blend of soulful vocals, calypso-inspired melodies, rock riffs and island beats. Formed in Trinidad, the group, led by vocalist Kees Dieffenthaller, has amassed over 7 million combined YouTube views, shared stages with artists such as Rihanna, Maroon 5 and John Legend, collaborated with Snoop Dogg, and thanks to their electrifying live show, has become a top concert draw around the world. The group also includes Dieffenthaller’s brothers Hans (drums) and Jon (guitar) and best friend, Riad Boochoon (bass).

HE IS THE BIG Daddy of them all – the man they call “Jon Doe”. The Canadian-born, Barbadian-bred Warren Forte has been burning up the airwaves on the island’s number one station HOTT 95.3 FM for the last sixteen years.

An accountant by training, he fell in love with music at the age of 11 after entering his alma mater Harrison College, while there he started dee-jaying and investing in equipment, honing his skills in the dancehall arena with noted DJ from the east, King Yellow. “I am really grateful to King Yellow for teaching me the art of selecting; good selecting is no easy task and he was like a mentor to me.” 

While in Halifax, he worked the club and party scene, winning the Atlantic Canada DMC DJ Competition in 1994 and hosting The Baseline Reggae Show – CKDU FM, broadcasting in 1992-96. This was his first taste of radio and he relished it.

On his return to Barbados, he entered banking but yearned for a career in music. “In August 1997 we formed Renegade Sound. It was a close-knit group of friends - Quincy, Rudy, Triple XXX and I. We were interested in being creative and versatile, we thought that was sorely lacking in the dancehalls and on the radio waves at that time.”

By September 1999, Jon Doe was making his foray into local radio as HOTT 95.3 FM was establishing itself as the radio station for the youth, and he did it the good old fashion way - he applied. “I had to prove myself - nothing was handed to me on a platter and I worked very hard to get to where I am.”

Now the number one DJ on the number one station in the land, he is taking his success in stride. “I don’t consider myself popular or even famous,” he said. “I’m just a regular guy without complications - I didn’t get into this business for recognition, I’m here because I love what I do.”

No matter his perception, a fete is not a fete unless Jon Doe is on the cards. “I know I have an effect on people, but it didn’t really hit home to me until Reggae on the Hill in 2008. “When I was introduced the response I got from people was crazy. I felt love that day. I just took it in stride, realizing that I can make a difference, so I am reaching out to people more and being more positive in what I do.”

That reach has gone beyond Barbados’ shores and has put him in touch with some of the more recognisable names in the local, regional and international music industry - Alison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood, Rupee, Machel Montano, Iwer George, Kevin Lyttle, Stone Love, Tony Matterhorn, Swatch, Mighty Crown, Bass Odyssey, Elephant Man, Morgan Heritage, Mad Cobra, Buju Banton, Hawkeye, Half Pint, Courtney Melody, Freddie McGregor and Vybz Kartel; as well as DJ Kid Capri of mix-tape fame and the now-defunct HBO´s Def Comedy Jam. The list goes on.

With his training in accounting and management, he has revamped and restructured Renegade Sound, becoming CEO and setting up another active branch in Canada headed by Andrew Newton). He is also seeking to expand the company’s portfolio by adding production to the list. “I am working with some very talented artists and we’re putting out quality music, trying to take things to a new level.”

Further to this, true greatness in any art form is achieved when you mix a blend of music, people, cultures and style and such was the case when an alliance was forged in 2009 between the island’s number one DJ and the world’s number one cognac, Hennessy. With Jon Doe on board as the official Hennessy DJ, his work with the famed global music campaign “Hennessy Artistry,” promoting the art of mixing various genres and blending the talents of the world’s top artists, allows him to be a part of offering Barbados “the cohesion of Music, Culture, People and Premium Cognac “Hennessy Artistry the Global Art of Mixing.”

Renegade International Sound…Warren “Jon Doe” Forte - unstoppable forces in entertainment… 

Half-man/Half-Music...all Passion. Period.

“Music is Life, Even Our Heart Beats To A Rhythm.”

This is the belief of this music enthusiast born in the Caribbean island of Barbados in April 1993. Johann Lashley ( Dj Jay-L) found his love and passion for music right at home from his parents and is making his way onto the world stage. 

With his passion and creative ear, Dj Jay-L has the ability to entertain crowds using several different genres of music such as Soca, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Pop, EDM, Afrobeats and Gospel. His love for these different genres could be heard in his various mixes, with "Club Banger" being his signature mixtape. In the “Club Banger”,  Jay-L blends both recent and past hits to create a  musical and engaging experience for those listening.

Jay-L has another signature mix by the name of “The Headphone Mix”. The Headphone Mix, is where he takes pleasure in breaks all the rules and gives his listeners a bass pounding, high intensity mix.

Being from the Caribbean, Soca is one genre which Jay-L does not shy away from. Blending both Carnival and Crop Over hits from the previous and current year, his first mixes of the Carnival and Crop Over seasons are named “Carnival Prescription” and “Crop Over Prescription” respectively. These mixes gets Jay-L’s  audiences ready for the parties and festivities in the lovely Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Barbados. 

After the climax of these festivities, listeners are taken into  a session of  "Soca Therapy", composed of the hits from recent celebrations wrapped up into an electrifying bundle. 
 
This young deejay, has been mentored for more then a year by one of the best and most experienced Dj’s and radio announcer in Barbados, Admiral Nelson. Both Admiral Nelson and Jay-L, play at a “Back In Time Party” every Saturday night at the Hilton Hotel Barbados, entertaining both tourist and locals alike. 
This young Dj has played at numerous private house parties, cruises, coperate events and fetes. With his unique blend of songs and genres, and his ability to rock crowds, it firmly states that he has become a force to be reckoned with in the music industry of Barbados.

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