Trinidad and Tobago’s globally acclaimed soca group, Kes the Band, has officially entered the prestigious Grammy Awards race with their vibrant single “Cocoa Tea.” The track is currently under consideration in the highly competitive Best Global Music Performance category, marking a significant milestone for soca music on the international stage.
“Cocoa Tea” and the Sound of Innovation
The song “Cocoa Tea,” released in late 2024, has been submitted for consideration in the latest Grammy Awards cycle. Produced by Tano, with significant creative input from Mical Teja, KC Kasey, Kp Musiq, and Ineffable Records, the track masterfully blends Kes the Band’s signature soca rhythms with contemporary production elements. This fusion has resonated with audiences, propelling the song into Grammy contention and highlighting the evolving landscape of Caribbean music.
Kes the Band, fronted by the charismatic Kees Dieffenthaller, has been a pioneering force in popularizing soca music globally since its formation in 2005. Known for their eclectic mix of genres including R&B, Pop, Rock, and reggae, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of soca, moving it beyond its traditional Carnival associations to become a genre with international appeal. Dieffenthaller himself has been instrumental in this expansion, earning accolades such as the International Groovy Soca Monarch title in 2011 and a Road March win in 2020.
A Milestone Moment for Soca Music
The consideration of “Cocoa Tea” for a Grammy Award is being widely celebrated as a historic achievement for Kes the Band and a defining moment for soca and broader Caribbean music. For years, artists and industry advocates have called for greater recognition of soca and calypso at the Grammy Awards, which have historically lacked dedicated categories for these influential genres. The introduction of the Best Global Music Performance category in recent years has opened new avenues for genres like soca to gain visibility within the Recording Academy’s framework.
This news comes as the Recording Academy’s first round of voting for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards is underway, running until October 15, 2025. A nomination would signify immense progress for soca, underscoring its growing influence on the global music scene and reinforcing the cultural richness of the Caribbean.
The Road to Global Recognition
Kes the Band has consistently strived to bring Caribbean music to international audiences, performing at major festivals and concerts worldwide, and collaborating with global artists. Their mission, often articulated as “Soca music to the world,” is being amplified by this Grammy consideration. The band has expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the collective effort of producers, engineers, musicians, and fellow artists who contributed to “Cocoa Tea”.
The push for Grammy recognition for soca is part of a larger movement to ensure that the diverse sounds of the Caribbean receive their due at the highest levels of the music industry. While “Cocoa Tea” is currently in the consideration phase, its presence on the preliminary ballot is a testament to the genre’s evolving global footprint. The news has been met with widespread support and congratulations from fans and cultural figures, including the Minister of Culture and Community Development of Trinidad and Tobago, Michelle Benjamin.
A Defining Moment for Caribbean Music News
Should “Cocoa Tea” secure a nomination, it would join a growing list of Caribbean works that have been recognized by the Grammys, further cementing the region’s impact on global music. This development is not just about an individual song or band; it represents a significant step forward in the broader effort to elevate soca and other Caribbean genres to their rightful place on the world’s most prestigious music platform. The journey of “Cocoa Tea” into the Grammy consideration highlights the ambition and talent driving contemporary Caribbean music forward.