Trinidad and Tobago’s acclaimed soca group, Kes the Band, has officially entered the race for a prestigious Grammy Award with their infectious hit single “Cocoa Tea.” The track is currently under consideration for the Best Global Music Performance category at the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards, marking a significant milestone for both the band and the broader soca music genre.
A Historic Milestone for Soca
The announcement comes as the Recording Academy is conducting its first round of voting to determine the official nominees, a process that concludes on October 15th. Should “Cocoa Tea” earn a nomination, it would represent a landmark achievement, propelling soca music further into international recognition and solidifying the Caribbean’s growing influence on the global music landscape. This development is particularly noteworthy as soca, despite its vibrant culture and widespread appeal, has historically faced challenges in securing formal Grammy category recognition. The genre, originating from Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1970s, is a fusion of calypso with East Indian rhythms, known for its high-energy beats designed for dancing and celebration.
“Cocoa Tea”: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The track “Cocoa Tea,” produced by Tano and co-written by Kes (Kees Dieffenthaller), Tano, and Mical Teja, has been lauded for its skillful blend of signature soca rhythms with contemporary production. The song has already achieved significant success, topping charts in several Caribbean nations and garnering millions of streams and views across various platforms. Its popularity is further amplified by its relatable theme, evoking nostalgic comfort associated with the Caribbean beverage while also incorporating playful double entendre. The production team also includes contributions from KC Kasey, Kp Musiq, and Ineffable Records, showcasing a collaborative effort to elevate the soca sound.
Kes the Band: Ambassadors of Soca Music
Led by charismatic frontman Kees Dieffenthaller, Kes the Band has long been at the forefront of expanding soca’s global reach. The group has consistently championed the mission of taking soca music beyond its traditional Carnival circuits, performing at major festivals and concerts worldwide. Their performances, such as headlining two consecutive sold-out shows at Central Park’s SummerStage and filling the Budweiser Stage in Toronto, demonstrate the genre’s growing stadium-sized appeal and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. This dedication to sharing Caribbean culture through music has earned them accolades, including a Cultural Impact Award from Trinidad and Tobago’s Consul General in Toronto. The band expressed profound gratitude to all collaborators on “Cocoa Tea,” emphasizing their overarching goal: “Soca music to the world”.
The Evolving Landscape of Grammy Recognition
The Grammy Awards, the music industry’s most prestigious honors, have seen an increasing effort to recognize diverse global music genres. The introduction of categories like Best Global Music Performance in 2022 reflects this commitment. While soca has not yet secured its own dedicated category, several Caribbean artists and works have been nominated and won in various fields over the years, including reggae, jazz, and global music. The consideration of “Cocoa Tea” for a Grammy nomination is seen as a crucial step, potentially opening more doors for soca and other Caribbean music forms. This news comes as numerous other artists from Trinidad and Tobago, including Yung Bredda & Full Blown and Etienne Charles, have also been considered for nominations in various categories for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards eligibility period spans from August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025, with the first round of voting concluding on October 15, 2025. The official nominees are slated to be announced on November 7, 2025, with the awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2026.
If nominated, “Cocoa Tea” will not only be a testament to Kes the Band’s artistic merit but also a powerful symbol of soca music’s enduring appeal and its rightful place on the international stage, reinforcing the vibrant pulse of Caribbean music worldwide.