Trinidad and Tobago’s celebrated soca group, Kes the Band, has achieved a significant milestone, with their infectious hit single “Cocoa Tea” officially under consideration for a Grammy Award in the Best Global Music Performance category. This development marks a pivotal moment for soca music, signaling its growing influence and potential for broader international recognition on one of the world’s most prestigious music platforms.
A Potential Grammy Nod for Soca’s Ambassadors
The Recording Academy’s first round of voting for the 2025 Grammy Awards is currently underway, with “Cocoa Tea” appearing on the preliminary ballot. This consideration is not merely a nomination but a crucial step in the selection process, placing the vibrant sound of soca before the eyes and ears of Grammy voters – a community of music professionals. The song, produced by Tano, features a rich tapestry of collaborators including Mical Teja, KC Kasey, Kp Musiq, and Ineffable Records, all contributing to its modern yet authentic Caribbean rhythm.
“Cocoa Tea”: A Chart-Topping Celebration
Released in anticipation of Carnival 2025, “Cocoa Tea” quickly transcended regional charts to capture global attention. The track has achieved remarkable success, topping the US iTunes Reggae chart and garnering millions of streams across platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Its accompanying lyric video also surged to over a million views within two weeks, underscoring its widespread appeal. The song’s success has been amplified by its viral presence on social media, featuring in tens of thousands of TikTok videos and dominating playlists worldwide. “Cocoa Tea” masterfully blends Kes the Band’s signature soca energy with contemporary production, showcasing the genre’s versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Kes the Band: A Journey of Global Ambition
Founded in 2005, Kes the Band, led by the charismatic Kees Dieffenthaller, has long been at the forefront of pushing soca music beyond its traditional boundaries. Known for their eclectic fusion of genres—including R&B, pop, rock, reggae, and afrobeats alongside soca—the band has cultivated a devoted following both locally and within the Caribbean diaspora. Their career is marked by extensive international touring, high-profile collaborations with global artists such as Snoop Dogg and Major Lazer, and numerous hit singles that have become anthems in the Caribbean music scene. This Grammy consideration represents a significant validation of their persistent efforts to elevate Caribbean music and culture on the world stage.
Historic Milestones: Toronto and Beyond
The Grammy consideration follows a series of groundbreaking achievements for Kes the Band. In June 2025, they made Canadian music history by becoming the first soca artist to headline the prestigious Budweiser Stage in Toronto, drawing an electrifying crowd of over 14,000 fans. This sold-out concert was hailed not just as a performance but as a landmark celebration of Caribbean culture, solidifying soca’s presence in major North American entertainment venues.
Complementing these strides, Trinidad and Tobago’s Gasparillo-based band Dil-E-Nadan also received significant international acclaim. They headlined the inaugural Chutney Fusion Festival in South Africa, performing to two sold-out shows and receiving a prestigious cultural honor for their contributions to music [initial context, 4]. These concurrent successes highlight a broader trend of Caribbean music gaining wider recognition across diverse global markets.
The Evolving Landscape of Soca and the Grammys
The journey towards greater Grammy recognition for soca music has been a long-standing aspiration within the industry. Discussions about a dedicated soca category have persisted for years, with artists and industry professionals advocating for greater visibility and representation. While “Cocoa Tea’s” consideration in the Best Global Music Performance category is a historic step, it also underscores the genre’s current standing within the Grammy framework. The successful entry of soca artists into the Grammy consideration process signifies progress, reflecting a growing acknowledgement of the genre’s artistic merit and global reach.
A New Horizon for Caribbean Music
The possibility of “Cocoa Tea” securing a Grammy nomination is more than just an accolade for Kes the Band; it’s a powerful endorsement for soca and Caribbean music as a whole. It reinforces the vibrant cultural heritage and innovative artistry that defines the region. As the voting process continues, fans and artists alike are looking towards this moment with optimism, hopeful that it will pave the way for soca to secure its well-deserved place among the world’s elite musical genres. The band’s own message accompanying the consideration announcement, “Soca music to the world,” encapsulates this broader ambition. This development serves as a beacon, illuminating the path forward for the continued global expansion and appreciation of Caribbean music news.