The Trinidadian band Kes have hit the nail on the head with their new song, Cocoa Tea. Sortie le 15 novembre, cette création musicale a rapidement gravi les échelons des “charts”, s’imposant comme un véritable phénomène sur la scène musicale caribéenne. En un temps record, le titre a atteint la première place du classement iTunes Reggae aux États-Unis, tout en faisant des vagues sur plusieurs plateformes de streaming à travers la région.
The rise of Cocoa Tea
The release of Cocoa Tea coincides with the start of the band’s third annual U.S. East Coast tour, which kicked off on November 24 and ran until December 5. Concerts took place in iconic cities such as Montreal, Boston and Atlanta, attracting enthusiastic crowds.
The lyrical video of Cocoa Tea has exploded on YouTube, reaching over 1 million views in just two weeks, an impressive feat for a track without an official music video. Adam Gross, president of Ineffable Records, shared figures that attest to the song’s growing appeal, pointing out that the performances of Cocoa Tea are unprecedented for a Soca track, and potentially the biggest hit of Kes’s career.
Dazzling figures for Cocoa Tea
The statistics speak for themselves. Cocoa Tea recorded over 3 million listens, including 1.9 million on YouTube, over 400,000 on Spotify, and almost 500,000 on Apple Music. The song has also managed to top the Shazam charts in 20 different regions, while on Spotify it is third on the local Toronto chart.
Going viral on TikTok
The success of Cocoa Tea is not limited to traditional streaming platforms. On TikTok, the song has gone viral, being used in some 66,000 videos, generating over 61 million views. This dynamic on social networks testifies to the growing cultural impact of Caribbean music, and Kes is at the forefront of this movement.
Creation and collaboration around "Cocoa Tea
Written by Kees Dieffenthaller, Tano, and Mical Teja, with supporting voices from Tano, Coutain, and Terri Lyons, Cocoa Tea is now number one in several Caribbean countries, including Trinidad, Guyana, Antigua, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada. This success is the result of close collaboration and diverse talents capturing the essence of Soca music.
A reflection on Kes's Journey
Kees Dieffenthaller, lead singer, expressed his gratitude to the fans who have supported the band over the years. He recalled memories of a time when Kes struggled to get radio airplay in his own country. Today, with millions of views and a resounding success, he fondly recalls those difficult beginnings.
A message of gratitude for Cocoa Tea
In thanking fans, Kes declared: “A million views in two weeks! I remember the days when we struggled to get airplay. Thanks for the support and love for Cocoa Tea our mission is to make it known worldwide.” This statement shows the humility and passion that drive the group.
An upcoming event: IZWE 2025
To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Kes will be hosting a special event, IZWE 2025, scheduled for February 25 at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. Pre-sale tickets, released on November 18, promise to draw massive crowds, as fans look forward to a memorable experience.
Sustainable impact of Cocoa Tea
The success of Cocoa Tea is a testament to the evolution of Caribbean music and Kes’ impact on the global music scene. The song not only captivates listeners, it creates an emotional connection that transcends borders. By reminding us how far we’ve come, Kes shows us that passion and perseverance can lead to remarkable success.
To keep up with all the latest news, don’t forget to follow Kes on TikTok @kesofficial and on Instagram @kesthebandofficial.
