This post first appeared on Sokah2Soca, where Caribbean music meets wit, rhythm, and real talk. Island Vybe Radio spins the tunes—we decode the culture.
The entire Caribbean music industry is abuzz with excitement and gratitude as music artists from Trinidad and Tobago are finally breaking the music glass ceiling with Soca music. In fact, the recognition extends beyond Soca music to include ten artists from Trinidad and Tobago. The artists, listed below, have finally been "seen and heard," earning Grammy nominations for 2025 — the result is a seismic moment for Caribbean music and a testament to the depth, diversity, and global ambition of our creative community.
From Soca and Reggae to Jazz, Rock, and progressive R&B, this year’s nominees prove what we’ve always known: Trinidad doesn’t just produce hits—we can rock all genres.
As one local advocate put it:
“In Trinidad we produce more genres of music than probably any other country in the Caribbean… Exposing our wide variety of talent to the international market will be beneficial.
This change was not accidental. Since Harvey Mason Jr. took the reins at the Recording Academy in 2021, the Grammys have expanded their categories—adding Global and African music to reflect the rise of afrobeats, dancehall, and yes, Soca. Singles now hold a prominent position alongside albums. The doors are now more accessible than before.
But access is just the beginning. As Nigel Campbell reminds us:
“Our artists are more than just artists in Trinidad. They are trying to become international artists… and the Grammys… is the pinnacle of music excellence.”
Let’s name them. Let’s celebrate them. Let’s support them:
Kes the Band – Best Global Music Performance
Yung Bredda/Full Blown – Best Global Music Performance
John Francis aka John Skweird – Best Progressive R&B Album
Sherwin Gardiner – Best Global Music Performance & Best Reggae Album
MX Prime – Best Global Music Album
Etienne Charles—Four Jazz Nominations including Best Instrumental Composition
RKG – Best Global Music Performance
Touchdown feat. Natalie Yorke – Best Rock Song, Best Rock Performance & Social Change Award contender
Gail Ann Stevens, aka Precious Gail—Best African Music Performance for Adored.
Empress Aje and Queen Omega – Best Global Music Album for being on The World Album.
Jimmy October – Best Global Music Album for From October with Love.
This isn’t just about nominations. It’s about legacy. Billy Ocean, Heather Headley, Esso Tripoli, and Nicki Minaj—all Grammy-recognized. Now a new generation steps forward.
Sokah2Soca calls on our music creators: join the Recording Academy, build the voting bloc, and aim for the top. The world is listening. Let’s make sure they hear us—in surround sound.
Let us spread awareness of the culture of the Caribbean diaspora.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Cocoa Tea
Artist/Performed by: Kes The Band
Writer: Kees Dieffenthaller
Writer: Michael Montano
Writer: Mical Teja
Produced by: Tano
Engineered (Mixed & Mastered) by:
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca
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