Originally posted on the blog Sokah2Soca (www.sokah2soca.com). We bring you only the best new music, while Island Vybe Radio rocks it live on the air!
Something is brewing, and it is not a hot pot of cocoa tea! This could be the carnival season's dilemma, but "Miss How She Name" should find a solution to avoid chaos. Today, while browsing Facebook, I stumbled upon a post by Trinidad Madman, asserting that Kes's Cocoa Tea might have a copyright issue with Mysta Lyon's 2023 song, "Coco."
Whenever a song comes after another with anything that smells similar, the conversations begin, usually to the detriment of the latter song. Comparisons often trap listeners, sparking intense discussions about originality and influence. In this case, both artists have their own unique styles, but the buzz around potential similarities could overshadow the creativity behind their work.
Carnival is bacchanal, and Trinidadians love a healthy dose of bacchanalia. This is not the US, where any similarity in a musical piece is subject to legal action. I listened to Mysta Lyon's song, and indeed, it feels similar. This situation has the potential to escalate quickly and spark unnecessary controversy. Many people are already advocating for a road march to honor Kes's "Cocoa Tea."
It's an intriguing observation that you find similarities between Kes' "Cocoa Tea" and Mysta Lyon's "Cocoa." Both artists are known for incorporating vibrant Soca rhythms and island vibes into their music, which often creates a similar feel and energy.
Kes' "Cocoa Tea," released in 2024 for Carnival 2025, carries that signature Caribbean warmth, blending tropical beats with modern Soca elements. On the other hand, Mysta Lyon's "Cocoa" from 2023 also stands out with its lively soca grooves and engaging rhythms. Having said all of that, there is a familiarity in both songs. Hmm... and now it begins!
While it’s not uncommon for songs within the same genre to share certain musical elements, it’s indeed possible that the resemblances you hear are derived from the genre's defining characteristics. In other words, they may sound similar, but do they truly meet the Trini standard of "he thief it?" Both artists aim to evoke the joyous and infectious energy of Soca, which might explain the perceived similarities. Then again, the music sounds similar, and there are the shared Coco and Cocoa elements with the Cacao pod in play. This isn't looking good for "Cocoa Tea."
Although copyright disputes in the music industry are not new, it is crucial to handle these issues with care. We should fairly celebrate the unique sounds that Kes and Mysta Lyon bring to the carnival scene. As we await more details, we hope for a swift and amicable resolution. Above all, we should prioritize fairness. Continue to monitor this space!
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: Coco
Artist: Mysta Lyon
Written by: André ‘Mysta Lyon’ Simon
Produced by: Lyon Roar Productions
Artwork & Video By: Nikkeisha Stewart
Mix & Mastered by: Lyon Roar Productions
Label: Roar Music Group LLC
Year: 2023
Song Title: Cocoa Tea
Produced by: Tano
Written by: Kes, Tano, & Mical Teja
Guitars by: Kyle Peters
Background vocals: Tano, Coutain & Terri Lyons
Artwork: Jus Bus
Visuals: Jono Hirst
Lyric video: Ellen Wood
Year: 2025
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
Genre: Soca
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Sokah2Soca/Soca Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-SA/4.0/.
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