The reggae world is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved voices – Cocoa Tea (real name Colvin Scott).
Cocoa Tea, the Jamaican icon known for his smooth vocals and timeless hits, has passed away at the age of 65 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Up to the time of his death, Cocoa Tea had been battling health issues for years.
In 2019, he was diagnosed with lymphoma, and for the past six months, he had also been struggling with pneumonia.
His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, March 11, at a hospital in Broward, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Malvia also shared that her husband remained incredibly positive despite his health struggles.
“He was definitely very brave,” she told The Gleaner.
“He was positive throughout it all. About three weeks ago, when he was admitted to the hospital, he asked if I was worried. I told him, ‘I am always worried.’ He told me not to worry because everything was going to be all right. He was always very hopeful.”
Tributes Pour In
News of Cocoa Tea’s passing has sent waves of grief throughout the reggae community and beyond.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness took to social media to honor the late artist, highlighting both his musical contributions and his kind-hearted nature.
“I extend condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of Calvin George Scott, affectionately known as Cocoa Tea,” Holness posted on X.
“His smooth vocals and compelling lyrics gave us timeless classics like ‘Rocking Dolly’ and ‘I Lost My Sonia,’ songs that have become anthems in our cultural landscape. As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the rich legacy he leaves behind, a legacy of melody, compassion, and cultural pride. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
A Career of Timeless Hits
Born on September 3, 1959, in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, Cocoa Tea began his music career as a teenager.
He released his first song, Searching In The Hill, in 1985, but it was in the 1990s that he gained international fame.
His hit songs include classics such as Rikers Island, Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea, Israel’s King, I Lost My Sonia, Rocking Dolly, and Young Lover.
His influence even reached into politics when, in 2008, he released Barack Obama in support of the then-presidential candidate.
The last time Cocoa Tea performed was three years ago on the Welcome To Jamrock cruise, a celebration of reggae music at sea.
Remembering a Reggae Giant
Cocoa Tea’s passing leaves behind an undeniable void in the reggae music scene. His voice, his energy, and his uplifting spirit will forever be remembered.
He is survived by his wife, Malvia Scott, and their eight children.
Though he may be gone, his music and legacy will continue to rock reggae lovers around the world. Rest in power, Cocoa Tea.
