Reggae Legend Cocoa Tea Passes Away at 65

Renowned reggae singer Colvin ‘Cocoa Tea’ Scott has passed away at the age of 65. His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed that the veteran artist died at 4:46 a.m. on Tuesday at a hospital in Broward, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, following a cardiac arrest.

Malvia shared that Cocoa Tea had initially been diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019. However, over the past six months, he had also been battling pneumonia. “I got a call early this morning to say that he had been transferred from the facility to the hospital … which is like five minutes away … because he was vomiting,” she recounted.

Despite his health struggles, the Nah Give Up singer maintained a positive outlook until the very end. “He was definitely very brave,” Malvia said. “He was positive throughout it all. About three weeks ago when he was admitted in the hospital he asked if I was worried and I said ‘I am always worried’. He told me not to worry because everything was going to be all right. He was always very hopeful.”

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the reggae legend. “He has been a staple in the industry for so long. He is one of the greatest reggae singers who has ever lived, and his work will stand the test of time,” Minister Grange stated. “We salute him at this time … condolences to his family. It has been a pleasure working with him over these years and we are glad that we had the opportunity to give him some of his flowers while he was here with us. May his soul rest in peace.”

Cocoa Tea, known for his smooth, melodic voice and powerful lyrics, last performed three years ago on the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise. In 2019, he was part of Buju Banton’s historic Long Walk to Freedom concert at the National Stadium in Kingston.

Born in Rocky Point, Clarendon, on September 3, 1959, Cocoa Tea made his name in Jamaica starting in 1985 with hits such as I Lost My Sonia and Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea. His international success soared in the 1990s with songs like Israel’s King, Weh Dem A Go Do…Can’t Stop Cocoa Tea, Holy Mount Zion, and Rocking Dolly. One of his most notable songs, Rikers Island, was later adapted into a dancehall version by Nardo Ranks titled Me No Like Rikers Island.

In 2003, Cocoa Tea launched the annual New Year’s Eve event Dancehall Jam Jam, which ran until 2009, with plans to revive it in 2015. Over his illustrious career, he recorded for top reggae labels such as VP Records, Greensleeves Records, and Ras Records before founding his own Roaring Lion label around 2000.

In March 2008, Cocoa Tea gained global attention with his song Barack Obama, released in support of the then-presidential candidate, who later won the U.S. elections.

Cocoa Tea leaves behind his wife, Malvia, and eight children. His legacy in reggae music will continue to inspire generations to come.