Colvin ‘Cocoa Tea’ Scott, a legendary figure in reggae music, has passed away at the age of 65. His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed that he died at 4:46 AM at a hospital in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a cardiac arrest.
Cocoa Tea had been battling lymphoma since 2019 and, in recent months, also struggled with pneumonia. Despite his illness, he remained optimistic and courageous until the end. His wife recalled his hopeful spirit, even during his final hospital stay.
Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, expressed her sorrow at his passing, describing him as one of reggae’s greatest voices. She highlighted his lasting impact on the music industry and extended condolences to his family.
Born in Rocky Point, Clarendon, on September 3, 1959, Cocoa Tea rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with hits like I Lost My Sonia and Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea. Throughout the 1990s, he gained global recognition with songs such as Israel’s King, Weh Dem A Go Do, Holy Mount Zion, and Rocking Dolly. His song Rikers Island was later adapted into a dancehall version by Nardo Ranks.
Cocoa Tea also played a significant role in reggae events, launching the annual Dancehall Jam Jam in 2003. He performed on major stages, including Buju Banton’s Long Walk to Freedom concert in 2019 and the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise, where he made his last appearance three years ago.
Beyond performing, he recorded with renowned reggae labels like VP Records and Greensleeves Records before establishing his own Roaring Lion label around 2000. In 2008, he gained attention with his song Barack Obama, released in support of the future U.S. president.
Cocoa Tea leaves behind his wife, Malvia, and eight children. His contributions to reggae will continue to inspire generations to come.
https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20250311/veteran-reggae-singer-cocoa-tea-has-died
