The reggae world is mourning the loss of legendary artist Cocoa Tea, who passed away at the age of 65. The sad news was confirmed by his wife, Malvia Scott, on Tuesday, March 11, to the Jamaican Gleaner.
According to Malvia, Cocoa Tea had been battling lymphoma since 2019 and had also suffered from pneumonia in recent months. Despite his health struggles, she described him as “brave” and “hopeful” until the very end.
“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 shared. “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.”
Tributes have been pouring in from fans, fellow artists, and political leaders. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid his respects, calling Cocoa Tea a national treasure. “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,” Holness said in a statement on X. He also praised the artist’s kindness and generosity, saying Cocoa Tea uplifted the less fortunate and represented the warmth of Jamaica.
Born Calvin George Scott in 1959 in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Cocoa Tea became a dominant figure in reggae music. He released his first song, Searching in the Hill, in 1985, breaking into Jamaica’s music scene before gaining international recognition in the ’90s. His most well-known songs include Israel’s King, Young Lover, and Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea. One of his most famous hits, Riker’s Island, later got a remix featuring Nardo Ranks. In 2008, he released Barack Obama, a song celebrating the U.S. president’s historic candidacy.
Cocoa Tea’s final album, Sunset in Negril, was released in 2014. He leaves behind a powerful musical legacy, his wife Malvia, and eight children.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
