Prolific reggae artist Cocoa Tea, Born Colvin George Scott, has passed away at age 65 after a five-year battle with Lymphoma and complications from pneumonia in the last six months of his life. The reggae hitmaker was a fixture at music festivals around the world.
Known for being a gentleman, the world mourned the singer on social media.
National Hero
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to the singer on X.
“I extend condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of Calvin George Scott, affectionately known as Cocoa Tea. 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 wrote.
“Beyond his musical genius, Cocoa Tea was a beacon of kindness and generosity, consistently uplifting the less fortunate and embodying the warmth of our nation,” he added. “Cocoa Tea’s influence extended beyond our shores, touching hearts worldwide and solidifying Jamaica’s place on the global musical stage.”
“As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the rich legacy he leaves behind, a legacy of melody, compassion, and cultural pride,” the Prime Minister concluded. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
A Legendary Life
Born Calvin Scott in 1959 in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Jamaica, Cocoa Tea’s musical career, spanning decades, was fruitful. He released dozens of songs throughout his lifetime. He released his first song, “Searching In The Hill,” in 1985 when he was still a teenager. He often drew on rocksteady and dub influences in his work.
In Jamaican parlance, he “buss” or broke out in Jamaica’s music scene in the mid-’80s before gaining international recognition in the ’90s and performing at notable festivals, including Best of The Best and Vintage Reggae Fest, among others.
Slew of Hits
Known for his sweet, laid-back melodic vocals and mesmerizing chanting, some of his most well-known songs include “Goodlife,” an anthem for a woman wanting peace of mind, with lyrics, “She said she want a good life. No man to cause her pain and strife.”
He released the song, Barack Obama, in 2008 to support the then-presidential candidate. Cocoa Tea released his final album, Sunset in Negril, in 2014.
In 2019, the Rikers Island singer performed at Buju Banton’s historic Long Walk to Freedom concert at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Cocoa Tea’s final live performance was on the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise three years ago.
Cocoa Tea is survived by his wife, Malva Scott, and eight children.
