A Nation Mourns a Reggae Icon The reggae world is in mourning following the passing of Cocoa Tea, the legendary Jamaican singer known for his smooth voice, uplifting melodies, and conscious lyrics. Cocoa Tea, born Calvin George Scott, passed away on March 11, 2025, at the age of 65 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His death was confirmed by family members, who revealed that he had been battling lymphoma and pneumonia. Fans, fellow musicians, and leaders in Jamaica and beyond have expressed their sorrow at the loss of an artist whose music carried messages of love, unity, and social justice for o

A Nation Mourns a Reggae Icon The reggae world is in mourning following the passing of Cocoa Tea, the legendary Jamaican singer known for his smooth voice, uplifting melodies, and conscious lyrics. Cocoa Tea, born Calvin George Scott, passed away on March 11, 2025, at the age of 65 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His death was confirmed by family members, who revealed that he had been battling lymphoma and pneumonia. Fans, fellow musicians, and leaders in Jamaica and beyond have expressed their sorrow at the loss of an artist whose music carried messages of love, unity, and social justice for over four decades. The Early Years: A Star is Born in Clarendon Cocoa Tea was born on September 3, 1959, in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Jamaica. Raised in a humble fishing community, his love for music emerged early. As a child, he was drawn to the melodies of Jamaica’s roots reggae pioneers, including Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, and Burning Spear. His first experience with recording music came at the age of 14 when he recorded a track titled “Searching in the Hills”. However, his breakthrough came in the early 1980s, when legendary producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes recognized his talent and signed him to Volcano Records. It was Lawes who gave him the name Cocoa Tea, a nod to Jamaica’s beloved warm beverage. The name perfectly matched his silky vocal style, which would go on to captivate fans worldwide. The Rise to Stardom: Hits and Success in the 1980s and 1990s Cocoa Tea burst onto the reggae scene in 1984 with his hit song “Rocking Dolly”, which became an instant dancehall classic. His debut album, Cocoa Tea (1985), cemented his place as one of reggae’s most unique voices. He followed up with massive hits that would define his career, including: "I Lost My Sonia" – A lovers’ rock anthem beloved by fans worldwide. "Rikers Island" – A powerful social commentary on the harsh realities of prison life. "Young Lover" – A smooth reggae love song that became a global favorite. "Israel's King" – A song reflecting his deep connection to Rastafari and spiritual consciousness. In the 1990s, Cocoa Tea expanded his international appeal with collaborations such as “Pirates’ Anthem” alongside Shabba Ranks and Home T. His live performances at Reggae Sunsplash and Sting became legendary, solidifying his status as one of the most consistent and beloved performers in reggae. A Voice for the People: Political and Social Activism Unlike many of his dancehall contemporaries, Cocoa Tea remained true to reggae’s roots of consciousness and social responsibility. His songs often tackled poverty, oppression, injustice, and spirituality. In 2008, he made history by becoming one of the first reggae artists to openly endorse a U.S. presidential candidate with his song “Barack Obama”. The track, filled with themes of hope and unity, became an unofficial anthem of Obama’s campaign, further proving that reggae music had no borders. He was also known for his humanitarian work, contributing to community development projects in Jamaica and using his music as a platform to support the youth and marginalized communities. Final Years: A Warrior Until the End In 2019, Cocoa Tea was diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Despite the illness, he continued to record, perform, and inspire fans worldwide. His battle was kept mostly private, with only close family and friends aware of his health struggles. In the last six months of his life, his condition worsened due to complications from pneumonia. He was receiving medical treatment in Florida, where he ultimately passed away. His wife, Malvia, and eight children survive him, along with a reggae community that will forever cherish his contributions. Tributes Pour in from Around the World The news of Cocoa Tea’s passing has led to an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a statement, saying: "His smooth vocals and compelling lyrics gave us timeless classics like 'Rocking Dolly' and 'I Lost My Sonia.' Cocoa Tea was not just a musician; he was a cultural icon who carried the spirit of reggae to every corner of the world." Artists such as Chronixx, Damian Marley, Buju Banton, and Beres Hammond have also paid tribute, describing him as an inspiration to reggae’s new generation. The Everlasting Legacy of Cocoa Tea Cocoa Tea’s influence on reggae cannot be overstated. His ability to blend roots reggae, lovers’ rock, and dancehall made him a unique and timeless artist. His music will continue to educate, uplift, and inspire generations to come. Though his physical presence is gone, his voice lives on through his music, reminding us all of the power of reggae to bring hope, joy, and truth to the world. Rest in Peace, Cocoa Tea – The Sweet Voice of Reggae.

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