Reggae Legend Cocoa Tea Passes Away at 65

Reggae icon Colvin ‘Cocoa Tea’ Scott has passed away at the age of 65. His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed that he died early Tuesday morning at a hospital in Broward, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, following a cardiac arrest.

Cocoa Tea had been battling lymphoma since his diagnosis in 2019. In recent months, he also struggled with pneumonia. His wife recalled that despite his illness, he remained optimistic until the end.

Born in Rocky Point, Clarendon, on September 3, 1959, Cocoa Tea rose to fame in the mid-1980s with hits such as I Lost My Sonia and Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea. His smooth yet powerful delivery made him a beloved figure in reggae, with classics like Israel’s King, Weh Dem A Go Do, Holy Mount Zion, and Rikers Island.

His influence extended beyond music. In 2008, he made headlines with Barack Obama, a song celebrating the then-U.S. presidential candidate. He also founded the Dancehall Jam Jam event, which ran from 2003 to 2009.

Cocoa Tea’s final performance was three years ago on the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise. In 2018, he famously introduced Koffee to the world by inviting her onstage at Rebel Salute.

He is survived by his wife, Malvia Scott, and their eight children.