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Jamaican reggae star Cocoa Tea dead at 65

BBG News

Reggae singer and Jamaican national icon Cocoa Tea has died. He was 65.

Calvin George Scott, better known as his stage name, passed away on Tuesday due to a heart attack in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His wife, Malvia Scott, reported this sad news to The Jamaica Gleaner. She revealed that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma and pneumonia over the past few years.

Malvia Scott stated to The Gleaner that he was undeniably courageous. Throughout the ordeal, he remained optimistic. Approximately three weeks ago, when he was hospitalized, he inquired about my concerns and I replied, ‘I am always concerned.’ He reassured me, saying everything would be fine. His outlook was consistently positive.

Hailing from the quaint Jamaican village of Rocky Point, this artist gained fame for his melodious and sweetly romantic voice, which evolved and adapted alongside various generations of dancehall and lovers rock music styles.

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In historical accounts, they are often described as garish, flamboyant, and drug users – drag queens was the label. However, Johansen came to understand that what they were doing was truly a form of art.

In the 1980s, songs such as “Rocking Dolly” and “I Lost My Sonia” became iconic genre hits, establishing him significantly in Jamaican music. His debut album, “Weh Dem a Go Do…Can’t Stop Cocoa Tea,” catapulted him to stardom not just within Jamaica, but also among reggae enthusiasts worldwide. Subsequent albums like “The Marshall” and “Come Again” delved deeper into spiritual Rastafarian themes. He also teamed up with Shabba Ranks and Home T in a supergroup, producing a massive hit with “Holding On.

In the ’90s, as dancehall grew more raw, Cocoa Tea continued to be significant and versatile in his political messages. Following his move to New York, he released the powerful social commentary single “Riker’s Island” in 1991, and anti-war songs like “No Blood for Oil” and “Oil Ting”, which criticized the first Gulf War. These tracks led to radio bans in Jamaica and the U.K. due to their strong opinions against the war.

Throughout the 1900s, he consistently produced hits in various reggae genres, releasing tracks on renowned labels like Greensleeves and VP. In 1997, Motown put together a compilation album titled “Holy Mt. Zion.” He established his own label, Roaring Lion, which featured top artists such as Buju Banton, Cutty Ranks, and Sizzla. As a tribute to America’s first Black president, he released a single in 2008 called “Barack Obama.

In 2019, he took the stage at Buju Banton’s Long Walk to Freedom concert held in Kingston. His last performance was three years prior, during the Welcome to Jamrock cruise event.

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88-year-old legendary R&B vocalist Roberta Flack, known for her iconic songs ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ and ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song,’ passed away.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica shared on Instagram his sympathies for the family, friends, and fans of Calvin George Scott, affectionately nicknamed Cocoa Tea. His soothing voice and powerful lyrics gifted us enduring hits like ‘Rocking Dolly’ and ‘I’ve Lost My Sonia,’ songs that have carved a lasting impression in our cultural milieu.

Beyond his exceptional talent in music,” Holness went on to say, “Cocoa Tea was a shining example of compassion and generosity, always lifting up those less fortunate and mirroring the warmth that defines our nation. Cocoa Tea’s impact transcended our borders, stirring emotions globally and reinforcing Jamaica’s presence as a significant player on the global music scene.

Cocoa Tea is survived by wife Malvia and eight children.

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2025-03-13 02:01

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