Reggae icon Cocoa Tea passes away at 65
Cocoa Tea
What you need to know:
- Cocoa Tea emerged as one of reggae’s most distinctive voices in the 1980s and continued to influence generations of musicians with his smooth delivery and conscious lyrics.
Jamaican reggae legend Cocoa Tea has passed away at the age of 65.
His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed his death on Tuesday, March 11, in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the Jamaican Gleaner.
The beloved musician, known for hits like ‘Rikers Island,’ ‘Young Lover,’ and ‘Tune In,’ had been battling lymphoma since 2019.
In recent months, he also faced complications from pneumonia.
His wife, Malvia, revealed that Cocoa Tea was rushed to the hospital in the early hours of the morning after experiencing severe vomiting.
“I got a call early this morning to say that he had been transferred from the facility to the hospital, which is just five minutes away, because he was vomiting,” she shared.
Despite his ongoing health struggles, Cocoa Tea remained positive and resilient. His wife described him as “brave” and “hopeful,” always keeping an optimistic outlook.
“About three weeks ago when he was admitted to the hospital, he asked if I was worried, and I said, ‘I am always worried,’” Malvia recalled.
Born Calvin George Scott in Clarendon, Jamaica, Cocoa Tea emerged as one of reggae’s most distinctive voices in the 1980s and continued to influence generations of musicians with his smooth delivery and conscious lyrics.
His career spanned decades, earning him a devoted fan base worldwide.
