Reggae legend Cocoa Tea dies

One of reggae music’s most versatile acts and notable personalities, Cocoa Tea, has died.

The prominent singer, whose real name was Colvin Scott, passed away early Tuesday morning in a Fort Lauderdale hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. His wife, Malvia Scott, revealed the singer had been battling lymphoma since 2019 and had struggled with pneumonia in the last six months. He had been in and out of the hospital since late last year, getting treatment during the holiday season. The beloved since was 65 years old.

Born and raised in Clarendon, Cocoa Tea became an ever-present performer from the 1980s onwards. The singer churned out several classics such as ‘Good Life,’ ‘I Am Not a King,’ ‘Young Lover,’ ‘Rastaman,’ ‘She Loves Me Now’ and ‘Hurry Up & Come.’ He also collaborated with various heavy hitters, including Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton and Shaggy.

Cocoa Tea also emerged as one of the best live performers around, with his infectious energy felt around many top shows, including Reggae Sunsplash and Reggae Sumfest. He also initiated the annual Dancehall Jam Jam event, which took place from 2003 to 2009.