March 12, (THEWILL) – Veteran reggae singer, Calvin “Cocoa Tea” Scott, has passed away at the age of 65.
His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed that the reggae legend died on Tuesday at approximately 4:46 a.m. at a hospital in Broward, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, following a cardiac arrest.
“I got a call early this morning to say that he had been transferred from the facility to the hospital … which is like five minutes away … because he was vomiting. He was initially diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, but for the last six months, he was also struggling with pneumonia.
“He was definitely very brave. He was positive throughout it all. About three weeks ago, when he was admitted to the hospital, he asked if I was worried, and I said, ‘I am always worried.’ He told me not to worry because everything was going to be all right. He was always very hopeful,” Malvia, the mother of three of Cocoa Tea’s children, told the Jamaican Gleaner.
Jamaican Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, expressed her sorrow over the reggae icon’s passing.
“Very saddened by the passing of Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea. He has been a staple in the industry for so long. He is one of the greatest reggae singers who has ever lived, and his work will stand the test of time. We salute him at this time … condolences to his family. It has been a pleasure working with him over these years, and we are glad that we had the opportunity to give him some of his flowers while he was here with us. May his soul rest in peace,” said Grange.
Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, also paid tribute to the singer on X (formerly Twitter).
He said, “I extend condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of Calvin George Scott, affectionately known as Cocoa Tea. His smooth vocals and compelling lyrics gave us timeless classics like Rocking Dolly and I Lost My Sonia, songs that have become anthems in our cultural landscape.
“Beyond his musical genius, Cocoa Tea was a beacon of kindness and generosity, consistently uplifting the less fortunate and embodying the warmth of our nation”
He added, “Cocoa Tea’s influence extended beyond our shores, touching hearts worldwide and solidifying Jamaica’s place on the global musical stage.
“As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the rich legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of melody, compassion, and cultural pride.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Known for his smooth, melodic voice and powerful chanting, Cocoa Tea’s last performance was three years ago on the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise. In 2019, he performed at Buju Banton’s historic Long Walk to Freedom concert at the National Stadium in Kingston.
Born on September 3, 1959, in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Cocoa Tea made his breakthrough in Jamaica in 1985 with hits such as l Lost My Sonia and Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea.
He gained international fame in the 1990s, captivating audiences with songs like Israel’s King, Weh Dem A Go Do…Can’t Stop Cocoa Tea, Holy Mount Zion, and Rocking Dolly.
One of his most famous songs, Rikers Island, was later reinterpreted into a dancehall version by Nardo Ranks as Me No Like Rikers Island, featured on the 1991 Columbia/SME Records compilation Dancehall Reggaespañol.
Cocoa Tea is survived by his wife, Malvia, and eight children.
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