Jamaican reggae legend Colvin Scott, better known as Cocoa Tea, has passed away at the age of 65.
The iconic singer-songwriter died on Tuesday morning at a hospital in Florida after suffering a cardiac arrest, according to his wife, Malvia Scott.
“I received a call early this morning informing me that he had been transferred to the hospital just five minutes away because he was vomiting,” Malvia explained. “He was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, and for the past six months, he had also been battling pneumonia.”
“He was incredibly brave,” she continued. “He remained positive throughout everything. About three weeks ago, when he was hospitalized, he asked if I was worried, and I told him, ‘I’m always worried.’ He reassured me not to worry because everything would be alright. He was always hopeful.”
Born on September 3, 1959, in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, Scott entered the reggae scene in 1985 and went on to achieve international fame in the 1990s.
Some of his best-known songs include “I Lost My Sonia,” “Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea,” “Israel’s King,” “Young Lover,” and the iconic “Rikers Island,” which became his most successful track.
He later reworked the song into a dancehall version with reggae artist Nardo Ranks, titled “Me No Like Rikers Island,” featured on the 1991 Columbia/SME Records compilation Dancehall Reggaespañol.
Cocoa Tea also gained attention in 2008 with the release of his song “Barack Obama,” which he wrote in support of the former U.S. president.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, paid tribute to the late singer, calling him “a beacon of kindness and generosity,” and highlighting how he consistently uplifted the less fortunate while embodying the warmth of the nation.
Cocoa Tea is survived by his wife, Malvia, and eight children.
