The world loses a “beacon of kindness”: Reggae superstar’s death saddens many
- Replies 0
The music world is in mourning following the loss of one of its most cherished voices.
Calvin George Scott, known to the world as Cocoa Tea, passed away at the age of 65.
His death has left a void not only in the reggae community but also in the hearts of those who were touched by his music and his remarkable spirit.
Cocoa Tea's wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed the sad news of his passing in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
"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," she told the outlet. "He was initially diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, but for the last six months he was also struggling with pneumonia."
The reggae icon had been battling lymphoma since 2019 and pneumonia in his final months. Despite his health challenges, Cocoa Tea's optimism never waned. Malvia said that he remained positive, even calling him “brave” and “hopeful.”
His wife recalls his reassuring words during a hospital stay, “He told me not to worry because everything was going to be alright.”
Born in 1959 in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Cocoa Tea's journey from a small Jamaican village to international stardom is a story of perseverance and talent.
He burst onto the scene in the mid-1980s with his smooth vocals and compelling lyrics, quickly becoming a household name in Jamaica before capturing hearts worldwide in the 1990s.
Cocoa Tea's discography is a treasure trove of reggae classics, including hits like I Lost My Sonia, Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea, Israel’s King, and Young Lover.
His 1990 anthem Riker's Island, later remixed as Me No Like Rikers Island with Nardo Ranks, remains a powerful commentary on the criminal justice system.
His music often reflected his social consciousness, and he was not afraid to address political issues, as evidenced by his 2008 tribute Barack Obama, celebrating the then-presidential candidate.
Source: @AndrwHolnessJM / X.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to Cocoa Tea, highlighting his impact on the nation's 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,” Holness said.
Cocoa Tea's influence indeed extended beyond Jamaica, solidifying the country's place on the global musical stage.
Cocoa Tea's final album, Sunset in Negril, released in 2014, was a fitting farewell from an artist who always managed to capture the essence of Jamaica's beauty and spirit in his work.
He leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire and entertain future generations.
Survived by his wife Malvia and eight children, Cocoa Tea's memory will live on through his family and the countless fans who will keep his music alive.
As we reflect on his contributions to music and humanity, let's remember the joy he brought to so many lives.
Source: CocoTeaVEVO / Youtube.
In the wake of Cocoa Tea's passing, we invite our readers to share their memories and experiences with his music. Has Cocoa Tea's work influenced your view of reggae or the world? Do you have any songs of his do you hold close to your heart? Join the conversation in the comments below.
Calvin George Scott, known to the world as Cocoa Tea, passed away at the age of 65.
His death has left a void not only in the reggae community but also in the hearts of those who were touched by his music and his remarkable spirit.
Cocoa Tea's wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed the sad news of his passing in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
"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," she told the outlet. "He was initially diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, but for the last six months he was also struggling with pneumonia."
The reggae icon had been battling lymphoma since 2019 and pneumonia in his final months. Despite his health challenges, Cocoa Tea's optimism never waned. Malvia said that he remained positive, even calling him “brave” and “hopeful.”
His wife recalls his reassuring words during a hospital stay, “He told me not to worry because everything was going to be alright.”
Reggae singer Cocoa Tea has passed away at the age of 65. Image source: newlink production / Youtube.
Born in 1959 in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Cocoa Tea's journey from a small Jamaican village to international stardom is a story of perseverance and talent.
He burst onto the scene in the mid-1980s with his smooth vocals and compelling lyrics, quickly becoming a household name in Jamaica before capturing hearts worldwide in the 1990s.
Cocoa Tea's discography is a treasure trove of reggae classics, including hits like I Lost My Sonia, Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea, Israel’s King, and Young Lover.
His 1990 anthem Riker's Island, later remixed as Me No Like Rikers Island with Nardo Ranks, remains a powerful commentary on the criminal justice system.
His music often reflected his social consciousness, and he was not afraid to address political issues, as evidenced by his 2008 tribute Barack Obama, celebrating the then-presidential candidate.
Source: @AndrwHolnessJM / X.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to Cocoa Tea, highlighting his impact on the nation's cultural landscape.
He was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019 and struggled with pneumonia in the final six months of his life. Image source: CocoTeaVEVO / Youtube.
“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,” Holness said.
Cocoa Tea's influence indeed extended beyond Jamaica, solidifying the country's place on the global musical stage.
Cocoa Tea's final album, Sunset in Negril, released in 2014, was a fitting farewell from an artist who always managed to capture the essence of Jamaica's beauty and spirit in his work.
He leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire and entertain future generations.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has paid tribute, praising Cocoa Tea's music and his kind and generous spirit. Image source: CocoTeaVEVO / Youtube.
Survived by his wife Malvia and eight children, Cocoa Tea's memory will live on through his family and the countless fans who will keep his music alive.
As we reflect on his contributions to music and humanity, let's remember the joy he brought to so many lives.
Source: CocoTeaVEVO / Youtube.
In the wake of Cocoa Tea's passing, we invite our readers to share their memories and experiences with his music. Has Cocoa Tea's work influenced your view of reggae or the world? Do you have any songs of his do you hold close to your heart? Join the conversation in the comments below.
