Colvin 'Cocoa Tea' Scott
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Cocoa Tea singing 'Holy Mount Zion'; Malvia Scott, wife of the veteran reggae singer
By Kimone Witter
The Jamaican music industry is mourning the death of reggae legend Colvin 'Cocoa Tea' Scott, who passed away at a medical centre in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Tuesday morning.
He was 65.
The veteran singer and songwriter had been ailing for some time.
His wife Malvia Scott confirmed his death to Radio Jamaica News and said the Holy Mount Zion singer had been battling cancer.
"My husband has been ailing for the past six years. He's been battling lymphoma. This morning he went into cardiac arrest and he passed at 4:40 a.m.," she shared.
Mrs. Scott, who is the mother of three of Cocoa Tea's children, shared that following his lymphoma diagnosis six years ago, the singer kept a positive outlook.
Cocoa Tea's last performance was three years ago on the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise.
Born in Rocky Point, Clarendon on September 3, 1959, Cocoa Tea started making his name in Jamaica from 1985 with hits such I Lost My Sonia, and Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea.
From the 1990s, he became successful worldwide and expanded his fan base, thrilling with songs such as 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 turned into a dancehall version by Nardo Ranks titled Me No Like Rikers Island.
The country's leaders have expressed condolences on the passing of the reggae crooner.
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said the singer's smooth vocals and compelling lyrics gave the world timeless classics like Rocking Dolly and I Lost My Sonia, songs that have become anthems in Jamaica's cultural landscape.
Dr. Holness said beyond his musical genius, Cocoa Tea was a beacon of kindness and generosity, consistently uplifting the less fortunate and embodying the warmth of the nation.
He added that the singer's influence extended beyond the country's shores, touching hearts worldwide and solidifying Jamaica's place on the global musical stage.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding lamented that Jamaica has lost another musical legend.
Mr. Golding said Cocoa Tea's smooth vocals and timeless reggae hits have left an indelible mark on our culture and the global music scene.
He said his artistry, talent, and message of love and unity will live on forever, adding that Jamaica's musical history is richer for his unmistakable voice and classic reggae anthems.
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