Reggae icon Cocoa Tea has passed away at age 65 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Tea’s death was confirmed by his wife Malvia Scott, who shared with The Gleaner that her husband died on Tuesday, March 11 at 4:46 am.
Scott revealed her husband died following a cardiac arrest at a hospital located in Broward, Ft Lauderdale, Florida.
The Jamaican musician – real name Colvin Scott – had been suffering from health woes at the time of his death.
Tea has been battling pneumonia for the last six months and in 2019 was diagnosed with lymphoma.
“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,” she told the publication.
Scott said her spouse remained ‘positive’ following his diagnosis – an attitude he kept right up to his passing.
‘He was definitely very brave,’ she said. ‘He was positive throughout it all. About three weeks ago when he was admitted in 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.’
A wave of tributes have been posted on social media following news of Tea’s death.
Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, praised Tea’s musical talent and kind personality.
‘I extend condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of Calvin George Scott, affectionately known as Cocoa Tea,’ Holness posted to X. ‘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. 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.’
Tea’s successful music career has seen him release numerous albums and drop numerous hits songs, including the popular track Rikers Island.
Tea’s other hit songs consist of the tracks Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea, Israel’s King, I Lost My Sonia, and Young Lover.
The Jamaican-born artist was born on September 3, 1959 in Clarendon Parish and was just a teenager when he released his first song, the 1985 track Searching In The Hill, according to People.
He achieved worldwide recognition the following decade, according to The Independent.
In 2008, he expressed his support for then-presidential candidate Barack Obama by releasing a song named after the future leader.
