Information Americas, New York, NY, March 11, 2025: The reggae group has been left in shock and unhappiness on the passing of Cocoa Tea, the legendary Jamaican born singer recognized for the highest hit, “Barack Obama, and his clean vocals. Followers and buddies have flooded social media, paying tribute to the person whose music transcended generations and borders.
Cocoa Tea, born Calvin Scott on September 3, 1959, in Rocky Level, Clarendon, Jamaica, was one in all reggae and dancehall’s most beloved voices. His profession started in Kingston’s sound system scene within the early Nineteen Eighties, the place he made a reputation for himself earlier than his huge break with famed producer Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes as a part of the Volcano Sounds motion. Through the years, he collaborated with prime producers comparable to King Jammy, Gussie Clarke, Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell, and Lawes, delivering basic hits like “She Loves Me Now,” “I Misplaced My Sonia,” “Rikers Island,” and “Good Life.”
Cocoa Tea’s affect stretched far past music. In 2008, his tribute track “Barack Obama” celebrated the primary Black U.S. president’s historic election, incomes him a aspect gig acting at Obama’s inauguration.
Reggae label VP Data paid tribute, stating: “Relaxation In Energy Cocoa Tea, a real Jamaican music icon whose music will proceed to resonate together with his followers and generations to return. Our ideas are together with his household and buddies at this tough time.”
Irwine Clare Sr., OD, founding father of Workforce Jamaica Bickle and Caribbean Immigrant Providers, (CIS), remembered Cocoa Tea as a legend who generously supported TJB with out hesitation.
“Cocoa Tea all the time supported Workforce Jamaica Bickle via his expertise with out hesitation and by no means requested for a dime in cost,” Clare shared. “I bear in mind as soon as he carried out in Jamaica the evening earlier than after which obtained on ‘the iron chicken’ as he referred to as it, Caribbean Airways, to carry out at a TJB occasion at Brooklyn Faculty the subsequent day – with out pay.”
Felicia Persaud, writer of Information Americas, mirrored on her private reference to the artist, having written a suggestion for Cocoa Tea’s profitable U.S. Inexperienced Card software via Clare and CIS.
Jamaica’s Opposition Chief Mark Golding additionally honored Cocoa Tea’s legacy, stating: “Jamaica has misplaced one other musical legend. Cocoa Tea’s clean vocals and timeless reggae hits have left an indelible mark on our tradition and the worldwide music scene. His artistry, expertise, and message of affection and unity will dwell on without end. Jamaica’s musical historical past is richer for his unmistakable voice and basic reggae anthems. My deepest condolences to his household, buddies, followers, and the broader musical fraternity. Might his soul relaxation in peace.”
Cocoa Tea’s daughter, Rashaine Scott, confirmed his passing, revealing he died at 4 AM in a Florida hospital.
“He used to enter the Bible and skim us the Ten Commandments, and he all the time stated God made Adam and Eve. He additionally inspired us to be impartial, get an training, and to raised our lives. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him earlier than he handed away,” she stated.
She described her father as a fighter and a proud, personal man who by no means gave up.
“He was a fighter, and he fought until the top. He was a strong-willed particular person, all the time considering of the perfect, and he was additionally personal.”
Cocoa Tea had been hospitalized for a number of months, battling an sickness. Whereas the official explanation for loss of life has not been confirmed, reviews counsel he succumbed to a cardiac arrest.
His music, affect, and generosity will proceed to encourage generations.
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