Famend reggae singer Colvin ‘Cocoa Tea’ Scott has handed away on the age of 65. His spouse, Malvia Scott, confirmed that the veteran artist died at 4:46 a.m. on Tuesday at a hospital in Broward, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, following a cardiac arrest.
Malvia shared that Cocoa Tea had initially been identified with lymphoma in 2019. Nevertheless, over the previous six months, he had additionally been battling pneumonia. “I obtained a name early this morning to say that he had been transferred from the power to the hospital … which is like 5 minutes away … as a result of he was vomiting,” she recounted.
Regardless of his well being struggles, the Nah Give Up singer maintained a constructive outlook till the very finish. “He was undoubtedly very courageous,” Malvia mentioned. “He was constructive all through all of it. About three weeks in the past when he was admitted within the hospital he requested if I used to be nervous and I mentioned ‘I’m all the time nervous’. He instructed me to not fear as a result of every thing was going to be all proper. He was all the time very hopeful.”
Minister of Tradition, Gender, Leisure, and Sport, Olivia Grange, expressed deep sorrow over the lack of the reggae legend. “He has been a staple within the trade for therefore lengthy. He is without doubt one of the biggest reggae singers who has ever lived, and his work will stand the check of time,” Minister Grange acknowledged. “We salute him at the moment … condolences to his household. It has been a pleasure working with him over these years and we’re glad that we had the chance to present him a few of his flowers whereas he was right here with us. Might his soul relaxation in peace.”
Cocoa Tea, recognized for his clean, melodic voice and highly effective lyrics, final carried out three years in the past on the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise. In 2019, he was a part of Buju Banton’s historic Lengthy Stroll to Freedom live performance on the Nationwide Stadium in Kingston.
Born in Rocky Level, Clarendon, on September 3, 1959, Cocoa Tea made his title in Jamaica beginning in 1985 with hits similar to I Misplaced My Sonia and Candy Candy Cocoa Tea. His worldwide success soared within the Nineties with songs like Israel’s King, Weh Dem A Go Do…Can’t Cease Cocoa Tea, Holy Mount Zion, and Rocking Dolly. Certainly one of his most notable songs, Rikers Island, was later tailored right into a dancehall model by Nardo Ranks titled Me No Like Rikers Island.
In 2003, Cocoa Tea launched the annual New Yr’s Eve occasion Dancehall Jam Jam, which ran till 2009, with plans to revive it in 2015. Over his illustrious profession, he recorded for high reggae labels similar to VP Data, Greensleeves Data, and Ras Data earlier than founding his personal Roaring Lion label round 2000.
In March 2008, Cocoa Tea gained international consideration along with his music Barack Obama, launched in help of the then-presidential candidate, who later gained the U.S. elections.
Cocoa Tea leaves behind his spouse, Malvia, and eight youngsters. His legacy in reggae music will proceed to encourage generations to come back.
