Colvin George Scott, the Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter who achieved international fame under the stage name Cocoa Tea, has died at the age of 65 at the Broward General Hospital in Florida, following a cardiac arrest.
A trailblazer in the reggae world, Cocoa Tea’s soulful voice, socially conscious lyrics, and indelible impact on the genre will be remembered by music lovers around the globe.
Born on September 3, 1959, in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Jamaica, Cocoa Tea rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with the release of his breakthrough single, “Rikers Island.” A poignant commentary on the struggles of incarcerated individuals, the track became one of his signature songs, establishing him as one of the defining voices in reggae. His sound, which spanned both roots reggae and dancehall, brought reggae’s messages of love, unity, and social justice to an ever-expanding global audience.
Over his four-decade career, Cocoa Tea released more than 20 studio albums, with many becoming staples of reggae music. His early albums, such as I Lost My Sonia (1985) and Rikers Island (1991), remain beloved classics. His 1996 album Israel’s King is often regarded as a high point in his career, blending traditional reggae rhythms with modern influences. Later works, like Unforgettable (2000) and In a Di Red (2012), showcased his enduring creativity and ability to evolve with the times.
In addition to his chart-topping hits, Cocoa Tea was known for his contributions to reggae’s cultural and social fabric. His song “Barack Obama” (2008) expressed his support for the U.S. presidential candidate, marking a rare moment in which reggae music intersected directly with contemporary political events. Beyond his music, Cocoa Tea made his mark as an entrepreneur, founding his own label, Roaring Lion, in the early 2000s, further asserting his influence in the reggae scene.
Cocoa Tea was also instrumental in organizing Dancehall Jam Jam, an annual event he started in 2003, which celebrated dancehall and reggae music while also providing a platform for emerging artists. The event ran until 2009, with plans to resurrect it in 2015. His efforts to champion and promote Jamaican culture helped elevate reggae music to new heights internationally.
Throughout his career, Cocoa Tea collaborated with some of the biggest names in reggae, including Barrington Levy, Sanchez, and Freddie McGregor. His voice became synonymous with the roots of reggae, but he was equally at home within the dancehall genre, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary reggae sounds.
Despite his success, Cocoa Tea remained deeply connected to his Jamaican roots, frequently returning to his home country to perform and collaborate with up-and-coming artists. His authenticity and commitment to the messages of peace, unity, and social consciousness in his lyrics helped solidify his status as a revered figure in reggae.
Cocoa Tea’s death marks the loss of one of reggae music’s most beloved and influential figures. His music, which continues to inspire generations of reggae fans, will remain a testament to his legacy as a trailblazer in the genre. Cocoa Tea is survived by his family, friends, and an enduring global fanbase that will continue to honor his memory through his music.
In a statement, his family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support, calling him “a true pioneer of reggae music whose legacy will live on through his songs and his influence on the global music scene.”
