12-03-2025
Cocoa Tea: Veteran Jamaican singer and songwriter dies at 65
Dubai: Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter veteran, Cocoa Tea, dies at 65 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Born Calvin George Scott, Cocoa Tea's death was confirmed by his wife Malvia Scott.
According to Jamaican news outlet, The Gleaner, Cocoa Tea died in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday, March 11.
'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,' Malvia Scott informed The Gleaner.
According to Malvia, Cocoa Tea was 'definitely very brave,' despite his health conditions.
'He was positive throughout it all. About three weeks ago when he was admitted in the hospital he asked if I was worried and said 'I am always worried.' He told me not to worry because everything was going to be all right. He was always very hopeful.'
Known for hits such as I Lost My Sonia , Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea and I Am The Toughest , the reggae icon last performed three years ago on a cruise.
The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in Jamaica, Olivia Grange paid her condolences to the family.
'He has been a staple in the industry for so long. He is one of the greatest reggae singers who has ever lived and his work will stand the test of time. We salute him at this time… condolences to his family. It has been a pleasure working with him over these years and we are glad that we had the opportunity to give him some of (his) flowers while he was here with us. May his soul rest in peace,' Grange told The Gleaner.
In 2008, Cocoa Tea had released a song titled Barack Obama , in support of the then-US presidential candidate.
He is survived by his wife, Malvia Scott and eight children.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
