Cocoa Tea dead aged 65: Reggae artist with iconic UK No.1 hit passes away
The singer's wife confirmed his death.
Reggae singer Cocoa Tea has died at the age of 65 after being diagnosed with cancer in 2019.
Jamaican singer-songwriter Colvin Scott, who was best known by his stage name Cocoa Tea, died in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 11.
Scott’s wife, Malvia Scott, told the Jamaican site The Gleaner that he was struggling with pneumonia for the last six months of his life and ultimately died of a heart attack.
‘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.’
Scott revealed her husband was brave at the end of his life: ‘He was positive throughout it all. About three weeks ago, when he was admitted in the hospital,l 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.’
The singer has worldwide success in the 1990s (Picture David Corio/Redferns)The singer was best known in the UK for his major hit Rikers Island, but also had success with his other hits Young Lover, Hurry Up & Come, and Waiting In Vain.
The star was born in 1959 in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, and had success in the reggae scene in the 80s before bursting into the mainstream.
His first hits were released in 1984, under his stage name Cocoa Tea, when he released Rocking Dolly and later I Lost My Sonia.
The singer recorded with major Reggae labels, including VP Records, Greensleeves Records and Ras Records, and around 2000, he started his own Roaring Lion label.
In 2008, he released a song titled Barack Obama, lending his support to the presidential candidate.
In 2014, he released his last album Sunset in Negril, and his last compilation album was released in 2019.
The artist was ill for some time before he died (Picture: David Corio/Redferns)The artist has been remembered by fans and friends in the music industry.
‘Rest in power, Cocoa Tea. Your voice and music will always be remembered,’ said The Wailers on X.
‘I am saddened to learn of the passing of Cocoa Tea ???????? Colvin Scott was one of Reggae’s greatest entertainers … give him his band, the microphone and an audience, and he will do the rest!
‘I will miss his warm greetings and our lovely conversations. We miss you ????????❤️????️,’ said NatashaVonC.
‘The Reggae world is mourning the loss of one of its finest voices, Cocoa Tea died this morning from cardiac arrest in Fort Lauderdale.
‘He leaves behind a catalogue of classic recordings which will forever be played in the pantheon of great Jamaican music. RIP sweet Cocoa Tea,’ said DavidRodigan.
Coco Tea is survived by his wife, Malvia Scott and eight children.
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