Reggae Legend Cocoa Tea Dies at 65

Reggae legend Cocoa Tea passed away at 65 on Tuesday morning in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

His wife, Malvia Scott, told the Jamaica Gleaner that he went into cardiac arrest.

He was taken to the hospital earlier because he was vomiting.

He had been fighting lymphoma since 2019 and had also been dealing with pneumonia for the past six months.

Cocoa’s wife further shared that the Young Lover singer showed bravery in the face of adversity.

“He was positive throughout it all,” she said.

“About three weeks ago, when he was admitted to the hospital, he asked if I was worried. I said, ‘I am always worried’”, she recalled.

Malvia remembered her husband’s positivity, saying he always reassured her that things would be okay.

Cocoa was one of Jamaica’s most beloved singers from the 1980s onward.

He was famous for songs like Rikers Island, Young Lover, Hurry Up & Come, and Waiting In Vain.

He released his final album, Sunset in Negril, in 2014.

Condolence Messages

Shortly after the news of Cocoa’s death broke, fans flocked to social media to pay tribute to the reggae icon.

“Rest in peace, Cocoa Tea. Your voice and music will always be remembered,” The Wailers wrote on X.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter). He did so to honour the late reggae singer, Cocoa Tea.

He spoke about Cocoa Tea’s incredible impact, saying his “smooth vocals and compelling lyrics” left a lasting impression.

He mentioned that he gave the world timeless hits like Rocking Dolly and I Lost My Sonia.

Holness also praised him as “a beacon of kindness” who always helped those in need.

He acknowledged Cocoa Tea’s worldwide influence, saying his music helped put Jamaica on the global stage.

As the country mourns, Holness encourages everyone to celebrate Cocoa Tea’s legacy of “melody, compassion, and cultural pride.”

He ended his message with, “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Jamaican Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, shared her sadness over Cocoa Tea’s passing. She spoke about it in an interview with the Jamaican Gleaner.

She called him “one of the greatest reggae singers who has ever lived.” She said his music will live on for generations.

Grange also expressed gratitude for the time she spent working with him.

She was glad he received some recognition while he was still here.

She sent condolences to his family and ended by saying, “May his soul rest in peace.”

After Cocoa Tea’s passing, many celebrities have been sharing tributes on social media.

Dancehall artist Popcaan was one of them. He posted a video on Instagram of Cocoa Tea performing at Unruly Fest as a way to honour his legacy.