Veteran reggae singer Cocoa Tea, whose real name is Colvin Scott, has passed away at age 65.
The Jamaican singer died on Tuesday, March 12 2025, after being diagnosed with cancer in 2019.
The news about his death was confirmed by his wife, Malvia Scott, who stated that he passed away in the morning at a hospital in Florida due to cardiac arrest.
Initially diagnosed with lymphoma, Malvia revealed that Scott died while also suffering from pneumonia.
“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 told Jamaica Gleaner.
“He was definitely very brave. He was positive throughout it all. About three weeks ago, when he was admitted to the hospital, 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 very hopeful,” she added.
Cocoa Tea was one of the most popular singers in Jamaica from the 1980s onwards who achieved a significant success worldwide in reggae lifestyle.
In 1917, he launched his label, Roaring Lion Records, which achieved a lot of success releasing songs of top artists such as Buju Banton and Cutty Ranks.
His legacy went on until 2008 when he gained notoriety in March 2008 after releasing a song titled “Barack Obama”.
Scott will be remembered for his melodious voice and his entertainment in the reggae industry.
