Jamaican reggae legend Cocoa Tea, born Calvin George Scott, has passed away at the age of 65.
The beloved singer-songwriter died on Tuesday morning at a hospital in Florida following a cardiac arrest, his wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed to the Jamaica Gleaner.
Born on September 3, 1959, in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, Cocoa Tea broke onto the reggae scene in 1985 and became a global star in the 1990s.
Known for his smooth vocals and socially conscious lyrics, he delivered hits like “18 & Over”, “Hurry Up and Come”, “I Lost My Sonia,” “Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea,” “Israel’s King,” “Young Lover,” and “Rikers Island.” The latter became one of his biggest songs, later remixed into a dancehall version with Nardo Ranks as “Me No Like Rikers Island.”
Cocoa Tea leaves behind a rich musical legacy that has touched generations of reggae lovers. He is survived by his wife, Malvia, and their eight children.
