Jamaican reggae icon Cocoa Tea has sadly passed away at the age of 65. His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed the news, revealing that the veteran singer died at 4:46 PM on Tuesday, March 11, at a hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a cardiac arrest.
Malvia shared poignant details about his final moments, explaining that she received a call earlier that day informing her that Cocoa Tea had been transferred from a nearby facility to the hospital after experiencing symptoms such as vomiting. The singer had been diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019 and had been struggling with pneumonia over the last six months.
“He was always so brave and positive,” Malvia reflected in an interview with The Gleaner. “Even when things were tough, he stayed hopeful. About three weeks ago, when he was admitted to the hospital, he asked if I was worried. I said, ‘I’m always worried,’ and he reassured me, telling me not to worry because everything would be alright.”
Cocoa Tea, born Calvin Scott, is widely remembered for his influence on reggae music, particularly for his 2008 hit song “Barack Obama,” which supported the then-presidential candidate. The track gained significant attention after Obama’s election victory, further solidifying Cocoa Tea’s place in reggae history.
He is survived by his wife, Malvia, and their eight children. His legacy in both music and life remains strong, as he will be remembered for his resilience and contributions to the world of reggae music.
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