Veteran reggae icon Cocoa Tea dies at 65

Jamaican reggae singer Cocoa Tea, celebrated for timeless hits like Rocking Dolly and Israel’s King, has passed away at the age of 65.

The musician’s wife Malvia Scott confirmed his death in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Tuesday (11 March 2025), to news outlet Jamaican Gleaner.

“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,” she told the outlet.

Despite the singer’s diagnosis years ago, Malvia said he remained positive, calling him “brave” and “hopeful.” “About three weeks ago when he was admitted in 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,” she added.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness also paid tribute to the singer on X.

“I extend condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of Calvin George Scott, affectionately known as Cocoa Tea. His smooth vocals and compelling lyrics gave us timeless classics like Rocking Dolly and I Lost My Sonia, songs that have become anthems in our cultural landscape,” Holness wrote.

“Beyond his musical genius, Cocoa Tea was a beacon of kindness and generosity, consistently uplifting the less fortunate and embodying the warmth of our nation,” he added. “Cocoa Tea’s influence extended beyond our shores, touching hearts worldwide and solidifying Jamaica’s place on the global musical stage.”

“As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the rich legacy he leaves behind, a legacy of melody, compassion, and cultural pride,” the Prime Minister concluded. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Born Calvin Scott in 1959 in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Cocoa Tea was prolific, releasing dozens of songs throughout his lifetime. He released his first song in 1985 titled “Searching in the Hill,” when he was only a teenager.

Per The Independent, he broke out in Jamaica’s music scene in the mid-’80s before becoming known around the world in the ’90s.

Some of his most-well known songs include “I Lost My Sonia,” “Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea,” “Israel’s King” and “Young Lover.” Perhaps his most famous song is the 1990 tune “Riker’s Island,” which would get a remix titled “Me No Like Rikers Island,” with Nardo Ranks.

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