By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The world of reggae music has been plunged into mourning following the demise of icon Cocoa Tea.Born Colvin Scott, he died early yesterday morning at a hospital in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a cardiac arrest. He was 65.
His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed that Cocoa Tea had been battling lymphoma since 2019 and had been struggling with pneumonia in recent months.
Cocoa Tea, celebrated for his sweet, melodic voice and distinctive chanting style, rose to prominence in the 1980s with popular hits including “I Lost My Sonia” and “Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea.”
His global reach expanded with iconic tracks such as “Israel’s King,” “Rocking Dolly,” and “Weh Dem A Go Do,” making him a household name in Jamaica and beyond.
In 2008, he garnered international attention with the release of “Barack Obama,” which supported the then-presidential candidate during his campaign.
Cocoa Tea is survived by his wife, Malvia, and eight children.
The music icon once came to Zimbabwe as part of the then Lion Lager Summer Beer Festival and set the stage alight resonating with Reggae lovers. Zimbabweans and the rest of the world are mourning the loss of a reggae legend whose contributions will be remembered for years to come.