Information Americas, New York, NY, March 11, 2025: The reggae neighborhood has been left in shock and unhappiness on the passing of Cocoa Tea, the legendary Jamaican born singer recognized for the highest hit, “Barack Obama, and his clean vocals. Followers and mates have flooded social media, paying tribute to the person whose music transcended generations and borders.
Cocoa Tea, born Calvin Scott on September 3, 1959, in Rocky Level, Clarendon, Jamaica, was one among reggae and dancehall’s most beloved voices. His profession started in Kingston’s sound system scene within the early Nineteen Eighties, the place he made a reputation for himself earlier than his huge break with famed producer Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes as a part of the Volcano Sounds motion. Through the years, he collaborated with prime producers corresponding to King Jammy, Gussie Clarke, Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell, and Lawes, delivering traditional hits like “She Loves Me Now,” “I Misplaced My Sonia,” “Rikers Island,” and “Good Life.”
Cocoa Tea’s affect stretched far past music. In 2008, his tribute music “Barack Obama” celebrated the primary Black U.S. president’s historic election, incomes him a aspect gig acting at Obama’s inauguration.
Reggae label VP Information paid tribute, stating: “Relaxation In Energy Cocoa Tea, a real Jamaican music icon whose music will proceed to resonate together with his followers and generations to come back. Our ideas are together with his household and mates at this tough time.”
Irwine Clare Sr., OD, founding father of Crew Jamaica Bickle and Caribbean Immigrant Companies, (CIS), remembered Cocoa Tea as a legend who generously supported TJB with out hesitation.
“Cocoa Tea all the time supported Crew Jamaica Bickle by way of his expertise with out hesitation and by no means requested for a dime in fee,” Clare shared. “I keep in mind as soon as he carried out in Jamaica the night time earlier than after which received on ‘the iron chook’ as he referred to as it, Caribbean Airways, to carry out at a TJB occasion at Brooklyn School the subsequent day – with out pay.”
Felicia Persaud, writer of Information Americas, mirrored on her private reference to the artist, having written a advice for Cocoa Tea’s profitable U.S. Inexperienced Card utility by way of Clare and CIS.
Jamaica’s Opposition Chief Mark Golding additionally honored Cocoa Tea’s legacy, stating: “Jamaica has misplaced one other musical legend. Cocoa Tea’s clean vocals and timeless reggae hits have left an indelible mark on our tradition and the worldwide music scene. His artistry, expertise, and message of affection and unity will reside on endlessly. Jamaica’s musical historical past is richer for his unmistakable voice and traditional reggae anthems. My deepest condolences to his household, mates, followers, and the broader musical fraternity. Might his soul relaxation in peace.”
Cocoa Tea’s daughter, Rashaine Scott, confirmed his passing, revealing he died at 4 AM in a Florida hospital.
“He used to enter the Bible and skim us the Ten Commandments, and he all the time mentioned God made Adam and Eve. He additionally inspired us to be unbiased, get an schooling, and to raised our lives. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him earlier than he handed away,” she mentioned.
She described her father as a fighter and a proud, non-public man who by no means gave up.
“He was a fighter, and he fought until the top. He was a strong-willed individual, all the time considering of the perfect, and he was additionally non-public.”
Cocoa Tea had been hospitalized for a number of months, battling an sickness. Whereas the official explanation for dying has not been confirmed, studies counsel he succumbed to a cardiac arrest.
His music, affect, and generosity will proceed to encourage generations.
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