Written by Kareem LaTouche
My most outstanding memory of Cocoa Tea dates back to over a decade ago, at Reggae Sumfest, Catherine Hall. A hallowed ground for reggae and dancehall loyalists, pulsed with an anticipation that transcended mere entertainment. It was a communion, a gathering of spirits bound by the rhythm of Jamaica. And at its heart, Cocoa Tea, a conscious artiste that has withstood the test of time. I, a chronicler of these moments, a lover of the culture, watched as the air charged with an energy that could only be born from genuine artistry. He was not a purveyor of fleeting melodies, but a storyteller, his voice a weathered instrument, etched with the stories of generations.
Born Colvin Scott in Rocky Point, Clarendon on September 3, 1959, he wasn’t the tallest man, a former jockey, but on stage, he was a giant. He moved with a quiet authority, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He drew for the classics: “Lost My Sonia,” “Rikers Island,” “Young Lover.” But it was the ad-libs, the freestyles, the sheer playfulness that stole the night. He read the crowd like a seasoned storyteller, weaving tales of love, struggle, and the enduring spirit of Jamaica. I watched the younger artists, hoping they were absorbing the lesson: true artistry transcends fleeting trends.
Fighting the UK Airwaves
But Cocoa Tea’s impact reached far beyond the stage. He was a voice for the voiceless, a champion of the people. And nowhere was this more evident than in the legendary “Pirates Anthem.” In the late 80s, when Caribbean DJs in England faced relentless persecution for their unlicensed broadcasts, Cocoa Tea, alongside Mikey Bennett and Shabba Ranks, ignited a revolution.
Those pirate radio stations, born from a desperate need for connection, were more than just entertainment. They were the lifeblood of the Jamaican diaspora, a lifeline to home. As recounted in the Red Bull Music Academy article, these stations were the “voice of the community.” And when the authorities tried to silence them, Cocoa Tea and his brethrens rose up.
“Dem ah call us pirates… just because we play what the people want.” The chorus, sung with that unmistakable, soulful timbre, was a defiant declaration. Shabba’s raw energy, followed, “One station, it couldn’t run the nation, 2 station it couldn’t run England… Bruk one down… We build five more strong,” echoed the resilience of a people determined to be heard. It was a masterful blend of reggae and dancehall, a sonic rebellion. The song wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon, a rallying cry that resonated across the airwaves and streets of England.
A Voice for the People, Until the End
From his early days as a jockey to his conversion to Rastafarianism in 1985, he remained true to himself. He never shied away from addressing social issues, his music a mirror reflecting the realities of his people. Even in 2024, when false reports of his death circulated, his family had to issue a statement, “Cocoa Tea alive, family asking for prayers,” as reported by The Gleaner, a reflection to the deep concern and love his fans held for him.
His final major single, “Weh Ya Gone,” released in 2021, was a poignant reflection on a world lost to curfews and restrictions. “A lot of people have been sending me rhythms since this ‘plandemic’ thing come in, but I couldn’t relate to them because the rhythms are not something to make you make a happy song,” he told The Gleaner. He wanted to capture the spirit of a time when the music flowed freely, when the streets pulsed with the energy of reggae.
Cause of Death
Sadly, on March 11, 2025, the music fell silent. The Jamaica Gleaner reported, “Veteran reggae singer Cocoa Tea has died.” His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed that the veteran singer passed away at 4:46 this morning at a hospital in Broward, Ft Lauderdale, Florida, following a cardiac arrest.
“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,” Malvia told The Gleaner.
Cocoa Tea will be remembered for his conscious lyrics and his ability to blend reggae and dancehall, and his dedication to speaking out on social issues.”
What’s your favourite Cocoa Tea song, put it in the comment section below.
Watch the latest Kareem’s Quest Podcast videos on YouTube, click the link below
Sources:
- Red Bull Music Academy: https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2013/07/new-york-pirate-radio-feature
- Jamaica Gleaner: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20240104/cocoa-tea-alive-family-asking-prayers
- Jamaica Gleaner: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20250311/veteran-reggae-singer-cocoa-tea-has-died
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I cant’t tell a favorite song because I loved most of his works. But the most played record on my box is the ” Why turn down the sound”
My mom doesn’t really know about reggae music because we are from a country where this great culture not that popular like in England. But even my mom’s know him and her ringtone is the “Young lover”
Wow! thanks for sharing