Cocoa Tea: Jamaican Reggae Icon’s Legacy Lives On. Reggae has lost a legend. Cocoa Tea was a veteran artist known for his timeless classics. His songs include Rocking Dolly, Go Home To Your Mama, and I Lost My Sonia.
The legendary Reggae artist reportedly passed away early Tuesday morning, March 11, 2025, at a hospital in Florida. Mr. Scott was 65.
Reportedly, he has been battling lymphoma since 2019 and has also struggled with pneumonia for the past six months.
Born Calvin George Scott in Rocky Point, Clarendon. Cocoa Tea got into music full-time in the late 1970s. This transition occurred after he failed to fulfill his dream of becoming a jockey at Caymanas Park.
Rocking Dolly was Cocoa Tea’s first hit song.
He joined producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes’ Volcano label and sound system. He scored his first hit song in 1984 with Rocking Dolly.
Cocoa Tea enjoyed great success during the 1980s and 1990s. He produced several hit songs, including “Kingston Hot,” “Lost My Sonia,” “Young Lover,” “Lonesome Side,” and “Holy Mount Zion.”
Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia “Baby” Grange is among the luminaries paying tributes to the late Reggae artist. She described him as a prolific writer and an excellent performer.
Dr. Deborah Hickling Gordon, PNP spokesperson for culture and creative industries, said Cocoa Tea was a cultural ambassador. His music carried the heartbeat of Jamaica to the world.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed his condolences. He emphasized Cocoa Tea’s influence, which reached beyond Jamaica. Cocoa Tea touched hearts worldwide and solidified the country’s position on the international music stage.
“I would like to extend my condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of Calvin George Scott, affectionately known as Cocoa Tea. His smooth vocals and powerful lyrics gave us timeless classics such as Rocking Dolly and I Lost My Sonia. These songs have become anthems in our cultural landscape,” Holness shared in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Cocoa Tea was a musical genius and a symbol of kindness and generosity. He consistently uplifted the less fortunate and embodied the warmth of our nation. As Jamaicans mourn his passing, let us celebrate the rich legacy he leaves behind. This legacy is filled with melody, compassion, and cultural pride. I pray his soul rests in eternal peace.”
Mr. Scott is survived by his wife, Malvia, along with eight children, six grandchildren, and many siblings. His passing has created a significant void in the Jamaican music and cultural community.