ICONIC Jamaican singer-songwriter Cocoa Tea, best known for his 90s hit song Riker’s Island, has died aged 65.

The reggae singer, born Calvin Scott, passed away early on Tuesday morning at a hospital in Florida, US, after suffering a cardiac arrest.

6

6

6

His heartbroken wife Malvia Scott told the Jamaica Gleaner how she received a call early today confirming he had been transferred from a facility to hospital due to vomiting.

She explained Cocoa Tea had been diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019 but had also struggled with pneumonia over the past six months.

Malvia confirmed the veteran singer died at 4.46am on Tuesday morning at the hospital in Broward, Fort Lauderdale.

Mum to three of Cocoa Tea’s children, she added: “He was definitely very brave – he was positive throughout it all.

“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.

“He was always very hopeful.”

Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness has also paid tribute to the singer’s “musical genius” in a moving tribute.

In a post on X, he said: “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.

“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.”

The politician 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.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Reggae DJ David Rodigan shared a touching tribute, saying: “The Reggae world is mourning the loss of one of its finest voices, Cocoa Tea died this morning from cardiac arrest in Fort Lauderdale.

“He leaves behind a catalogue of classic recordings which will forever be played in the pantheon of great Jamaican music.

“RIP sweet Cocoa Tea.”

‘GREAT LEGENDARY ICON’

Grammy Award-winning group Morgan Heritage paid tribute to the “great legendary icon”.

They said: “May your light never fade away big brother.

“You now rest in Zion with the angels but we will never forget the moments we’ve shared beloved.

“Our condolences go out to your entire family.

“Long live the great legendary icon Cocoa Tea”.

Countless fans have also taken to social media to share tributes for the veteran singer.

One said: “Condolences to his family.

“He’s a great artist.

“Rest in power king.”

Another added: “Another great musician gone to the greenroom above”.

Calvin Scott was born in the fishing village of Rocky Point in Jamaica on September 3, 1959, and went on to become one of the most popular singers on the island from the 1980s onwards.

He also achieved significant worldwide success in the reggae world, following his first venture into the music industry aged just 14 with his song Searching In The Hills.

The young singer gave up the music industry for a few years after the track failed to hit, and worked as both a jockey and a fisherman.

6

6

He eventually found his way back into music through Henry “Junjo” Lawes’ Volcano label in 1984 where he then found success with big hits Rocking Dolly and I Lost My Sonia.

This success then led to oversea tours and work with a number of other Jamaican producers, creating hits such as Young Lover, Children of the Ghetto, and Holding On.

In 1990, he released the smash hit Riker’s Island on the Mr Doo imprint, having ben inspired by John Holt’s 1977 song Up Park Camp.

His iconic track references the Rikers Island prison in New York City as a warning to young Jamaican immigrants of the time.

The singer continued his success well into the 1990s with tracks such as Bust Outta Hell, Tune In, and She Loves me Now.

Many of these tunes found their way onto albums released by international labels like Ras Records and Greensleeves, helping Calvin to establish himself as one of the top singers in the reggae world.

The star was also a fan favourite, having performed at almost every Reggae Sunsplash event – a major reggae music festival held annually in Jamaica from 1978 to 1996.

He also successfully launched his own label, Roaring Lion Records, in 1997, releasing a number of songs by major artists including Buju Banton, Capleton, and Sizzla.

The iconic reggae star gained further notoriety in 2008 after releasing a song titled Barack Obama in support of the then-presidential candidate.

6