Reggae fans and members of the music fraternity will gather on Saturday, March 29 at Okalee Village in Hollywood, Florida, to celebrate the life and legacy of reggae legend Cocoa Tea. The candlelight vigil will pay tribute to the beloved singer, who passed away on March 11 at the age of 65 after suffering cardiac arrest. His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed that he had been battling lymphoma since 2019 and, in recent months, pneumonia. Despite his health struggles, Cocoa Tea remained hopeful and resilient, continuing to inspire through his music.
Cocoa Tea, born Colvin Scott in Clarendon, Jamaica, began his career in the late 1970s, propelled by Jamaica’s vibrant sound system culture. His smooth vocals and conscious lyrics earned him a place among reggae’s elite with timeless hits such as Rocking Dolly, Holy Mount Zion, and Pirate’s Anthem. Minister of Culture Olivia Grange described him as “one of the greatest reggae singers who has ever lived,” a sentiment echoed by fans worldwide. The upcoming vigil will feature renowned sound systems like Bodyguard—originating from Cocoa Tea’s hometown—alongside King Trendsetta, LP International, and others, underscoring his deep connection to the roots of reggae.
Beyond his musical success, Cocoa Tea made an impact on global culture. In 2008, he released Barack Obama, a song celebrating the future U.S. president’s historic rise. He was also one of the few reggae artists to secure a deal with Motown Records, releasing Holy Mount Zion in 1997. His legacy remains strong within the industry, where reggae generates an estimated $1 billion JMD globally, with Jamaica contributing significantly through tourism, record sales, and streaming platforms.
As fans prepare to light candles in his memory, Cocoa Tea’s music continues to resonate across generations. His journey—from a young jockey hopeful to an international reggae icon—reflects the enduring power of Jamaica’s musical heritage. The candlelight vigil is not just a farewell, but a celebration of a voice that will never fade.
