Beloved reggae singer Cocoa Tea was laid to rest on Sunday, April 6, in an emotionally charged Thanksgiving service held at The Verandah in Clarendon, Jamaica. The atmosphere was thick with reverence, memories, and music as members of the entertainment fraternity, fans, and family gathered to honour the life and legacy of Colvin “Cocoa Tea” Scott. From industry veterans to rising stars, the turnout was a powerful testament to the influence of the late icon. Among those in attendance were legends such as Bounty Killer, Shabba Ranks, Josey Wales, Charlie Chaplin, Richie Stephens, Bugle, and Little John. His son, Shaquille Scott, delivered a touching eulogy as tears flowed, describing his father not just as an artist, but as a “towering light of love, wisdom, and integrity.”
Cocoa Tea, who passed away on March 11 at the age of 65 after a quiet battle with lymphoma and pneumonia, was remembered not only for his soothing voice and conscious lyrics but for his profound impact on global culture. Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia Grange paid tribute to him on social media, hailing him as “one of our greatest reggae singers ever.” His musical catalogue spans decades and borders, with timeless anthems like Rocking Dolly, Rikers Island, Holy Mount Zion, and Tune In still resonating with audiences today. His 2008 tribute to then-presidential hopeful Barack Obama cemented his role as a cultural commentator and champion of progress.
Just a week prior to his burial, fans in Hollywood, Florida, gathered at Okalee Village for a candlelight vigil. Sound systems like Bodyguard, King Trendsetta, and LP International paid tribute, underscoring the deep connection between Cocoa Tea and Jamaica’s sound system culture, where his career first took flight in the late 1970s. Born in Clarendon, he rose from humble beginnings with dreams of becoming a jockey to becoming one of reggae’s most revered voices—a journey that mirrored the spirit of the very genre he championed.
As the final notes faded on Sunday afternoon and mourners embraced in quiet reflection, one truth stood firm: Cocoa Tea may have left the physical world, but his music, message, and mission live on. From dancehall giants to grassroots selectors, the consensus was clear—his voice will never fade, and his legacy will forever echo across generations.
