Cocoa Tea

Early Life: Roots in Rocky Point

Few voices in reggae music carry the same warmth, clarity, and spiritual conviction as Cocoa Tea’s. With his honeyed vocals and unwavering message of love, unity, and Rastafarian pride, he became one of Jamaica’s most beloved and enduring cultural ambassadors. His music didn’t just entertain—it uplifted, teaching generations the value of kindness, self-respect, and faith through melody.

Born Calvin George Scott on September 3, 1959, in the small seaside community of Rocky Point in Clarendon, Jamaica, Cocoa Tea’s early life was steeped in simplicity and song. The rhythms of the island were everywhere—from church choirs to street sound systems—and young Calvin absorbed them all. His nickname, “Cocoa Tea,” came from his childhood love of the sweet beverage, a simple pleasure that would one day become synonymous with his gentle, comforting sound.

Music surrounded him even before he could fully understand its power. His mother was deeply spiritual, and church services introduced him to harmonies that stirred the soul. He sang in the local church choir and spent hours listening to reggae greats like Bob Marley and Dennis Brown, who would later become a major influence. It was in this fertile cultural landscape that Calvin began to dream—not of fame, but of purpose.

Education and Early Musical Awakening

Though formal schooling played a role in his upbringing, Cocoa Tea’s most valuable education came from the sound systems that defined Jamaica’s grassroots music scene. As a teenager, he gravitated toward community dances and open-air performances, where he learned how to connect with an audience. It was an era of discovery, both musically and spiritually.

He embraced the Rastafarian faith as a guiding philosophy, shaping his worldview and musical identity. The faith’s focus on truth, justice, and unity resonated deeply with him, and these themes would later form the foundation of his songwriting.

Career Journey: From Local Stages to Global Reggae Icon

Early Career – The First Notes of Recognition
Cocoa Tea recorded his first single, “Searching in the Hills,” in 1974, though it went largely unnoticed. Undeterred, he continued honing his craft, performing at local events and refining the smooth vocal delivery that would define his style. His breakthrough came in the early 1980s when he connected with legendary producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes. The collaboration produced “Rocking Dolly”—a song that not only became a hit but also cemented his place in the roots reggae revival movement.

Rising Stardom – Voice of the Conscious Generation
The mid to late 1980s marked Cocoa Tea’s ascent as one of Jamaica’s most consistent hitmakers. Songs like “I Lost My Sonia,” “Good Life,” “Young Lover,” and “Rikers Island” showcased his ability to blend sweet melodies with socially conscious lyrics. His 1989 hit “Rikers Island” was especially significant—it addressed the struggles of young Jamaicans caught in the criminal justice system, reflecting his compassion for the marginalised.

Beyond the studio, Cocoa Tea became known for his impeccable live performances. His voice, as pure as it was soothing, seemed immune to time or fatigue. Whether on Kingston’s stages or at international festivals, he carried the message of reggae’s spiritual and social mission with unshakable grace.

1990s and Beyond – Global Recognition and Continued Evolution
By the 1990s, Cocoa Tea was not only a star in Jamaica but a respected figure on the global reggae stage. His albums “Tune In,” “Authorised,” and “One Up” revealed an artist who never strayed from authenticity. He collaborated with producers like King Jammy and Bobby Digital, navigating the transition from roots to dancehall with elegance.

A defining moment came in 1994 with the release of “Holy Mount Zion,” a soulful anthem that reaffirmed his spiritual convictions. And in 2008, during the U.S. presidential campaign, he captured global attention with “Barack Obama,” a heartfelt tribute that celebrated the hope and history embodied in Obama’s rise. It was classic Cocoa Tea—politically aware, uplifting, and utterly sincere.

Personal Life: The Man Behind the Music

Offstage, Cocoa Tea was known for his humility and gentle spirit. He remained deeply connected to his roots in Jamaica, dividing his time between touring and nurturing younger artists. A devoted family man and proud Rastafarian, he lived the values he sang about—spiritual devotion, love of community, and peace.

He also built his own recording studio and label, Roaring Lion, providing a platform for emerging reggae talents. His mentorship extended beyond music—he often encouraged young artists to stay true to themselves, both lyrically and morally.

Legacy: A Voice That Never Faded

Cocoa Tea’s legacy rests not only in his rich catalogue of music but in the purity of his message. He carried forward the torch lit by Bob Marley and Dennis Brown, reminding listeners that reggae was not just rhythm—it was reason and revelation. His passing in 2024 was met with an outpouring of love from fans and musicians worldwide, each remembering the man who sang of justice with a smile and of faith with a melody.

To this day, his voice remains one of reggae’s most distinct—silky yet strong, comforting yet commanding. Cocoa Tea’s songs continue to flow through radios, sound systems, and hearts, as timeless as the message they carry: peace, love, and the power of truth.