INITY Radio Honors Reggae Legend Cocoa Tea – All-Day Tribute!
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | All Day
We’re dedicating today to the iconic Cocoa Tea, who sadly passed away yesterday at 65. From “Riker’s Island” to “Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea” and “Young Lover,” we’ll be spinning his timeless reggae classics all day, celebrating his smooth vocals and conscious lyrics that shaped our culture. Tune in to https://inityradio.com or our app, and join us in honoring a true reggae king. Share your memories with #INITYTributesCocoaTea—let’s keep his legacy alive!
I’d suggest a prominent banner or something like that.
Also on the NEWS page can we have this:
Rest in Power: INITY Radio’s All-Day Tribute to Reggae Legend Cocoa Tea (1959–2025)
Published: March 12, 2025 | By INITY Radio Team
Published: March 12, 2025 | By INITY Radio Team
The reggae world mourns the loss of a true icon, Colvin “Cocoa Tea” Scott, who passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the age of 65. According to reports, Cocoa Tea suffered a cardiac arrest at a hospital in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after battling lymphoma since 2019 and pneumonia in recent months. His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed the news to the Jamaica Gleaner, noting his bravery in the face of health struggles. Today, INITY Radio dedicates an all-day tribute to this reggae giant, spinning his timeless classics and celebrating his profound impact on music and culture.
Born on September 3, 1959, in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, Cocoa Tea broke into the reggae scene in the mid-1980s with hits like “Rocking Dolly” and “I Lost My Sonia,” quickly establishing himself as a voice of smooth, conscious reggae. His breakthrough came with the 1990 hit “Riker’s Island,” later remixed into a dancehall version with Nardo Ranks titled “Me No Like Rikers Island,” featured on Columbia/SME Records’ 1991 compilation Dancehall Reggaespañol. Songs like “Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea,” “Young Lover,” “Israel’s King,” and “Weh Dem A Go Do…Can’t Stop Cocoa Tea” became anthems, blending Rastafarian principles with socially conscious lyrics that resonated worldwide.
Cocoa Tea’s influence extended far beyond Jamaica. He collaborated with reggae greats like Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, and Buju Banton, and founded his own label, Roaring Lion, in 2000. From 2003 to 2009, he promoted the annual Dancehall Jam Jam event in Jamaica, cementing his role in advancing reggae and dancehall culture. In 2008, he made headlines with “Barack Obama,” a song supporting the then-U.S. presidential candidate, showcasing his ability to merge music with global messages. His final album, Sunset in Negril (2014), was a testament to his enduring talent, and his last performance on the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise three years ago left fans in awe of his melodic voice and powerful stage presence.
At INITY Radio, Cocoa Tea’s music has always been a cornerstone of our sound—perfectly aligning with our love for grown-up reggae, soul, and Caribbean rhythms. His smooth vocals and uplifting messages spoke directly to our mature audience, making tracks like “Holy Mount Zion” and “Rocking Dolly” staples on our airwaves. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute, saying, “Cocoa Tea’s influence extended beyond our shores, touching hearts worldwide and solidifying Jamaica’s place on the global musical stage.” Minister of Culture Olivia Grange added, “He is one of the greatest reggae singers who ever lived, and his work will stand the test of time.”
Today, from morning to night, we’re playing Cocoa Tea’s classics back-to-back, honoring the man whose music became the heartbeat of reggae culture. Join us on https://inityradio.com or our app to listen live, and share your favorite Cocoa Tea memories with #INITYTributesCocoaTea. Let’s celebrate a legend whose voice will echo through generations.
Rest in power, Cocoa Tea. Your legacy lives on with INITY Radio.
