ICONIC Jamaican singer-songwriter Cocoa Tea, finest recognized for his 90s hit music Riker’s Island, has died aged 65.

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

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His heartbroken spouse Malvia Scott advised the Jamaica Gleaner how she acquired a name early right this moment confirming he had been transferred from a facility to hospital on account of vomiting.

She defined Cocoa Tea had been recognized with lymphoma in 2019 however had additionally struggled with pneumonia over the previous six months.

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

Mum to a few of Cocoa Tea’s kids, she added: “He was positively very courageous – he was optimistic all through all of it.

“About three weeks in the past when he was admitted within the hospital he requested if I used to be fearful and I stated ‘I’m at all times fearful’ – he advised me to not fear as a result of every part was going to be all proper.

“He was at all times very hopeful.”

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

In a put up on X, he stated: “I prolong condolences to the household, buddies, and supporters of Calvin George Scott, affectionately often called Cocoa Tea.

“His clean vocals and compelling lyrics gave us timeless classics like ‘Rocking Dolly’ and ‘I Misplaced My Sonia,’ songs which have grow to be anthems in our cultural panorama.

“Past his musical genius, Cocoa Tea was a beacon of kindness and generosity, constantly uplifting the much less lucky and embodying the heat of our nation.”

The politician added: “Cocoa Tea’s affect prolonged past our shores, touching hearts worldwide and solidifying Jamaica’s place on the worldwide musical stage.

“As we mourn his passing, allow us to rejoice the wealthy legacy he leaves behind, a legacy of melody, compassion, and cultural delight.

“Could his soul relaxation in everlasting peace.”

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

“He leaves behind a list of traditional recordings which can ceaselessly be performed within the pantheon of nice Jamaican music.

“RIP candy Cocoa Tea.”

‘GREAT LEGENDARY ICON’

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

They stated: “Could your mild by no means fade away large brother.

“You now relaxation in Zion with the angels however we’ll always remember the moments we’ve shared beloved.

“Our condolences exit to your total household.

“Lengthy stay the nice legendary icon Cocoa Tea”.

Numerous followers have additionally taken to social media to share tributes for the veteran singer.

One stated: “Condolences to his household.

“He is an amazing artist.

“Relaxation in energy king.”

One other added: “One other nice musician gone to the greenroom above”.

Calvin Scott was born within the fishing village of Rocky Level in Jamaica on September 3, 1959, and went on to grow to be one of the standard singers on the island from the Eighties onwards.

He additionally achieved important worldwide success within the reggae world, following his first enterprise into the music business aged simply 14 along with his music Looking In The Hills.

The younger singer gave up the music business for a number of years after the observe didn’t hit, and labored as each a jockey and a fisherman.

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He finally discovered his manner again into music by way of Henry “Junjo” Lawes’ Volcano label in 1984 the place he then discovered success with large hits Rocking Dolly and I Misplaced My Sonia.

This success then led to oversea excursions and work with a variety of different Jamaican producers, creating hits similar to Younger Lover, Youngsters of the Ghetto, and Holding On.

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

His iconic observe references the Rikers Island jail in New York Metropolis as a warning to younger Jamaican immigrants of the time.

The singer continued his success effectively into the Nineties with tracks similar to Bust Outta Hell, Tune In, and She Loves me Now.

Many of those tunes discovered their manner onto albums launched by worldwide labels like Ras Data and Greensleeves, serving to Calvin to ascertain himself as one of many high singers within the reggae world.

The star was additionally a fan favorite, having carried out at virtually each Reggae Sunsplash occasion – a significant reggae music pageant held yearly in Jamaica from 1978 to 1996.

He additionally efficiently launched his personal label, Roaring Lion Data, in 1997, releasing a variety of songs by main artists together with Buju Banton, Capleton, and Sizzla.

The enduring reggae star gained additional notoriety in 2008 after releasing a music titled Barack Obama in assist of the then-presidential candidate.

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