Jamaica’s legendary reggae singer Calvin ‘Cocoa Tea’ Scott has died at age 65.

It is reported that the singer passed away at about 4 o’clock this morning at a hospital in Broward, Ft Lauderdale, Florida, following a cardiac arrest.

His wife, Malvia Scott, stated that the singer was initially diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, but for the last six months he was also struggling with pneumonia.

However, she noted that he has kept a positive outlook on life even until the point of his death.

He is popularly known for songs such as Searching In The Hills, which he recorded in 1974 at age fourteen; Nah Give Up; Lost Me Sonia; Rocking Dolly; Good Life; Tune In; She Love Me Now; Holy Mount Zion; Hurry Up And Come; and Barack Obama, which he recorded in support of the then US presidential candidate, who subsequently won the elections.

He was also known for socially conscious songs addressing issues such as the prison industrial complex and the Gulf War.

Cocoa Tea was one of many vocalists who emerged from the dancehall explosion of the early 80s in Jamaica. His honeyed voice and smooth vocals brought him a wealth of traction and have left an indelible mark in the reggae fraternity.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness also took to his social media to extend condolences to the late singer’s family, friends, and supporters.

“Beyond his musical genius, Cocoa Tea was a beacon of kindness and generosity, consistently uplifting the less fortunate and embodying the warmth of our nation. Cocoa Tea’s influence extended beyond our shores, touching hearts worldwide and solidifying Jamaica’s place on the global stage,” Holness said.

Coco Tea was born on September 3, 1959, in Rocky Point, Clarendon, and is survived by his wife, Malvia, and eight children.