When was Cocoa Tea diagnosed with cancer? Health struggles explored as Reggae icon passes away

Colvin Scott, better known by his stage name Cocoa Tea, died on Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The reggae legend died after suffering a cardiac arrest.

His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed the news of his death to The Jamaica Gleaner. She revealed that the singer was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019 while he was battling with pneumonia for the last six months. She told the newspaper:

“I got a call early this morning to say that he had been transferred from the facility to the hospital ... which is like five minutes away ... because he was vomiting. He was initially diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, but for the last six months he was also struggling with pneumonia.”

Amidst his health-related struggles, the singer's death was falsely reported last year. His family had to come forward and deny the rumors. Malvia Scott spoke to The Jamaica Gleaner, confirming that the musician was alive but hospitalized.

Cocoa Tea was 65 when he passed away in a Florida hospital

The Jamaican reggae legend was admitted to hospital three weeks back. On March 11, 2025, the I Lost My Sonia singer suffered a cardiac arrest at around 4:46 a.m., The Jamaica Gleaner reported. Scott was 65 at the time of his death, and according to his wife, he maintained a positive attitude throughout:

“He [Colvin Scott] was definitely very brave… He was positive throughout it all.”

She continued:

“About three weeks ago when he was admitted in the hospital he asked if I was worried and I said 'I am always worried'. He told me not to worry because everything was going to be all right. He was always very hopeful.”

Tributes pour in as Cocoa Tea passes away

Many remembered Colvin Scott on social media after the news of his death broke out:

“Rest in power, Cocoa Tea. Your voice and music will always be remembered. ❤️💛💚🕊️,” a user posted.

“RIP Cocoa Tea. Just like you sang, ‘Holy Mount Zion I’m coming home to you’ #RipCocoaTea,” another user shared a video of the singer.

“My dad favorite reggae artistes are among the stars with him now. RIP to all of them. #cocoatea #DennisBrown #Ferry,” someone shared on X.

“R.I.P. to one of the greatest COCOA TEA - Condolences to his family! A true gentleman, voiced many dubplates & recently a 45 single “Weh ya gone”. The reggae dancehall community will truly miss the great voice of Cocoa Tea, but his music and memories will live on forever !,” another one penned a heartfelt tribute.

The Muranga County (Kenya) governor, Irungu Kang'ata, penned:

""Poverty is what is causing the crime. ..75% of the people are living in Poverty. 25% living in luxury." "Barrack Obama" "Hurry up and come" Rest in peace Cocoa Tea. Good music and joy we got listening to your conscious music.”

At the same time, Andrew Holness (the prime minister of Jamaica) also extended his condolences to Colvin Scott’s family. He described the late singer as “a beacon of kindness and generosity.” Holness highlighted the singer’s illustrious and influential career in his Instagram post.

For the unversed, Scott began his singing career in 1974, at the age of 14, but didn't find any success. The Rocking Dolly singer resumed his music career almost a decade later with the Volcano label and found success during the 1980s and 1990s. He is survived by his wife, Malvia Scott, and eight children.

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Edited by Amey Mirashi