Reggae musicians across Zimbabwe feel deep sadness after Jamaican singer Colvin Scott passed away. Known by his stage name Cocoa Tea, he died at 65 years old earlier this week. His music touched many local artists who remember how he shaped their musical journeys. The reggae community has started sharing stories about meeting him and listening to his songs for the first time.
People loved Cocoa Tea because he wrote amazing songs and performed with energy that pulled everyone into the music. Zimbabwe held a special place for him—audiences here connected with his peaceful messages and smooth voice. After his visit years ago, he became part of the musical fabric of Zimbabwe, making fans feel personally connected to him.
ReggaeBrunchZW Festival organizers plan to honor his memory through a special tribute called Classic Reggae Edition. This event happens on March 22 at Sherwood Golf Club in Mabelreign, Harare. Many local performers will play music celebrating his influence, including Mannex Motsi, Ras Caleb, Cello Culture, Transit Crew, House of Stone Band, and several others.
Festival leader Russel Mavudzi talked about losing such an important reggae voice. He said Cocoa Tea inspired countless Zimbabwean musicians after performing at the Lion Lager Beer Festival back in 2011. The festival will include a minute of silence plus special tributes from DJs, hosts, and musicians throughout the day. Mavudzi mentioned singers like Cocoa Tea rarely come along - his music reached across generations.
According to the Jamaican newspaper The Gleaner, doctors diagnosed Cocoa Tea with lymphoma six years ago. He stayed strong through his illness until his heart stopped. Malvia, mother to three of his children, described him as very brave during these health challenges. Before getting sick, he regularly played major festivals and captivated audiences with his melodic voice.
Born September 3, 1959, in Rocky Point, Clarendon, he first became famous in Jamaica around 1985. His early hits included songs like I Lost My Sonia and Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea. During the 1990s, his popularity spread worldwide with tracks such as Israel's King, Holy Mount Zion, and Rocking Dolly. Many remember when he released a song supporting Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign.
His music taught messages about faith in God and spreading love between people. Fans remember how he gave everything during performances, never holding back energy or emotion. He transformed simple ideas into beautiful music that stayed with listeners long after concerts ended. His creative talent made complicated feelings easy to understand through reggae rhythms and thoughtful lyrics.
People loved Cocoa Tea because he wrote amazing songs and performed with energy that pulled everyone into the music. Zimbabwe held a special place for him—audiences here connected with his peaceful messages and smooth voice. After his visit years ago, he became part of the musical fabric of Zimbabwe, making fans feel personally connected to him.
ReggaeBrunchZW Festival organizers plan to honor his memory through a special tribute called Classic Reggae Edition. This event happens on March 22 at Sherwood Golf Club in Mabelreign, Harare. Many local performers will play music celebrating his influence, including Mannex Motsi, Ras Caleb, Cello Culture, Transit Crew, House of Stone Band, and several others.
Festival leader Russel Mavudzi talked about losing such an important reggae voice. He said Cocoa Tea inspired countless Zimbabwean musicians after performing at the Lion Lager Beer Festival back in 2011. The festival will include a minute of silence plus special tributes from DJs, hosts, and musicians throughout the day. Mavudzi mentioned singers like Cocoa Tea rarely come along - his music reached across generations.
According to the Jamaican newspaper The Gleaner, doctors diagnosed Cocoa Tea with lymphoma six years ago. He stayed strong through his illness until his heart stopped. Malvia, mother to three of his children, described him as very brave during these health challenges. Before getting sick, he regularly played major festivals and captivated audiences with his melodic voice.
Born September 3, 1959, in Rocky Point, Clarendon, he first became famous in Jamaica around 1985. His early hits included songs like I Lost My Sonia and Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea. During the 1990s, his popularity spread worldwide with tracks such as Israel's King, Holy Mount Zion, and Rocking Dolly. Many remember when he released a song supporting Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign.
His music taught messages about faith in God and spreading love between people. Fans remember how he gave everything during performances, never holding back energy or emotion. He transformed simple ideas into beautiful music that stayed with listeners long after concerts ended. His creative talent made complicated feelings easy to understand through reggae rhythms and thoughtful lyrics.
