Cocoa Tea was born Calvin George Scott on September 3, 1959, in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Jamaica. Besides singing in church, Cocoa Tea was a racehorse jockey and fisherman. After moving to Kingston in 1983, he met and worked with producer Junjo Lawes, and later King Jammy.
Cocoa Tea is known for hits such as “Rocking Dolly,” “Ryker’s Island” and the 2008 ode “Barack Obama,” which became an Internet sensation. His latest single “Love Like Yours and Mine” and upcoming CD was produced by the singer’s own label, Roaring Lion Records. As part of a career that just keeps getting stronger, Cocoa Tea has been invited to perform in London for the 2012 Olympics.
When and where did you get started in the actual music business?
In Kingston, 1984.
Who were your early influences?
Bob Marley and Dennis Brown
What is your current project? Or what do you have planned?
I have a new album called Weh Di Reggae Deh, and I plan to tour the USA, Europe, and Japan later this year. Also doing some shows in the Caribbean.
Where is your largest fan base located, and why?
I would say Europe, Japan, Africa, and the USA.
What has been your most memorable career moment and why?
Playing to 100,000 people at Japansplash in 1991.
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What has been your biggest challenge professionally?
To find people who are willing to expose the good reggae songs on the radio nowadays
If you could collaborate with any artist, of any genre, who would it be and why?
Beyoncé, because I think we would have a really good blend, and I would like to hear her voice on a raw reggae rhythm with a rub-a-dub melody. I think that would rock the world.
If you only had time left to perform one last song, what would it be and why?
It would be a song designed to unite the world, because I think for too long this world has been divided on racial lines. Its time that we, as a people, try to emulate the great Bob Marley, who tried his best to show the world that we can live together, side by side in peace and harmony without all these wars and divisiveness.
If you could change one thing in the reggae music business, what would it be and why?
The mentality and thoughts of the young.
Here’s your chance to thank someone who has been instrumental in your career, who would that be and why?
My mother, for raising me without a father who for all those times was still alive. And my wife, for being there as a mentor and in full support of me through all my ups and downs, and most of all, for being a very good mother for my children.
Tell us one thing about yourself that your fans do not know.
That I am an ardent lover of health and fitness awareness.
