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Reggae star Cocoa Tea has been flooded with tributes from the music world after his death aged 65.

Cocoa Tea – born Calvin George Scott in Jamaica in 1959 – died at a hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during the early hours of March 11 following a long health battle, according to his wife.

“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”, his wife Malvia Scott confirmed to the Jamaica Gleaner. “He was initially diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, but for the last six months he was also struggling with pneumonia”.

Malvia revealed that during his final months the reggae star remained in good spirits, sharing: “He was definitely very brave. He was positive throughout it all. 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”.

Following Cocoa Tea’s death, Jamaican Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange also spoke to the publication, and shared that she was “very saddened by the passing of Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea”.

Minister Grange added: “He has been a staple in the industry for so long. He is one of the greatest reggae singers who has ever lived and his work will stand the test of time. We salute him at this time… condolences to his family.

” It has been a pleasure working with him over these years and we are glad that we had the opportunity to give him some of flowers while he was here with us. May his soul rest in peace. “

On X, formerly known as Twitter, others rushed to honour Cocoa Tea – who started out in music aged just 14 and had hits including Rocking Dolly, Rikers Island, and I Lost My Sonia.

Many of Scott’s songs were attributed to influencing Jamaican culture and the youth, sharing his Rastafarian morals and encouraging young people to stay in education and work.

Grammy Award-winning reggae artist Morgan Heritage wrote:” May your light never fade away big brother. You now rest in Zion with the angels but we will never forget the moments we’ve shared beloved. Our condolences go out to your entire family. Long live the great legendary icon Cocoa Tea! “

The Wailers, who formed as a separate band following the death of member Bob Marley in 1981, shared:” Rest in power, Cocoa Tea. Your voice and music will always be remembered. “

David Rodigan MBE, known for his work on several BBC Radio stations, penned:” The Reggae world is mourning the loss of one of its finest voices, Cocoa Tea died this morning from cardiac arrest in Fort Lauderdale.

“He leaves behind a catalogue of classic recordings which will forever be played in the pantheon of great Jamaican music. RIP sweet Cocoa Tea”.

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Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson opened up about the one strict rule she has that ‘ offends a lot of people’.

Scarlett has a 10-year-old daughter called Rose from her relationship with Frenchman Romain Dauriac and a three-year-old son named Cosmo with her husband Colin Jost. In a new interview, she discussed setting boundaries as a public figure and why she keeps her children out of the spotlight.

Gracing the cover of InStyle’s March 2025 issue, she said the ‘ idea of being recognisable and celebrated feels fun’. However, she added ‘ then you can never stuff it back in the bottle’. The Lost In Translation star said: “The reality of it is, there’s a massive loss to]fame], you know? So I think preserving that for as long as possible until it’s someone’s choice, that’s the choice I make as far as my kids go”.

The 40-year-old Marvel star said she doesn’t take photos with fans when she’s ‘ not working’, which ends up ‘ offending a lot of people’. She said: “It really offends a lot of people. It doesn’t mean I’m not appreciative, of course, that people are fans, or happy to see me.

” But I always say to people, “I’m not working”. ‘ she explained of her policy not to take photos while off duty. ]And that means] I don’t want to be identified as being in this time and place with you. ‘ I’m doing my own thing. “

Scarlett clarified her love for interacting with fans during premieres and work events but wants her own time and privacy outside of it as she added how she ‘ doesn’t like being self-conscious’.

Earlier this month, Colin was grilled on Saturday Night Live when his co-stars poked fun at him for earning less than his superstar wife. SNL comedian Colin became the butt of a joke as he was joined by SNL co-star Mikey Day during a sketch about musical guest Lady Gaga.

In the skit in which Mikey was playing a character named Lord Gaga, he mocked Colin’s married life after he highlighted the overwhelming success of Gaga and her career. Noting her 14 Grammys and an Oscar, Mikey couldn’t resist firing a jab at the disparity between Colin’s earnings and that of his wife.

He quipped:” Can you imagine, Colin, a man whose wife makes more money than him? “- sparking laughter from the live studio audience. He continued to tease, asking:” Can you imagine? Oh, the shame he would feel! “Colin fixed a stern gaze at his co-star and then the camera, maintaining a poker face.

” Imagine, Colin, if I were sitting here on television behind this desk, staring at that camera, the world staring back at me knowing that my wife’s income dwarfs my own! I would die, “Mikey continued, as Colin struggled to suppress his laughter.

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