Cocoa Tea: The Voice of Reggae and the Legacy of Musical Rights
- Fenx Nette
- Mar 15
- 3 min read
There are voices in reggae that come and go—seasonal hits, flashes of inspiration—but then there are voices like Cocoa Tea’s: eternal, timeless, and revolutionary. Cocoa Tea wasn’t just another reggae artist; he was a spiritual force wrapped in melody, a guiding light of love, justice, and consciousness. His music wasn’t just a soundtrack—it was a movement. And now, with his passing at 65, the reggae world mourns the loss of one of its most influential and spiritually profound voices.
I remember the first time I heard “Rikers Island.” Cocoa Tea’s smooth yet haunting delivery sent chills through my spine. He didn’t just sing about crime and incarceration—he gave it a heartbeat. He wasn’t glorifying the streets; he was warning us. Through his music, he claimed his place as not just a voice for reggae, but as a protector of culture and rights. He understood what it meant to tell the truth through music and still hold ownership over that truth.
The Art of Reserving Rights in Music
Cocoa Tea didn’t just create music—he protected it. In an industry where so many artists were stripped of their rights and robbed of their legacies, Cocoa Tea stood firm. He made sure his work was tied to his name, his story, his truth. Tracks like "Barack Obama" and "Good Life" weren’t just music—they were cultural timestamps, proof of his place in history.
That’s why his passing hits differently. He fought for his place in the music industry—not with lawsuits or contracts—but with authenticity. He knew the power of keeping control over his sound, his message, his legacy. That’s why "Pirates Anthem" with Shabba Ranks and Home T still stands as a rebellious anthem to this day. He claimed his music as a form of resistance, a reminder that reggae was born from struggle and survival.
In many ways, Cocoa Tea embodied what Bob Marley meant when he sang "Get Up, Stand Up." Cocoa Tea stood up for reggae’s identity, even when industry politics and commercial forces tried to water it down. He never lost sight of reggae's roots—the call for liberation, truth, and spiritual awakening. And he made sure his music remained his own.
5 Cocoa Tea Songs That Changed Everything
If you want to understand why Cocoa Tea’s influence runs so deep, start with these five tracks:
Rikers Island – This is not just a song—it’s a social commentary wrapped in melody. Cocoa Tea’s ability to speak to the struggles of marginalized communities while encouraging change remains unmatched.
Young Lover – Love songs can feel overdone, but Cocoa Tea made romance feel fresh and genuine. His silky delivery and timeless melodies turned this into an anthem for young hearts.
Barack Obama – This track wasn’t just about Obama’s presidency; it was about the global shift in consciousness. Cocoa Tea channeled the hope and pride of an entire generation into this track.
Good Life – Happiness isn’t always easy to find, but Cocoa Tea reminded us that it’s possible. His smooth delivery over an uplifting rhythm still brings peace to any listener.
Love Me Truly (feat. Shabba Ranks) – The chemistry between Cocoa Tea and Shabba is electric here. It’s the perfect blend of roots reggae and dancehall energy—proof that Cocoa Tea could cross genres without losing his essence.
Rest In Power God Sent Musical Angel: @cocoateaspeaks #cocoateaspeaks #cocoateaog
A Legacy That Lives On
Even though Cocoa Tea is no longer physically with us, his music remains a living spirit. He taught us that music isn’t just about sound—it’s about ownership, truth, and legacy. In a world where industry sharks are quick to exploit artists, Cocoa Tea showed us that you can hold onto your art without compromising your soul.
Cocoa Tea’s music was a spiritual guide—a prayer set to rhythm. From "Israel’s King" to "I Lost My Sonia," his catalog is a reminder that reggae isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about being good to yourself and your community.
As a music soul coach and a child of the remix culture, I see Cocoa Tea’s influence everywhere. His dedication to truth in music is what drives movements like #ReloadedRemixUp. Just like Bob Marley’s "Get Up, Stand Up," Cocoa Tea’s music urges us to rise—not just for the beat, but for the message behind it.
Cocoa Tea wasn’t just a reggae legend—he was a guardian of music’s soul. His voice may be gone, but his message remains louder than ever. So to Cocoa Tea—thank you for standing up, for teaching us how to fight for our music, and for proving that love and truth are the only things that can’t be stolen.
Rest easy, legend. Your music lives on. 🌿🔥
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