BY RICHARD JOHNSON
Observer senior reporter—

Veteran reggae singer Cocoa Tea is sending out a message of encouragement to young artistes and those looking on from the sidelines with the hope of making a step into the music business, to be consistent and produce music of a high quality in order to have longevity.

The man from Rocky Point in Clarendon used himself as an example, noting that without having a current hit or a song on the charts, he is still able to command the attention of promoters and audiences worldwide.

He explained that this past summer he spent a total of 10 weeks on the road playing all the major reggae festivals on both sides of the Atlantic.

“The summer was great. I did six weeks in the United States and a month in Europe. I played all of the big festivals this year. I did Sierra Nevada Music Festival in California, Reggae in the Desert, Hollywood Bowl Festival, Rottotom Sunsplash, Summerjam, Reggae Geel — all the major festivals. It was truly another wonderful summer for me. I just have to give thanks to the promoters who keep asking Cocoa Tea to be on their shows and festivals, as well as the fans who keep coming out in their numbers to support me and my music.”

“It’s just like Beres Hammond; we have done a body of work that people can relate to. That’s why I always implore all the young artistes: do good work and good songs, because it will precede you. It will live long after you are gone once it is of a particular standard. Look at the great Bob Marley — the man is in his grave and still selling platinum. That happens because of the work you have done. What is it about Cocoa Tea? I believe in putting out music so that both the younger and older generations can relate to I man. The music is there and the music is always good. Once the music is good, everyone relates to good music,” added Cocoa Tea.

Come April of next year Cocoa Tea joins a strong roster of acts who have been booked to perform on the third annual Love and Harmony Cruise.

 

As a fisherman, Cocoa Tea, told the Jamaica Observer that being on the sea is very familiar territory, and therefore accepting the intivation from the organizers of the cruise was like second nature.

“The feeling was great to be asked to play this cruise. Once is love and harmony I was one it. In this time we have to embrace love and harmony … what else can we do in Jamaica right now because lately that has been missing. Mi tell dem already that when it come to sea, a my place… me a fisherman. Every singer, every entertainer will have to bring their A-game because the fish dem used to me; every fish inna di sea know me,” he said.

The 59-year-old was born Calvin Scott and rose to prominence in the 1980’s and 90’s. He is best-known for tracks such as Rikers Island, Good Life, Hurry Up and Come, I Lost My Sonia and 18 and Over.