Messenger, Teacher, Humanitarian, Entertainer. COCO TEA is one of Reggae's most talented and versatile artistes. His smooth, easy-going vocal presentation (pre-recorded or live) have become his trademark, Earning him wide international acclaim; with songs like "Lost My Sonia" "Tune In " and "Rocky Dolly" becoming world anthems in Reggae land. Admired and respected for his fine conscious recordings, COCO TEA is also well known for his unwavering generosity and kindness for the less fortunate. Born, Calvin George Scott on September 3, 1959, in Rocky Pint, Clarendon, he was later schooled at the Savannah Primary School in Rocky Point and the Bustamante Junior Secondary School in Lionel Town. From the exposure gained by singing on church and school choirs, COCO TEA recorded his first song, "Searching In The Hills" in 1974. Only Fourteen years old and having other interests, Calvin had no plans have making music a career." Searching in the Hills" was far from a financial success, and the disappointment was keenly felt and Calvin took his mind off the music business for a while. The next Five years found COCO TEA first as a Jockey, and then as a Fisherman. It was during this time of fishing that he began structuring his music career, his training ground was the dancehalls, where he would test his lyrics on the various Sound Systems that came to play in his area. His success in the dancehalls strengthened his purpose and encouraged him to go further, so he began writing songs and training his voice. The final push came when Rashane his first child. His need for a steady livelihood plunged him into music full time. Two months after an impressive showing at a dance in December `83', COCO TEA journeyed to Kingston where he met Henry "Junjo" Lawes. `Who's the Champion' and his first big hit `Rocky Dolly' were the first products from what was to be successful union. These songs along with `Christmas Is Coming,' and `On Top Of The World' were all compiled, with Cocoa's next big hit, `I Lost My Sonia' to produce his first album by that name. In 1995, COCO accepted the Rastafarian faith. The conversion was reflected in his music, with songs like `Settle Down,' `Don't Be Shy,' 'Too Much Fussing And Fighting' and 'I've Gotta Love You,' '86 Flood,' `Highest Mountain,' `Tune In,' `Crying Time,' `Must unite' and `Come Again,' which he recorded for King Jammy's comprising his Fourth album, `Settle Down' (the others being, `Mr. Cocoa Tea' and `Come Again'). The single `Rikers IsIand' made it to No.1 in the United States and the U.K. and an album of the same name, his Fifth, was to follow. This album also included the hit single `One Woman Show.' `Oil Ting'-his most controversial recording done off the War in the Middle East was banned in England, (because of contents they claim had Prong sentiment) while it went to No. 1 in America. `Oil Ting' was followed by `No Blood For Oil,' `What's Gonna Happen After The War' and `Ruling Cowboy.' COCO TEA's Sixth album one called "Authorized," includes the hits `May Day,' `One Away Woman,' `Hunted- Wanted,' and 'Evaluation.' Several other singles have also been released, including `Bust Outta Hell' and `Kingston Hot' on the legendary Junjo Lawes Volcano label. COCO TEA has been performing all over the world since 1984, with extensive tours to the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Japan. Locally he remains a regular on all major concerts and has appeared on reggae's premiere event, Reggae Sunsplash every year since 1987,except 1989. He singled out his three most memorable performances to date; his first performance on Sunsplah on 1987, the other a show in Canada, where he performed for Two hours non-stop, and his land mark achievement, a performance in St. Croix, where he performed for 10,000 people in the pouring rain. COCO TEA earned his stage name, because of his love for ...?... you guessed, right-hot cocoa (cocoa tea as it called in rural Jamaica ). Sweet Sweet COCO TEA attributes his inspiration to Jah. His aim was to become a role model, a source of learning and inspiration - like the great Bob Marley, whom he so admires. As he puts it, `There is a lack of consciousness from what it use to be, it's (the music) becoming what it is not to be . If one of my songs can be remembered or quoted and be of inspiration or guidance to anyone, then I shall be forever happy with my contribution musically." An accomplished songwriter and performer, COCO TEA's list of No.1 songs both locally and internationally is impressive; they include: International Local I Lost My Sonia Who She Love (with Shabba Ranks) Come Again Bus Outta Hell Tune In Pope Up Form A line Two Young (Buju Banton) Eighteen And Over Good Life Rocking Dolly Pirates Anthem Rikers IsLand Oil Ting His Current album is "One Up" on the exterminator label and soon to be released, also for exterminator is "Good Life." COCO TEA determination and resilience, to his cause are noteworthy. Messenger, Teacher, Humanitarian, Entertainer and Reggae vocalist Extraordinaire are titles that fit comfortably on this artiste. Copyright © 1998/1999 Roaring Lion Music. All Rights Reserved.