Koffee Photo/Instagram
At 23 years old, Koffee has become a prominent representative of Jamaica's vibrant music culture on the global stage. The singer, songwriter and guitarist has also opened doors for young female artists in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Koffee, born Mikayla Simpson, introduces a fresh and unique sound that combines elements of reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop and promotes positive messages through her lyrics. The Grammy winner has collaborated with a range of artists and producers, bringing new perspectives and sounds to her music while expanding her reach and influence.
Captivating Audiences Worldwide
Koffee's stage presence is nothing short of captivating and exudes a natural charisma and energy that draws in audiences and holds their attention. Her performances are full of enthusiasm and passion, as she channels the positive messages of her music into her live shows to create an unforgettable experience.
The Reggae artist’s stage presence is bolstered by her powerful voice and confident delivery. She has a commanding presence on stage, moving with grace and purpose as she delivers her lyrics with precision and emotion.
Koffee also connects with her audiences on a personal level, often sharing stories and insights about her life and experiences between songs. This creates a sense of intimacy and rapport with her fans, making them feel like they are part of the performance.
Koffee performing "West Indies" live in Glastonbury in 2022.
Collaborations Helped Fuel Her Growth
Koffee's collaborations with other artists and producers have significantly expanded her reach. It has also helped to shape her unique sound by incorporating a range of influences from various genres and cultures. One notable collaboration was with Jamaican artist Govana on the song "Rapture Remix," which helped to introduce Koffee to a wider audience and cement her place in the dancehall scene.
The Grammy winner has also worked with international artists such as Ed Sheeran, J Hus, and Chronixx. Her collaboration with Ed Sheeran on the song South of the Border helped to bring her music to a global audience, and showcased her versatility by blending her reggae sound with pop and Latin influences.
In addition to collaborations with other artists, Koffee has also worked with several prominent producers, including Walshy Fire and IzyBeats. These collaborations brought new elements to her music. For example, her work with Walshy Fire has incorporated Afrobeat and dancehall influences, while her collaboration with IzyBeats has incorporated trap and hip-hop elements.
Political and Socially-Charged Lyrics
Koffee's lyrics often address political and social issues, reflecting her desire to use her platform to promote positive change. One of the recurring themes in her music is the need for unity and solidarity, both within Jamaica and across borders. She often addresses the struggles faced by marginalized communities, and calls for empathy and understanding as a means of overcoming division.
In her breakout hit Toast, Koffee sings about the importance of hard work, determination, and perseverance, highlighting the struggles faced by many in Jamaica who are working to achieve their dreams. The song's chorus, "gratitude is a must," emphasizes the importance of being grateful for what one has, even in the face of adversity.
Political and social commentary can be found in her song Pressure, which addresses the pressures faced by young people in society. She encourages her listeners to stay strong and true to themselves, while also calling for a more inclusive and supportive society that values diversity and individuality.
Koffee's lyrics demonstrate her commitment to using her music as a means of promoting positive change and inspiring hope and empowerment. Her messages of unity, self-love, and social justice resonate with audiences around the world, and have helped to establish Koffee as one of the most exciting new voices in reggae and dancehall.
Koffee’s Rise To The Top
Born and raised in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Koffee grew up in a musical household, with her mother and grandmother both singing in the church choir. She herself started singing at a young age and began writing her own songs as a teenager.
In 2017, Koffee caught the attention of music industry professionals with her acoustic cover of the reggae artist Protoje's Rasta Love. This led to her meeting with producer and artist manager, Walshy Fire of the group Major Lazer, who became a mentor to her and helped to guide her career.
Koffee's debut single, Burning, was released in 2017, followed byToast in 2018. Toast, which appeared on former US President Barack Obama’s playlist twice, became a viral hit, and its popularity helped to launch Koffee's career to new heights. The song's upbeat and positive message resonated with audiences around the world, and its success led to Koffee being signed to Columbia Records in the UK in 2019.
After joining Columbia Records, Koffee released her debut EP, Rapture, in March 2019 and received critical acclaim. It featured a blend of reggae, dancehall, and R&B influences, and showcased the rising artist’s unique sound and positive messages. The EP included the hit single "Toast," which became one of the biggest reggae songs of the year. In 2022, just three years after Rapture, Koffee released her first full-length LP Gifted, which was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
The music industry is a challenging and constantly evolving landscape. It can be difficult for young artists like Koffee to establish themselves and sustain success.
Despite being fairly new to the scene, Koffee’s success so far has been nothing short of phenomenal. She has won numerous awards and accolades for her music, including the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2020 for her EP Rapture. Koffee has also been nominated for several prestigious awards, including BET and MOBO Awards. Beyond her success in music, Koffee has also become a cultural icon and role model for young people across the Caribbean disapora and around the world.