Original Koffee
Mikayla Victoria Simpson, known professionally as Koffee (born February 16, 2000), is a Jamaican singer, songwriter, rapper, guitarist, and DJ recognized for her reggae and dancehall-influenced music that blends traditional roots with modern elements.[1] Raised in Spanish Town, Jamaica, she began performing in church choirs as a child, learned guitar at age 12, and started writing lyrics by 14, drawing inspiration from artists like Bob Marley and Chronixx.[2] Koffee rose to international prominence in 2017 at age 17 with her acoustic track "Legend," a tribute to Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt that gained widespread attention after Bolt reposted it on social media.[3] Her debut EP, Rasta (2019), earned critical acclaim and commercial success, leading to a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2020, making her the youngest winner and first woman in the category's history.[1] This achievement highlighted her role in revitalizing reggae for younger audiences through self-produced tracks emphasizing empowerment, spirituality, and cultural pride.[2] In 2022, Koffee released her debut studio album Gifted, which she executive produced, showcasing her versatility across collaborations with artists like Sampha and Gunnas and addressing themes of personal growth amid global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] Her independent approach to production and avoidance of major label constraints underscore a commitment to artistic control, contrasting with industry norms that often prioritize commercial formulas over genre authenticity.[3] Koffee's influence extends to global tours and endorsements, positioning her as a key figure in reggae's contemporary evolution.[2]Early life
Childhood in Spanish Town
Mikayla Simpson, professionally known as Koffee, was born on February 16, 2000, in Spanish Town, Jamaica, a town situated about 30 minutes west of Kingston.[4] [2] She grew up in the Eltham View neighborhood, raised primarily by her single mother, a hardworking woman who occasionally worked as an actress for the Ministry of Culture; her father had emigrated to New York when Simpson was still a baby.[1] [5] [6] Despite Spanish Town's reputation for high crime rates and gang violence during the early 2000s, Simpson later characterized her upbringing as sheltered, attributing this to her mother's strict adherence to Seventh-day Adventist principles, which emphasized religious observance and limited exposure to secular influences.[7] [2] Her family attended church regularly, where she participated in the choir from a young age, marking her initial immersion in music through gospel hymns and communal singing rather than the dancehall or secular reggae prevalent in the surrounding area.[8] [7] This church-centered environment fostered early discipline and creativity, though Simpson has noted the contrast between her insulated home life and the broader socio-economic hardships of Spanish Town, including poverty and limited opportunities that prompted many residents, like her father, to seek better prospects abroad.[1] [6] Her mother's resilience in providing stability amid these conditions instilled values of gratitude and focus, which Simpson credits for shaping her worldview.[7]Family background and upbringing
Mikayla Simpson, known professionally as Original Koffee, was born on February 16, 2000, in Spanish Town, Jamaica, a town located just outside Kingston.[4] She was raised primarily by her single mother in the Eltham View neighborhood, as her father had relocated to New York during her early childhood, leaving the family unit headed by her mother alone.[1] [6] Her mother, described as hardworking and devoutly Christian—specifically a Seventh-day Adventist—worked for the Ministry of Health and occasionally acted, instilling a sheltered and church-centered upbringing in Simpson.[7] [1] This religious environment profoundly shaped her early years, with Simpson participating in church activities from a young age, including singing in the choir, which provided her initial exposure to music and performance.[4] [8] The one-parent household emphasized discipline and faith, contributing to a protected childhood amid the challenges of Spanish Town's urban setting, though specific details on socioeconomic conditions remain limited in public accounts.[7] [9] Her mother's influence extended to fostering gratitude and focus, values Simpson has credited in interviews as foundational to her personal development.[4]Musical beginnings
Initial forays into music and guitar skills
Mikayla Simpson, professionally known as Koffee, first engaged with music through singing in her local church choir during childhood, which fostered her vocal skills amid a conservative religious upbringing.[7][10] At age 12 in 2012, Simpson began self-teaching herself acoustic guitar without formal instruction, marking her initial hands-on foray into instrumental music.[11][12][13] Two years later, around age 14, she discovered contemporary Jamaican reggae through artists like Chronixx, prompting her to learn and play their songs on guitar, including Protoje's "Who Knows" as one of her first pieces.[12][14] While attending high school in Kingston, Simpson supplemented her self-directed guitar practice by studying music theory and vocal techniques formally through the school's choir program, building foundational skills that blended her church-rooted singing with emerging instrumental proficiency.[10][4]Debut releases and local recognition (2017–2018)
In 2017, at age 17, Koffee released an acoustic rendition of her original song "Legend," a tribute to Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt following his retirement from competitive racing, which rapidly gained viral traction on Instagram and other social media platforms within Jamaica.[15][6] The track, performed solely with vocals and guitar, showcased her songwriting skills and contributed to early online buzz among local audiences.[16] Later that year, on October 13, 2017, Koffee issued her debut single "Burning" on Upsetta Records' Ouji Riddim, a production featuring contributions from veteran Jamaican artists like Busy Signal and Luciano.[17][18] The song, with its heavy bassline and lyrics emphasizing inner fire and perseverance amid personal setbacks, secured widespread rotation on Jamaican radio stations, marking her entry into the island's reggae scene.[1] This release amplified her visibility, as evidenced by performances such as her appearance at the Wickie Wackie Festival in December 2017, where she delivered live renditions that resonated with local crowds.[19] By early 2018, Koffee's profile had risen sufficiently for collaborations and stage shares with established figures, including a January performance alongside Cocoa Tea at the Rebel Salute festival and appearances with Protoje and Chronixx.[1][20] These opportunities reflected growing word-of-mouth acclaim in Jamaica, positioning her as an emerging talent in the reggae revival movement before broader international exposure.[20]Rise to international prominence
Breakthrough with "Toast" and Rapture EP (2018–2019)
In November 2018, Koffee released the single "Toast" on November 15, marking a pivotal breakthrough in her career.[21] The track's official music video, uploaded the following day, amplified its reach through viral online engagement and performances.[22] "Toast" topped the Billboard Reggae Digital Sales chart for 18 consecutive weeks, establishing Koffee, then 18 years old, as the youngest artist to achieve this milestone.[23] It also reached number one on the Billboard Reggae Songs chart.[24] In the United Kingdom, "Toast" peaked at number 70 on the Official Singles Chart and remained on the chart for 17 weeks.[25] Capitalizing on the single's success, Koffee issued her debut extended play Rapture on March 14, 2019, via Promised Land Recordings in partnership with Columbia Records.[26] The five-track project included "Toast," the title track "Rapture," "Blazin'" featuring Jane Macgizmo, "Throne," and "Raggamuffin," blending reggae rhythms with dancehall and rap elements rooted in Jamaican traditions.[26] Rapture debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart, holding the position for an extended period and totaling 32 weeks on the chart, with Koffee again noted as the youngest artist to top the ranking.[27] It simultaneously claimed the top spot on the iTunes Reggae Chart globally.[27] The EP's commercial performance, driven by streaming and sales data, underscored Koffee's rapid ascent, with "Toast" contributing over half a million Shazams across more than 190 countries by mid-2019.[28] Rapture received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album in November 2019, highlighting its critical reception despite the project's concise format being classified as an album for award eligibility.[29] These achievements shifted Koffee from local Jamaican recognition to broader international attention, setting the stage for major label deals and global tours.Signing with Columbia Records and early collaborations
In October 2018, Koffee signed a recording deal with Columbia Records UK, shortly after the viral success of her single "Toast" earlier that year.[30][31] The 18-year-old artist's contract was confirmed by Columbia UK president Ferdy Unger-Hamilton, who highlighted her exceptional talent and potential for global appeal in reggae and related genres.[30] This deal marked a pivotal step in her transition from independent Jamaican releases to major-label backing, enabling broader international distribution through Sony Music affiliates.[32] The signing facilitated the production and release of her debut EP Rapture on March 14, 2019, under Columbia, featuring five tracks produced by a team including Lasanna "Ace" Harris, EchoSlim, and IzyBeats, though primarily showcasing Koffee's solo performances.[3][33] Early collaborations following the deal emphasized crossover opportunities; notably, on November 26, 2019, Koffee released "W," a genre-blending single featuring American rapper Gunna, which peaked at number 37 on the UK Singles Chart and amassed millions of streams, signaling her expansion into hip-hop-infused reggae fusion.[2] Additional 2019 features included her appearance on the remix of "Cyanide" by BoyBoy West Coast, further demonstrating her versatility in blending Jamaican roots with international urban sounds.[34] These initial partnerships leveraged Columbia's resources to position Koffee for wider audiences while preserving her core reggae-rap style.[32]Established career and major works
Gifted album and Grammy recognition (2020–2022)
Following her Grammy win for Rapture in 2020, Koffee utilized the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns as an opportunity for personal and artistic growth, which informed the creation of her debut studio album Gifted.[3] The period allowed her to rest, reflect, and refine her sound without external pressures, leading to a project emphasizing self-confidence and progressive roots reggae.[3] Released on March 25, 2022, via Promised Land Recordings, Columbia Records, and RCA Records, Gifted comprises 10 solo tracks blending reggae, dancehall, Afrobeat, neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop elements.[35] Key producers included JAE5 on "Pull Up" and Frank Dukes, with mixing by Andre "Dre Day" Ennis on select cuts like "West Indies."[36][37] The album's tracklist features introspective and uplifting songs such as "Shine," "Gifted," "Run Away," "Where I'm From," "West Indies," and "Lockdown," addressing themes of positivity, identity, and resilience.[35] Standouts like "Lockdown" reflect pandemic-era experiences, while "West Indies" asserts Caribbean pride with contributions from Jamaican musicians.[2] Total runtime is approximately 28 minutes, prioritizing concise, vibe-driven compositions over guest features to showcase Koffee's solo prowess.[38] Commercially, Gifted debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart with 3,500 equivalent album units in its first week, driven primarily by streaming rather than physical sales.[39] By late 2022, it emerged as the most streamed new reggae album of the year in the US, underscoring Koffee's appeal in digital platforms despite modest initial sales figures.[40] Critically, Gifted received acclaim for its eclectic energy and Koffee's versatile delivery, earning an average Metacritic score of 78 across major publications—the highest for any Jamaican dancehall album to date.[41] Pitchfork praised its breezy uplift amid global uncertainty, The Guardian highlighted its commercial inventiveness without trend-chasing, and Rolling Stone noted Koffee's bewitching performances reinvigorating reggae for broader audiences.[42][43][44] Koffee's 2020 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album (Rapture)—making her the youngest winner and first woman in the category—provided foundational recognition that elevated her profile during the album's development, though no additional Grammy wins occurred by 2022.[3] This accolade, presented at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020, affirmed her status as a rising force in reggae, influencing expectations for Gifted as a sophomore statement.[45]Post-album releases and 2020s developments (2023–2025)
Following the release of her debut album Gifted in March 2022, Koffee received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023. She also led the 2023 International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) with seven nominations, including Entertainer of the Year and Best Album/CD.[46] Throughout 2023, she performed at festivals such as City Splash on May 29 and Bayfest on July 8, alongside a headline appearance at St. John Carnival Village.[47] In 2024, Koffee continued live engagements, including a set at Reggae Land on August 4.[47] Her album Gifted surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify by June.[48] During an August interview, she announced plans for a second studio album targeted for early 2025 release, describing it as a project reflecting personal growth.[49] Koffee marked her return to new music in 2025 with the self-titled single "KOFFEE" on April 29, produced by Marquis Abrahams and Carleene Samuels; the track features assertive lyrics positioning her as Jamaica's premier female artist.[50] She performed at Rototom Sunsplash on August 21 and Boomtown Fair in Winchester, UK, the same day.[51] In January 2025, she earned a nomination for Female Reggae Artist of the Year at the 3rd Annual MECA Awards.[52] As of October 2025, her sophomore album remained in development without a confirmed release date, following teasers from summer festival interviews.[53]Musical style and influences
Reggae roots, rap elements, and songwriting approach
Koffee's musical foundation is firmly embedded in reggae traditions, drawing from Jamaican icons such as Bob Marley, whose influence is evident in her sampling of "Redemption Song" on the track "X10" from her 2022 album Gifted.[2] Raised in Spanish Town, Jamaica, she absorbed reggae and dancehall sounds from an early age, supplemented by rhythms from Seventh-day Adventist Church hymns during childhood.[10] At age 12, she self-taught guitar to perform conscious reggae songs, emphasizing themes of social awareness and unity that echo reggae's historical dissent against injustice.[2] Contemporary revivalists like Chronixx and Protoje further shaped her commitment to progressive roots reggae, prompting her to record and preserve the genre's uplifting, ideologically driven ethos.[10][2] Her style incorporates rap-like elements through the singjay technique, a Jamaican hybrid of melodic singing and rhythmic deejaying or toasting, which infuses reggae backbeats with rapid-fire, patois-laden flows.[10] Tracks like "Shine" exemplify this with zealous rap delivery over traditional reggae instrumentation, while "Raggamuffin" features gritty, patterned vocal rhythms akin to hip-hop cadence.[2][10] On Gifted, she integrates such elements with dancehall, Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop, using choppy ad-libs for intensity, as in "Defend," to broaden reggae's appeal without diluting its core.[3] Koffee's songwriting process prioritizes introspection and narrative coherence, often starting with a beat's vibe to craft lyrics and melodies that span personal growth and societal critique.[3] She penned all ten tracks for Gifted during 2020's pandemic lockdown in Kingston, advocating mental preparation—"feed your mind"—to authentically express desired messages on issues like violence and positivity.[2][3] This yields intricate, rhythmically dense verses balanced by simpler, hook-driven choruses for global accessibility, as seen in her emphasis on impactful, conscious themes across the album.[2] She produced five tracks herself in a mobile studio, underscoring hands-on control in blending tradition with modernity.[2]Key influences from Jamaican music traditions
Koffee's engagement with Jamaican music traditions is rooted in reggae and dancehall, genres originating from the island's post-colonial sound systems and evolving from earlier forms like ska and rocksteady in the 1960s. Her early exposure came through family, particularly her mother's collection of CDs featuring dancehall pioneers such as U-Roy, known for his deejay toasting style over riddims, and Shaggy, whose fusion of reggae with pop elements influenced her rhythmic delivery and vocal versatility.[9] This foundation shaped her ability to blend singing with rapping, a hallmark of dancehall's oral tradition where artists improvise lyrics over bass-heavy beats developed in Kingston's studios during the 1970s and 1980s.[54] A pivotal influence was Protoje, whose conscious reggae album Ancient Future (2015) inspired Koffee at age 12 to borrow a guitar and compose her first lyrics, drawing her toward songwriting that emphasizes social awareness over slackness, a common dancehall trope.[55] Similarly, Chronixx's revivalist approach, blending roots reggae instrumentation like nyabinghi drums and one-drop rhythms with Rastafarian themes, captivated her after a conservative Seventh-day Adventist upbringing, redirecting her toward ideologically driven music akin to Jamaica's 1970s reggae golden era.[10] These modern artists, performing at events like Rebel Salute festival, connected her to traditional Jamaican sounds while performing alongside her, reinforcing her commitment to positive messaging in tracks like "Burning" (2018), which echoes dancehall's energetic flows but prioritizes empowerment.[6] Bob Marley's legacy permeates her work, evident in the opening sample of his acoustic "Redemption Song" (1980) on her debut album Gifted (2022), where she amplifies his themes of emancipation and resilience through contemporary production.[10] Marley, whose Wailers band standardized reggae's offbeat skank guitar and spiritual lyrics in the 1970s, set a benchmark for global reach that Koffee seeks to emulate, citing his positive impact as a model for her own aspirations in spreading uplifting Jamaican narratives.[56] This reverence for Marley's tradition of using music for social commentary, rooted in Jamaica's Rasta-influenced counterculture, underscores her departure from purely commercial dancehall toward a hybrid that honors empirical cultural continuity over fleeting trends.[57]Awards and achievements
Grammy wins and nominations
Koffee won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for her debut EP Rapture at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020, becoming the youngest recipient in the category's history at age 19 and the first woman to achieve the honor since its inception in 1985.[58][59] This victory marked a significant milestone for Jamaican reggae representation, as Rapture—a five-track release featuring only two explicitly reggae-oriented songs—prevailed over established competitors in a genre traditionally dominated by male artists.[60] In 2023, at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, Koffee received a nomination for Best Reggae Album for her debut studio album Gifted, released in March 2022, but did not win; the award went to Kabaka Pyramid's The Kalling.[58][61] This recognition underscored her continued prominence in reggae despite the album's blend of hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall influences, which some critics noted diverged from pure reggae traditions.[2] No further Grammy wins or nominations have been recorded as of October 2025.[58]Other honors and industry recognition
Koffee received the Single of the Year award at the Jamaica Music Industry Association's annual ceremony in 2018 for her breakthrough track "Toast".[8][62] At the 37th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held in 2019, she won Best Female Vocalist and Best Young Entertainer, recognizing her emerging prominence in the genre.[63] In December 2019, Koffee was honored with the Prime Minister's Youth Award for Excellence in Arts and Culture, presented by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness for her contributions to music as a teenager.[64] She has also earned nominations at the MOBO Awards, including Best Reggae Act in 2020, highlighting her international appeal within Black music origins.[65]Reception and cultural impact
Critical assessments of artistry and commercial viability
Critics have praised Koffee's artistry for revitalizing conscious reggae traditions through her blend of roots rhythms, rap-inflected delivery, and positive lyrical themes, positioning her as a bridge between classic Jamaican sounds and contemporary global appeal. Her debut EP Rapture (2019) received acclaim for its rhythmic innovation and melodic versatility, with Pitchfork noting it as "further proof of her talents" in mixing reggae elements that hint at broader potential.[66] Similarly, her full-length debut Gifted (2022) earned an average critic score of 78 across major publications, the highest for a Jamaican dancehall album in recent decades, lauded for its eclectic fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall, and pop while maintaining reggae's uplifting ethos.[41] The Guardian highlighted its "eclectic and appealing" qualities, crediting Koffee's songwriting for occupying a skillful space between genres without fully abandoning Jamaican roots.[43] However, some assessments critique aspects of her artistry as occasionally prioritizing accessibility over depth, leading to moments of stylistic dilution. In Gifted, tracks like "Run Away" were faulted for resembling "homogeneous AutoTune pop," suggesting an overreach toward broad audiences that undermines reggae's raw authenticity at its weakest points.[43] The New Yorker observed that while her work blends old reggae with modern influences effectively, strict adherence to any single strain would limit her, implying a tension between innovation and genre purism that risks alienating traditionalists.[10] NPR noted her emphasis on reggae and dancehall in Gifted as a deliberate counter to mainstream trends, but this choice underscores a niche focus that may constrain artistic experimentation beyond Jamaica's borders.[2] On commercial viability, Koffee's early breakthroughs demonstrate strong niche success within reggae's limited global market, bolstered by viral hits and awards. Her single "Toast" (2018) achieved smash status, driving Rapture to win the Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2020, making her the youngest recipient at age 19 and elevating her profile with major airplay across reggae, dancehall, and commercial radio.[10][67] Gifted amassed over 100 million streams on Spotify by mid-2024, reflecting sustained digital consumption despite reggae's marginal share of overall music revenues.[48] Billboard interviews emphasized her unique positioning in reggae's commercial landscape, where her positive messaging and genre-blending aided breakout visibility, though sustained mainstream crossover remains challenged by the format's dominance in streaming ecosystems favoring pop and hip-hop.[68] Assessments of long-term viability highlight both strengths and hurdles: her Grammy validation and streaming metrics indicate profitability in targeted markets, yet reggae's overall ecosystem—where 82.7% of Jamaican tracks garner under 1,000 streams annually—limits scalability without broader pop concessions. Critics like those in Crack Magazine argue Gifted avoids "obvious routes to megastardom," prioritizing artistic control over mass-market dilution, which sustains credibility but caps explosive commercial growth seen in more hybridized genres.[69] This balance has positioned her as a viable reggae ambassador, with Rapture's global traction proving early hits can yield enduring royalties, though post-2022 output slowdowns raise questions about momentum in a streaming-driven industry.[2]Influence on reggae genre and Jamaican youth
Koffee's emergence marked a resurgence of roots reggae within Jamaica's contemporary music landscape, where dancehall had dominated youth-oriented sounds since the 2000s. At age 19 in 2019, she spearheaded a wave of young artists returning to the conscious, socially aware lyrics and rhythms of classic reggae, blending them with modern production techniques.[8] Her debut EP Rapture (2019), featuring tracks like "Burning" with its calls for unity and gratitude, exemplified this hybrid approach, drawing from 1970s influences such as Bob Marley while incorporating rap-infused flows accessible to younger listeners.[6] This stylistic evolution helped reggae regain chart prominence in Jamaica, evidenced by Rapture topping local sales and streaming charts upon release.[4] Among Jamaican youth, Koffee's rapid ascent—from a Spanish Town native uploading freestyles online to international acclaim—served as a model for pursuing authentic, message-driven music amid pervasive urban violence and economic hardship. Her lyrics addressing state-of-emergency curfews and community resilience resonated in areas like her hometown, where she grew up witnessing socio-political tensions without direct exposure to gang activity.[70] By prioritizing positivity and activism over the explicit content prevalent in dancehall, she influenced peers to explore reggae's roots, as seen in her divergence from schoolmates' preferences for hip-hop and dancehall toward artists like Chronixx and Protoje.[4] This shift was amplified by her 2020 Grammy win for Best Reggae Album—the first for a woman and youngest recipient—elevating reggae's appeal to aspiring musicians under 25, many of whom cited her as inspiration for forming bands and writing socially conscious songs.[3] Koffee's impact extended to cultural messaging, promoting peace and self-reliance in a genre often critiqued for glorifying aggression. Tracks like "Toast" (2018), which celebrated national pride and went viral with over 10 million YouTube views by 2019, encouraged youth engagement with reggae as a tool for personal empowerment rather than escapism.[71] Her performances at events like Rebel Salute reggae festival further embedded her in youth circuits, fostering a subculture of "new roots" artists who prioritize lyrical depth over commercial dancehall formulas.[10] While mainstream media highlighted her as a reggae revivalist, independent analyses note that her influence remains concentrated among urban Jamaican teens seeking alternatives to gang-influenced narratives, with sustained streaming data from platforms like Spotify showing reggae's youth listenership rising 15% in Jamaica post-2019.[72]Controversies and criticisms
Backlash over collaborations and perceived cultural compromises
Koffee faced criticism from segments of the Jamaican music community for her 2023 collaboration with British singer Sam Smith and Canadian artist Jessie Reyez on the track "Gimme," particularly due to the song's sexually suggestive music video and Smith's openly queer identity, which some viewed as incompatible with conservative Jamaican cultural norms.[73] In the video, released on January 13, 2023, Smith appears in revealing attire emphasizing his posterior, while Koffee performs in a more subdued role amid steamy scenes filmed partly in Jamaica, prompting online comments accusing her of "selling her soul" for commercial gain and compromising Rastafarian-influenced values of modesty and resistance to Western "Babylonian" influences.[73][74] Jamaican producer Anju Blaxx, who helmed the track's production, defended the partnership by arguing that music transcends gender and orientation, but detractors contended it prioritized global appeal over authentic reggae roots and local sensibilities.[75] Her 2022 debut album Gifted drew similar scrutiny for incorporating pop and Afrobeats elements alongside traditional reggae, with critics arguing tracks like "Run Away" relied on Auto-Tune and generic structures to chase mainstream viability at the expense of her distinctive songwriting voice rooted in Jamaican traditions.[43] This perceived shift was attributed by some to pressures from her RCA Records deal, signed in 2018, which facilitated high-profile features but fueled accusations of diluting cultural authenticity for broader markets, echoing broader debates in reggae about commercialization eroding genre purity.[43] Prominent Jamaican selector Foota Hype amplified such concerns in early 2023 by publicly critiquing Koffee's evolving personal style and attire as overly influenced by Western trends, urging a return to more grounded representations of Jamaican identity.[76] Despite defenses from supporters emphasizing artistic evolution, these episodes highlighted tensions between Koffee's global ambitions and expectations from purists valuing uncompromised cultural fidelity.Disputes regarding label status and career sustainability
In March 2025, reports surfaced claiming that Grammy-winning artist Original Koffee (Mikayla Simpson) had been dropped by RCA Records USA, with sources at the label confirming her departure and attributing it to underwhelming commercial performance following her 2022 debut album Gifted.[77] These claims highlighted the challenges of sustaining international momentum in reggae, a genre with limited mainstream crossover, as RCA reportedly sought artists capable of broader pop or hip-hop integration rather than niche roots reggae.[78] However, Koffee's representatives and music executive Ferdy Unger-Hamilton, CEO of Promised Land Records, refuted the narrative, asserting that she was never directly signed to RCA; instead, Promised Land held a distribution agreement with RCA and Columbia Records (Sony Music affiliates) for her releases, allowing independent control while leveraging major-label infrastructure.[79][80] The dispute underscores ambiguities in artist-label relationships within the Jamaican music ecosystem, where distribution deals often masquerade as full signings in media narratives, potentially inflating perceptions of major-label security. Unger-Hamilton described the "dropped" reports as "nonsense," emphasizing ongoing independent operations and upcoming releases to counter speculation of career derailment.[81] Despite the clarification, the effective end of RCA's promotional support raised verifiable questions about resource access, as Gifted peaked at No. 134 on the Billboard 200 with modest sales under 10,000 units in its first week, failing to replicate the viral success of her 2018-2019 singles like "Toast."[82] Broader concerns over Koffee's career sustainability have intensified since her 2020 Grammy win for Best Reggae Album (Rapture EP), amid a three-year gap in major releases post-Gifted and perceived absences from public view. Industry observers noted her struggle to maintain visibility in a post-pandemic market favoring high-streaming genres, with Spotify streams for her catalog stagnating and licensing issues prompting a rebranding to "Original Koffee" on platforms.[83] Critics attributed this to overreliance on early hype without diversified output, as reggae's global appeal remains constrained—evidenced by only 0.5% of Billboard Hot 100 entries from the genre in the 2020s—compounding risks for artists like Koffee who prioritize authenticity over commercial adaptation.[84] In response, she released the self-titled single "Koffee" on April 29, 2025, signaling intent to reclaim narrative control independently, though skeptics question whether indie routes can sustain her trajectory without major-label marketing budgets exceeding $500,000 per campaign.[50]Public scrutiny of personal life and absences
Koffee's extended hiatus from music releases and public engagements, beginning around 2023, drew significant fan speculation and criticism regarding her personal circumstances and commitment to her career.[85] After her 2020 Grammy win and subsequent projects like the album Gifted, she released sparse material, including a 2023 collaboration, before largely withdrawing, prompting questions in online forums about potential contract disputes, mental health challenges, or personal priorities, though no verified details emerged from Koffee or her representatives.[86] This scrutiny intensified in April 2025 following the death of reggae veteran Cocoa Tea, when Koffee faced backlash for not attending his thanksgiving service on April 6 or burial two weeks later, events seen by some as obligatory for Jamaican artists honoring elders in the genre.[87] Critics on social media accused her of ingratitude, given Cocoa Tea's influence on younger reggae talents, with comments highlighting her prolonged absence from the island's music scene as evidence of detachment.[88] Her team responded promptly, stating they were unaware of the service details and emphasizing Koffee's respect for Cocoa Tea, but the episode fueled perceptions of her as aloof or disconnected from Jamaican roots.[87] Earlier incidents amplified concerns about her visibility, such as a March 2023 airplane altercation where, as an economy passenger, she was denied access to a first-class restroom, sparking brief media attention but no deeper personal revelations; Culture Minister Olivia Grange publicly assured that Koffee was "okay" amid the reports.[89] Rumors of hospitalization or relational issues circulated on platforms like YouTube, but lacked substantiation from credible outlets, remaining speculative amid her privacy on personal matters like family or relationships.[90] Koffee addressed her low profile indirectly through a May 2025 single release titled "Koffee," marking her return after the two-year break and signaling focus on artistic recharge rather than external pressures.[85]Discography
Studio albums
Koffee's debut and only studio album to date, Gifted, was released on March 25, 2022, through Promised Land Recordings and Columbia Records.[36] The project marked her first full-length release following the success of her 2019 EP Rapture, incorporating reggae roots with dancehall rhythms, R&B influences, and introspective lyrics addressing themes of personal growth, lockdown isolation, and resilience.[3] Self-produced in part during the COVID-19 pandemic, the album features contributions from producers such as Iotosh, Jae5, and Shy FX, with guest appearances limited to maintain its focused solo vision.[2] The tracklist includes:- "X10"
- "Defend"
- "Shine"
- "Gifted"
- "Lonely Toll"
- "Pull Up"
- "Lockdown"
- "Where I'm From"
- "Press Em'"
- "RSVP"
Extended plays
Rapture is the debut extended play by Jamaican singer Koffee, released digitally on March 14, 2019, through Promised Land Recordings and Columbia Records.[94] The five-track project blends reggae, dancehall, and roots influences, featuring singles such as "Toast" and the title track "Rapture".[95] Its track listing comprises: "Rapture", "Toast", "Blazin'" (featuring Jane Macgizmo), "Throne", and "Pressure Drop".[95] The EP marked Koffee's major-label entry following independent singles and propelled her international recognition, debuting at number one on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.[29] Rapture subsequently won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020, making Koffee the youngest winner and first woman in the category's history.[68] No additional extended plays have been released as of 2025.[96]Singles as lead artist
Koffee's debut single, "Burning", was released independently in 2017, marking her entry into the reggae and dancehall scene with lyrics reflecting personal resilience.[8] In 2018, she issued "Raggamuffin" as a 7-inch vinyl single via VPAL Music, showcasing her raggamuffin style.[97] That same year, "Toast" followed on November 15, gaining viral traction and later achieving platinum certification in the United Kingdom by 2023 for over 600,000 units sold.[98] [99] Subsequent releases included "W" on November 26, 2019, a crossover track featuring American rapper Gunna, which peaked at number 48 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Lockdown", issued in 2020, addressed pandemic isolation and appeared on her 2022 album Gifted.[100] [36] "West Indies" emerged in 2021 as a promotional single for Gifted, celebrating Caribbean heritage, while "Pull Up" followed in 2022 with production by JAE5.[36] In 2025, under the moniker Original Koffee, she released "KOFFEE" on April 29, signaling a return after a period of lower visibility.[101] This was accompanied by "Slow Burner" later that year, maintaining her focus on introspective reggae fusion.[102]| Title | Release year | Associated release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burning | 2017 | Non-album single | Debut independent release |
| Raggamuffin | 2018 | Non-album single | 7-inch vinyl via VPAL Music |
| Toast | 2018 | Rapture EP | UK platinum certification (2023) |
| W (feat. Gunna) | 2019 | Non-album single | Peaked at #48 on US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs |
| Lockdown | 2020 | Gifted | Pandemic-themed track |
| West Indies | 2021 | Gifted | Promotional single |
| Pull Up | 2022 | Gifted | Produced by JAE5 |
| KOFFEE | 2025 | Non-album single | First under Original Koffee moniker |
| Slow Burner | 2025 | Non-album single | Introspective reggae fusion |