Koffee
Koffee (Mikayla Simpson, b. 2000) is a Jamaican reggae singer, songwriter, rapper, and guitarist who became the youngest—and first female—to win a Grammy for Best Reggae Album. Learn her journey, musical impact, philosophy, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Mikayla Victoria Simpson (born February 16, 2000), professionally known as Koffee (now “Original Koffee”), is a Jamaican musical talent who blends reggae, dancehall, and socially conscious lyrics in a style often called singjay (singer + deejay).
At a young age, she has broken records and redefined expectations in reggae music—winning a Grammy at 19 and becoming a leading voice of her generation. Her music is celebrated for its rhythmic vitality, lyrical depth, and balance of optimism and social reflection.
This article traces her early life, rise, musical contributions, influence, and wisdom captured in her most notable quotes.
Early Life and Family
Koffee was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, on February 16, 2000.
Her mother, who worked for Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and was sometimes an actress, also taught sexual education and body positivity to youth—roles that shaped Koffee’s awareness of social issues.
In her early years, Koffee sang in her church choir, drawing influence from her mother’s religious background.
She attended Ardenne High School in Kingston, Jamaica.
These formative years grounded her in a Jamaican cultural and social context—both the vibrancy of musical tradition and the challenges of community life—which would later echo in her music.
Musical Beginnings & Rise
Early Releases & Viral Moment
In 2017, Koffee released her first single, “Burning”, marking her formal entry into the music scene. “Legend” to Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. The video gained traction on Instagram and was reposted by Bolt himself, helping introduce her to a wider audience.
As attention grew, she released “Raggamuffin” (2018), a track that touches on gun violence and youth issues in Jamaica.
BBC Radio 1Xtra named her a “Hot for 2019” artist, and she began performing on international stages, collaborating with established Jamaican acts like Protoje and Chronixx.
“Rapture” EP & Grammy Milestone
In 2019, Koffee released her debut EP Rapture under Columbia Records. “Toast,” “Throne,” and “Blazin” and showcased her ability to blend reggae, dancehall, and melodic rap.
At the 62nd Grammy Awards in 2020, Rapture won Best Reggae Album, making Koffee the youngest person (19 years old) and the first female artist to ever win in that category.
Full-Length Album & Recent Developments
In March 2022, she released her debut full-length album Gifted, which expanded her sound palette and affirmed her growth as an artist.
After a period of relative quiet, in April 2025 she returned with a new single titled “Koffee”, signaling a reintroduction under the stage name Original Koffee.
Style, Themes & Influence
Musical Style
Koffee’s style is marked by a fusion of reggae, dancehall, melodic rap, and modern global influences.
Her voice is versatile—able to deliver smooth melodies, sing-jay rapid-fire sections, and introspective lyrics. Critics have praised her ability to shift between styles while retaining strong identity.
Lyrical & Thematic Focus
Much of Koffee’s music carries optimism, gratitude, and social consciousness.
She often references her Jamaican roots—her hometown, social realities, and cultural pride—in her visuals and lyrics.
Her approach blends entertainment with advocacy—she has said she wants her music to entertain while also highlighting issues and inspiring solutions.
Influence & Role in Modern Reggae
Koffee is often cited as part of a new wave in reggae—artists who push the genre’s boundaries while honoring its roots.
Her Grammy win opened new visibility for female reggae artists and signaled that the genre could evolve while preserving authentic messaging.
Notable Quotes
Koffee has shared insights through interviews and song lyrics. Here are selected quotes and lyrical lines reflecting her mindset:
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“With a lot of my music, it’s about entertaining people while highlighting problems in order to try and find a solution.”
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“I genuinely want to make the world a better place.”
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From her song Toast:
“Give thanks to the most high, there’s no limit for how much”
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In interview:
“Everything that I learned, Mommy taught me: things like giving thanks, being kind to others, and that beauty comes from within.”
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In reemergence:
“My comeback is just the next chapter in my story, staying true to roots but pushing forward.” (paraphrase based on her April 2025 single release)
These lines underscore her gratitude, rooted perspective, social awareness, and commitment to musical evolution.
Lessons from Koffee’s Journey
Koffee’s story offers several meaningful lessons:
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Start early, with authenticity. Her engagement with music from church choir to guitar learning gave her a foundation of authenticity.
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Leverage small moments. A simple video tribute (“Legend”) went viral and shifted her trajectory—showing how meaningful content can break barriers.
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Balance optimism with realism. She weaves hope into her music while not shying away from social issues—an effective blend.
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Cross genres, stay anchored. Her willingness to experiment musically has broadened her appeal, but she remains grounded in Jamaican musical traditions.
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Representation matters. As a young female artist in reggae, her successes challenge norms and expand possibilities for others.
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Growth isn’t linear. Her return in 2025 indicates that pauses in output don’t signal decline—they can precede reinvention.
Conclusion
From Spanish Town to global stages, Koffee (now Original Koffee) has become one of reggae’s most compelling voices. Her rhythmic versatility, lyrical depth, and commitment to message set her apart. Her journey reminds us that music can be both uplifting and incisive, and that youth, when matched with intent, can usher in meaningful change.
If you’d like, I can also produce a discography timeline, analysis of Gifted, or a comparison between Koffee and other rising reggae artists. Do you want me to generate one?