Mikayla Victoria Simpson, better known as KOFFEE, is a new rising star out of Jamaica representing a new generation of reggae, roots and culture. As of this writing, she only has 3 songs to her catalog, but it’s not hard to recognize talent that is undeniable. She may be the youngest artist we’ve ever covered as she turns 18-years-old on Feb. 16th.
“I want to make a better world for the generation that’s coming up, to promote love and peace, and even though I’m young, I feel that the Creator has blessed me with talent and wisdom to get the job done,” Koffee states.
For her, it all started at Church singing in the congregation and youth choir. In August 2017 she posted an acoustic video of her singing a tribute to Usain Bolt in the song “Legend.”
She first showed up on our radar in October 2017 when she released her first official single, “Burning,” that was accompanied by a music video. The song is her interpretation over the Ouji Riddim and debuted on a mixtape that included Busy Signal, Mykal Rose, Lutan Fyah, Luciano and more. Koffee tells The Pier: “‘Burning’ was influenced from a disappointing experience I had and I decided I wasn’t gonna give up. That’s why the song says ‘Nuttn Cyah Out my flame, Nuttn, cyah quench, cyah cool it cyah Tame.'”
She’s been working with Upsetta Records, Frankie Music, Walshy Fire and Roe Summers in developing her music. Her second official single, “Raggamuffin,” dropped on Jan. 19th via Frankie Music & VP Records. Koffee tells us that the song “wasn’t initially intended to be a song. My manager, Caniggia Palmer, just asked me to write a freestyle and we would vibe it in the studio and that’s all I did, but I give thanks.”
Koffee has an established and polished presence with a youthful energy sparked by her faith. From singing soulfully and melodically, as heard on “Legend,” to bubbling lyrical freestyle rhymes in a dancehall style as displayed on “Raggamuffin,” we’re captivated by the potential of this young woman. She has plans to release more singles in 2018 and we were advised that we should be on the look out for a mix-tape that’s coming soon.
Stay tuned and in the meantime, you can pick up her music on iTunes by clicking HERE!
Watch: Koffee – “Burning”
Related Links:
Koffee Facebook
Article By: Mike Patti
Listen: Koffee – “Raggamuffin”
Watch: Koffee – “Legend” (Usain Bolt Tribute)