Koffee

Koffee: A Biography of the Reggae Prodigy

Mikayla Victoria Simpson, globally known as Koffee, is a phenomenal Jamaican reggae artist, songwriter, and guitarist. She has captivated the music world with her unique sound, positive messages, and powerful artistry. Her rise to fame as a young, trailblazing voice has revitalized modern reggae, introducing the genre to a new generation of listeners around the world.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Birth Name: Mikayla Victoria Simpson

Date Of Birth: February 16, 2000

Place Of Birth: Spanish Town, Jamaica

Born Mikayla Victoria Simpson on February 16, 2000, Koffee is a proud native of Spanish Town, Jamaica. Raised by a single mother, her childhood was centered around her home and church, where she was introduced to music through the church choir. She taught herself to play the guitar during her teenage years and began writing her own lyrics, inspired by reggae heavyweights like Protoje.

Koffee’s musical journey gained momentum after she wrote a heartfelt tribute to Jamaican Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt. The song, posted on Instagram in 2017, went viral and caught the attention of the legendary athlete, who shared it with his followers. This digital buzz was a key turning point in her career.

The Rise to Global Stardom and Breakthrough Success

The viral tribute led to wider recognition for the emerging artist. Her debut single, “Burning,” was released in 2017. A significant career milestone came when she performed at the renowned Rebel Salute festival in Jamaica in 2018, which further established her as a major new talent. She was subsequently signed to Columbia Records UK.

The year 2019 was a monumental period for Koffee. She released her debut EP, Rapture, which included the globally successful long-tail keyword track, Toast. The song’s uplifting lyrics and infectious rhythm turned it into an international hit. The RaptureEP also featured other popular songs such as “Throne” and “Raggamuffin”.

Grammy History and Career Statistics

Koffee’s debut EP made music history at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2020. At just 19 years old, she won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album for Rapture. This made her both the youngest person and the first woman to ever win in that category since its inception in 1985.

Key Statistics:

  • Grammy Wins: 1 (Best Reggae Album for Rapturein 2020).
  • Grammy Nominations: 2.
  • Most-Streamed Song: “Toast,” with over 211 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025.
  • Record Labels: Promised Land/Columbia Records.

Koffee’s discography showcases her versatility and lyrical prowess. Her work often blends classic reggae roots with pop, dancehall, and trap influences. Her songs carry a consistent theme of gratitude and empowerment, which is a major part of her brand as an artist.

Albums & EPs

  • Rapture (EP, 2019)
  • Gifted (Album, 2022)
  1. Toast
  2. W (feat. Gunna)
  3. Rapture
  4. Lockdown
  5. Pull Up
  6. West Indies
  7. Burning
  8. Raggamuffin
  9. Throne
  10. Pressure

Koffee’s Legacy and Continued Impact

The success of Koffee has helped shine a global spotlight on contemporary Jamaican music. Her positive message and groundbreaking achievements have inspired countless aspiring artists. She continues to evolve as a creative force, consistently working on new projects and showcasing her versatility. Although there have been recent reports of a change in her U.S. record label, her impact on the reggae genre is undeniable, and her future in music remains bright.