Like Dorothy down a psychedelic yellow brick road, shining gold with each step, 18-year-old reggae singjay Koffee is charting her own path in the music industry. In almost a year, she has already become a local household name, with a steadily growing catalogue including songs like Ragamuffin, Burning and Toast - her latest single, produced by Walshy Fire of Major Lazer fame and iZyBeats.
On February 8, she will release her debut EP Rapture, by Colombia Records UK. On Tuesday night, Koffee, hosted a private listening session for the EP at Tuff Gong headquarters on Bell Road. In attendance were industry insiders such as; producer Teflon Zinc Fence songstress Jane MacGizmo, and dancehall artiste Govana.
Fans will be anxiously awaiting the five-song project from the artiste, who made her debut at last year's Rebel Salute, anchored by reggae veteran Cocoa Tea. For her performance, she was rewarded with an international record deal and a performance in a sold-out arena. Tonight, she returns to the stage with her own set. As she returns to where it all began, we caught up with her for Five Questions with ...
1. Which one of your songs has been your favourite so far?
Toast, most definitely, because of how inspirational I see it being to everyone. I see that people feel the song out there, and they really appreciate it.
2. How involved are you in the songwriting process?
So far, I've written all of my parts in the songs.
3. What has been the most memorable experience so far?
Being on stage with Chronixx in the UK. Him sell out an auditorium of 10,000 people. That was awesome for me.
4. What was your frame of mind after releasing 'Burning'?
It was mainly just hopes. I wasn't necessarily thinking, but I was hoping that success would come from it and that the music would reach people. It was just hopes in the beginning. No expectations.
5. What would you do if you weren't doing music?
I would be studying to become a pharmacist. That's what I was doing before.
Bonus: Rebel Salute. Are you looking forward to your return to the stage?
Definitely looking forward to Rebel Salute tonight to return to the stage with my own set ... . Give thanks.