Koffee Rebuffs Critics Over Her Style Of Dress, Gets Grand Homecoming

Koffee has been keeping busy since her historic Grammy win. Since returning to her home, Jamaica she has been travelling the island sharing her whirlwind experience. She’s also been showered with deserved praise.

She met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and other government officials at Jamaica House, where she was given a warm hug by PM Holness before she was presented with a streamertail hummingbird shadow box from local artisan Antillean Charm. Holness said he believed that Koffee (Mikayla Simpson) would be the next big reggae ambassador.

Holness Tweeted: “This Afternoon, I received a courtesy call from @originalkoffee. I am extremely proud of Koffee’s historic achievement; having someone as youthful and creative as her with such powerful melodies that are appealing to everyone is impeccable for our music and culture.”

This Afternoon, I received a courtesy call from @originalkoffee.

I am extremely proud of Koffee’s historic achievement; having someone as youthful and creative as her with such powerful melodies that are appealing to everyone is impeccable for our music and culture. pic.twitter.com/CQfPOAHX2P

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) February 3, 2020

At her press briefing after her arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport, on Monday evening, she explained her choice of wear at the 62nd Grammy’s, which was a black-and-white Thom Browne three-piece suit and shoes to match was made based off feeling.

“I wanted an outfit I knew I could wear all day, still feel good and confident in, and that suit represented that for me after I tried a few. I am a person who dresses to be comfortable; I did not allow the Grammy Awards name and won’t allow the title to stop me from doing that,” she said.

Koffee’s mother, Jo-Anne Williams, who has been her most avid supporter, and the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange were in attendance.

Minister Grange said: “I’m really very happy to welcome Koffee home after she made history as the first female solo Reggae artiste to win the Grammy. I’m as excited as when I was Shabba Ranks’ manager and we won the Grammy. I feel so good about Koffee’s success.”

Grange added that she always knew that Koffee was destined for greatness and that she admired her humble style.

“She performed for Usain Bolt and, for the first time, had major exposure at the national level [and] the rest is history. She has just moved from success to success and what is so beautiful about her — she’s young, she’s bright, and she’s humble,” said Minister Grange.”

Koffee stuck to her unique style and sported a black Abercrombie and Fitch sweatshirt, shorts, and a pair of black socks and slippers.

“If persons didn’t like the look, it simply means they would not wear it if they were the ones invited to the Grammys, so that’s good for them. I don’t have a word to say to the critics, I never want to bash them. They do what they want or don’t want to, but I know I do and go with whatever I feel like in that given time or place. It helps me to be unique, without conforming or fitting myself into certain boxes.”

She also shared about her recent experience at the inaugural Viewtopia Music Festival in Miami for the Super Bowl two days ago.

“It was a great experience …. The excitement and vibes building up to the event. There was no intimidation to perform, but performing with artistes with high leverage and platforms inspires me to build my set some more and performance skills to get to their level,” she said.

She added that after all was said and done it was back to business for her.

“We got up and went to a photoshoot …. I had to go to work. That’s what my life is and I have come to grasp it for what it is and appreciate it,” she said.

She also gushed about how happy she feels that Jamaicans have been showing her nothing but love.

“I am elated to be so strongly supported by my country. I am thankful for the continuous push and motivation from my fellow Jamaican people. This has been an honour and the accomplishment makes me look forward to doing more. It motivates to inspire other youth and to highlight us as a country and put us on greater platforms as I go along in my career.”

She revealed that the news of NBA superstar, Kobe Bryant, put a dimmer on her day.

“It was already a gloomy morning. That news changed the entire mood and we went about all we had to, but it was quite an experience to be in LA on that day.” Even though it was a difficult day, she was still excited when the time came.

“I kept on saying, ‘The reggae category is coming up.’ Expecting them to call the name of the winner. When they got to the category, and said, ‘And the winner is … Rapture.’ I swear to you, it never connected, because I was like, that’s not my name.”

The 19-year-old also found time to sit with the Jamaica Star and admitted that even with all the world recognition that she’s been getting she still becomes easily nervous.
“I am nervous right now. I think a lot of people are expecting me to feel pressured, and I too was expecting myself to feel pressured, but this success has presented somewhat of a relief for me.”

Her Grammy win is only the beginning and she’s hoping to use the positive momentum to build on her music and get even better.

“Instead of putting me in a position where I am scared, you know, if I can top it [winning the Grammy], I continue to work hard because I may never know what I can achieve, especially with confidence. So I am just looking forward to it with optimism,” she said.