AUSTIN, Texas — As they say in Jamaica, “big tings a gwan” for Koffee.
The Jamaican reggae and dancehall singer released her EP, “Rapture,” this year and there are already rumors of the young performer collaborating with superstar Rihanna. Her hit single, “Toast,” was featured on former President Barack Obama’s summer playlist and she’s touring the U.S. and U.K., with solo shows and shows opening for singer Daniel Caesar, who recorded an ACL Live show last month.
At her show at the Austin City Limits Music Festival on Sunday, Koffee’s band – The Compozers, from London – got the crowd hyped before the singer appeared on stage, playing throwback R&B and rap covers, including “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “The Thong Song.”
It was 10 minutes before the reggae star walked on stage, by which time the crowd exploded in applause.
The 19-year-old met fame unexpectedly: her tribute song to Jamaican Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt was shared by the athlete on Instagram, helping launch her music career. She originally wanted to be a pharmacist, but the music found her.
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Her set on Sunday covered all the songs on her EP and didn’t fill the full hour she was slotted for, but the energy was high for a 3 p.m. timeslot.
She opened with 2017 reggae tune “Burning” – Koffee isn’t afraid to tackle the issues of Jamaican corruption and violence that plague the lower socio-economic areas of her country.
Before singing “Haffi Make It,” Koffee told the crowd she remembered writing the song at 17. Her message for young fans was to work hard and follow your dreams. In between weekend one and weekend two of the festival Koffee has been touring schools in Jamaica, playing for young fans.
Koffee gave fans what they wanted with song “Toast,” a song about giving thanks and gratitude, of which she had plenty for the crowd.
She said she would always remember her shows in Austin, with both weekends full of love and energy.
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