REGGAE NEWS
Koffee Creates History with Debut Album
Reggae superstar Koffee continues to make history. This is after her debut album “Gifted” debuted at number 9 on the UK Album chart. Such a fete is an accomplishment to be reckoned with as the entry makes her the first Jamaican born female artist to make the top 10; propelling her to be the first woman to reach such a high position in 27 years. Diana King’s “Tougher than Love” released in April 1995, spent three weeks on the chart, peaking at number 50. A few years back “44/876”, the collaborative effort by Shaggy and Sting rocketed to number 9 in 2018.
The 10-track “Gifted” was released on March 25 via Promised Land Recordings/Columbia Records and climbed its way in the Top 10 of the weekly chart. The chart positions are compiled based on sales of CDs, downloads, vinyl, and audio streams.
The last Jamaican artist to have made the top ten was Sean Paul, who saw his “Dutty Rock” album peaked at number 2 in early 2003. Shaggy, Bob Marley & the Wailers are the only Jamaican artists who have earned a number 1 spot on the UK album chart. Shaggy topped the chart with “Hot Shot” in 2001, while Marley took the top spot with “Legend” in 1984. “Legend” is still the best selling Reggae album in the world and will always be; holding a position in the top 10 after spending well over 1,000 weeks on the chart.
The 22 year old is the youngest and only female to win a Reggae Grammy for her EP “Rapture”. Her singles “Toast” (certified Gold in the UK), “Rapture and W” (both certified Silver) are part of the 18 tracks released on the deluxe edition of “Gifted”.