Columbia Records UK’s president, has confirmed the signing of teenage singer/songwriter Koffee to the record label for representation in North and South America.
The president went on to say “It’s great to have Koffee signed to us at Columbia UK. We believe that Koffee has the potential to be a global superstar. We will begin releasing new music from her later this year, and an EP is also planned.â€
The history of Jamaican music in the United Kingdom apparently played a role in the Koffee signing. He went on to to back their decision signalling Koffee as a good fit at the label
“Jamaican music has always had a massive impact in the UK and it’s really exciting for us to be able to continue with that tradition.â€
Jamaican artistes have entered the British national chart since 1964 when Millie Small peaked at number two with the ska ditty My Boy Lollipop. Desmond Dekker and The Aces (Israelites), Dave Barker and Ansel Collins (Double Barrel), Ken Boothe (Everything I Own), Junior Murvin (Police and Thieves), Dennis Brown (Money in My Pocket), Freddie McGregor (Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely) and Boris Gardiner (I Wanna Wake Up With You) are some of the other Jamaican acts who have made the British national chart.
Unger-Hamilton, has been at the helm of Columbia Records UK since 2016, is a former president of Polydor Records UK. He also worked in a senior role at Virgin Records UK.
Initially the 19 year old was signed to Upsetta Records where she released her debut single ‘Burning’. The track was a regional hit and in the United States. It spent three weeks at number one on The Foundation Radio Network Top 30 Reggae Chart (which covers New York City and South Florida) in June.
Columbia Records is owned by Sony Music Entertainment, and is one of the company’s four flagship record labels alongside RCA, Arista and Epic.
The Spanish Town-born artist will play throughout Europe and play Austin City Limits later in the year.
