Koffee

I do accept being a role model wholeheartedly because I know it is something that cannot be avoided. However, if I am careless with my role, it will be to my detriment. But if I accept my responsibility in a good way, it can only get better for myself and those around me; it is all about what you decide to do.

I'm trying to give back. Make a movement.

I was struggling a bit academically - not failing, but not doing as well as I could be. And in that space I found myself filling that gap creatively, which became a success for me. I turned the failure into success. My talent formed me and found me.

I'd really love to build my own school for kids who are creative.

I try to stay focused by remaining connected to my roots.

I just try to be as natural as possible. Sometimes people are made to feel like they have to create an image that's separate from themselves in order to be successful in any area. But for me, I didn't get the chance to do that.

It's important that my music makes a positive impact on my country, the reggae genre and the world.

I want my name to turn into a household name.

She already knew what I was capable of by the time I said, 'Look, Mommy, this is what I want to do,' because I'd already built that confidence in myself.

Everybody contributes to reggae differently and I will offer as many positive messages to the youth as I can. I only hope that other artists will also play their part.

I think it is refreshing for a lot of people to see a woman stepping up and showing that it's possible to do things that are typically male-dominated.

Cocoa Tea is a mentor who's very knowledgeable about the business, he gives me musical advice and encouragement, knowing that I have to get there at some point.

Because music isn't just for fame or money, using it for positive, powerful things is always good.

I'd like to be inspiring the youth in Jamaica.

I never went in on oldies music, but I have heard many of those old records, especially courtesy of my mom, I don't know all the names, but I know the songs and they were so impactful on me, it came out in how I express myself.

What was in my direct environment, and the feelings I experienced there, were what I translated into my lyrics.

When I started doing music, the way everything took off surprised us.

If you are alive you have a gift.

The pace that Bob Marley set in reggae music, on such a positive and widespread level, is something that I want to emulate and carry on. I want to honour his legacy in that sense.

It's kind of difficult to describe sound as positive, but I feel like music has feeling.

I know that we are a small country, but we can be very impactful, and I believe in that - the power of what we can do as a country. So I want to contribute to the good of that.

Reggae will definitely progress, not only in terms of what it accomplishes.

Internationally, reggae and dancehall both are recognized as reggae. For us Jamaicans, we understand that there's a difference. It would be good to see more appreciation shown for the genres as separate entities.

I've overcome the fear of growth.

It's an honor to have the opportunity and platform to elevate my country and inspire and empower my people.

I'm not Rastafari... I'm just kind of doing my own thing.

I love reggae because of its messages. Bob Marley sings so many positive, impactful songs, he raises people's consciousness. Artists like Chronixx, Protoje and Jesse Royal can teach you important things that you may not know about otherwise.

I stay grounded by keeping in connection with my mom and humble people who I aspire to be like.

You have to put your head in the right space to maintain a certain level of groundation, it's a daily practice.

I want to speak of a solution and of a way that we can come together and get along, even when things are going wrong.

I took to reggae and just made my own path.

Music has a way where it moves, regardless of the genre, to progress.

When I discovered reggae music, I found I could learn more and get more from it. It change your perspective, it helps you feel more calm, it sends a message. I wanted that to be a part of what I was going to do.

From not getting into sixth form to getting a Grammy, my journey has taught me that God will always find a way.

I didn't know the world would show me so much love so quickly.

Typically, when I am creating individual songs, I like to listen to beats, feel the vibe and create off of that. I write lyrics and melodies that compliment the track.

When I was a kid, my mom always said that I was going to be great. I guess it was because of the way I would behave. She would say because of my attitude, I must have to be great because I can't behave like that and just be some normal person.

There is somewhat of a tradition when you are coming out with the first project where you want to anchor yourself in a certain way so you bring in as many people as you can get. I don't believe in doing things that way.

I want people to know that Jamaica is filled with youngsters with a lot of potential. Smart people who are talented across all boundaries: musically, artistically, athletically.

I'm trying to inspire everyone who is gifted, because many people don't realize it but you can't take anything for granted.

Because I came from a Christian household, I listened to a lot of gospel. But when I ventured off and started listening to the radio, it was always a mix of reggae and dancehall. Lots of Vybz Kartel and Mavado, people who are more popular artists of our generation.

I took that role for myself to be a source of positivity so that others know that at least there is someone out there dedicated to that.

Positivity is something that I definitely always want to push because I feel like it always has a place in music.

I'm proud to use my talent to bring positive attention toward my country, that's definitely good for me.

Reggae is a very positive genre, it is surrounded by positive words, lyrics, people and it is known for that.

I bring a newness to the genre... a new reggae awakening.

Jamaican culture is very strong, very unique. It is a unified culture in terms of we all kind of like to get along.

I believe that reggae music has always been a source of healing.

I have had moments of anxiety, so to speak. Just starting my music career and not knowing what to do next. Or even before music, wanting to finish school and not being able to realize that dream at the time I wanted to and really deeply wondering about what my next step would be, what my family would think.

I think we are very musical people, so we take pride in singing hymns very well, and embracing learning different instruments and learning music as a science. I think that had a huge impact on my musical career.