J Cocoa
Jecoliah Frimpong, known on stage as J Cocoa, is a London-based British vocalist, songwriter and grassroots community leader. Her work blends alternative jazz, soul and fusion with honest storytelling, expressive vocals and a deep commitment to community.
Having experienced homelessness as a teenager, J Cocoa has turned her lived experience into a powerful creative platform. Through music, mentoring and grassroots projects, she uses her voice to inspire connection, support young talent and advocate for people across London.
As J Cocoa, Jecoliah is known for her soulful live performances, original songwriting and heartfelt interpretations of classic covers. Her sound sits between alternative jazz, soul and jazz-fusion, bringing together rich vocals, emotional depth and a distinctive live presence.
She has performed at a range of notable London venues and events, including Hackney Empire Bar, Facebook Studios, Trafalgar Square and the Cutty Sark. Her music has also featured on professional production music releases, including MediaTracks Music’s MML612 Catalyst.
Alongside her work as an artist, Jecoliah is highly active in community music and grassroots development, particularly in Southeast London.
She is the founder of The Resonance Project, a grassroots music initiative created for adults to celebrate culture, build connections and strengthen community through music.
Jecoliah also serves as Music Director for the Thamesmead Community Choir, helping local people come together through singing, performance and shared creativity. Her commitment to supporting emerging talent has also seen her take part in local initiatives such as Thamesmead Got Talent Juniors, where she has served as a guest judge.
Her wider community work includes creative contributions to the Black Swimming Association, an organisation promoting water safety, inclusion and representation.
Jecoliah’s journey is shaped by resilience, courage and creativity. After leaving a difficult home environment at the age of 15, she experienced severe housing instability, spending nights on London night buses and living in youth hostels.
In December 2019, she took to the stage at The World’s Big Sleep Out in Trafalgar Square, supported by the youth homelessness charity Depaul UK. Performing to an audience of over 2,000 people, J Cocoa delivered a soulful rendition of John Legend’s “Ordinary People” as part of an event that also featured artists including Rag’n’Bone Man, Travis and Jake Bugg.
Through that performance, she helped raise awareness of youth homelessness while challenging stigma and showing the power of music as a tool for change.
