Territory:Worldwide
World Afrobeat artist, versatile saxophonist and dynamic vocalist, Femi Koya is the new face of the African Renaissance, combining West African highlife and Jazz, South African Sofiatown with a nostalgic Afrobeat root sounds, his music is a rich blend of deep and sultry Afrobeat and contemporary groove. His life’s journey - a story of migration from the West to the South - resonates in his music, which creates a conscious dialogue between West African and South African sounds. This musical fusion demonstrates the path to a new and culturally integrated Africa in which a common heritage is reinforced to meet the needs of today's world. His quest is for African unity at a time when he believes Africa should claim its rightful and proud place in the world.
Femi Koya’s debut album “Just in Newtown” is evidence of the rich melodies that result from this fusion. Through his versatility on the saxophone, he breathes new life into African world music. “Iba” meaning “Homage” is the title of Femi Koya’s second album which was launched in August 2015. The Iba album also calls for African unity and makes a plea for human rights to be respected. But the album also celebrates Africa’s love of life with infectious dance numbers that bring fans to their feet. Latest album “Village Afrobeat” was released April 2018, the songs depict nature, fertility, rituals, change of seasons and traditions essential to village life. The Album tells stories and tales of what happens in Villages and especially fables with animals like tortoise, the role of town criers, village men and women as part of the whole village lifestyle. In, 2019, He revisited a few songs on his latest EP “Ori Mi” and Single “Iba”.
His musical influences include Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Manu di Bango, Hugh Masekela & John Coltrane. He has shared the stage with Youssou N’dour and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, John Legend Sunny Ade, Wynton Marsalis, Oliver Mtukudzi, Habib Koite , Salif Keita, Baaba Maal and many others. Femi has recorded with Simphiwe Dana, Pops Mohamed ,Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and worked with Baaba Maal, Angelique Kidjo, Wizkid, to mention a few…
Femi Koya sees himself as part of the new Africa on the move, where home is not just one place but a multiplicity of places and influences. He believes that Africa will have its true homecoming when people see themselves as first and foremost African. Until then he will continue to make music suggestive of this homecoming and what the future holds if Africans unite. It is, he says, our destiny.
