African treat for city jazz lovers

"The celebrated jazz musician performed to the Pretoria audience at the African Beer Emporium on Saturday at the Jazz Night concert at the buzzing arts precinct, 012Central."

June 12, 2018

Thato Mahlangu 1 minute read

Femi Koya, popularly known as Village Afrobeat, rocked jazz lovers in the city last Saturday.

The celebrated jazz musician performed to the Pretoria audience at the African Beer Emporium on Saturday at the Jazz Night concert at the buzzing arts precinct, 012Central.

Jazz City nights at @AfricanBeers with @femkoya pic.twitter.com/XH9Y8Z4Q6y

— alet pretorius (@aletpretorius) June 10, 2018

The music of this Nigerian saxophonist and “big mouth singer” demonstrates the path to a new and culturally integrated Africa in which a common heritage is reinforced.

Believe me i don't like wahala
Femi Koya Zakifo2018
@femkoya @ZakifoMusikFest pic.twitter.com/VixSxqxCiy

— Olufemi Koya (@olufemikoyabeat) June 1, 2018

Koya’s debut album Just in Newtown is evidence of his rich melodies and versatility that breathed new meaning into African world music.

It all began in Newtown, Fete dela Musique is taking me there again to enjoy that feeling. 9th June at the Newtown Cultural Precinct.
Tell somebody Tell everyone, giving back to the community free music #freemusic #fetedelamusique #femikoya #afrobeat @femkoya #villageafrobeat pic.twitter.com/VXuhFUTHpl

— Olufemi Koya (@olufemikoyabeat) June 1, 2018

In his other album, Iba, which means homage, Koya makes a plea for African unity and the respect of human rights while celebrating Africa’s love of life with infectious dance numbers that bring fans to their feet.

One thing i know is – i don't like Wahala but for Capital Craft, Pretoria there will be Wahala o…16th June, Botanical Garden
@femkoya on the Move
Tell everyone, Pretoria Afrobeat Party is here to stay!#Capitalcraftbeerfestival #Femikoya #Afrobeatparty #VillageAfrobeat pic.twitter.com/KzLxQ06Rux

— Olufemi Koya (@olufemikoyabeat) June 1, 2018

Koya released another album in August 2017.

The album features Soweto Gospel Choir, Pops Mohamed, Stompie Manana, Prince Lengoase, Kenny Mataba, professor Pitika Ntuli and Lisa Combrinck.

Watch the video here:

His musical influences include Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Manu di Bango, Hugh Masekela, Baaba Maal and John Coltrane.

He also shared the stage at the African football awards in Lagos with Youssou N’dour and Yvonne Chaka Chaka.

He also performed with US R&B sensation John Legend during his first South African tour in Cape Town.

Femi Koya Zakifo2018
@femkoya @ZakifoMusikFest pic.twitter.com/s8lPMAfWjd

— Olufemi Koya (@olufemikoyabeat) June 1, 2018

Locally, Koya has worked with jazz singers Simphiwe Dana, Mohamed, and Chaka Chaka.

Plett Art Festival

My name is Femi Koya, The Real Makoya, i don't like wahala, Wakanda or not, Nigerian born South African reborn active Saxophonist Big Mouth singer. Catch @femkoya Plettenberg Art Fest 7th July#Afrobeatparty #femikoya #Villageafrobeat pic.twitter.com/yDUqAZfKM1

— Olufemi Koya (@olufemikoyabeat) June 1, 2018

Koya will take his place in a stellar lineup of Pretoria’s hottest bands at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens east of Pretoria on 16 June.