Femi Koya is already seriously accomplished – he’s a saxophonist, singer, songwriter and producer.
However, he admits that his childhood growing up in Lagos was ‘nowhere musical’. “I heard music in church, but I wasn’t interested as soccer was my focus,” Koya stated.
He added that he believes his interest in music only came about after visiting his father’s village in Lagos. “The traditional drummers would play and I would uncontrollably be taken up and would jump up and dance with their rhythm. Guess I underestimated the power of music at that age.”
Although he pursued his love of soccer, an injury led him to start a music career. “Music then took my hand and my whole being about 14 years ago while I was still in Lagos. I started playing as a church trumpet player and then got more inspiration on world music and Afrobeat,” which is now his signature sound.
His latest album, titled Iba, which means ‘homage’ was inspired by the lives we lead as Africans. “It’s about our day-to-day challenges and successes,” Koya explained.
“Long ago, in African villages, when you arrive as a visitor of a new city or village, you pay homage to the people and the soil before trading or living your life. I saw it crucial to pay homage to the gone musical prophets, the living legends of our time and the strong African power-shakers soon to come.”
The album features some other local greats such as Pitika Ntuli, Stompie Manana, Pops Mohamed, Prince Lengoasa, Kenny Mathaba, Lisa Combrinck and even the Soweto Gospel Choir.
“Iba speaks about African unity and echoes the words and agenda of the true African leaders in pursuit of the hope that the new Africa will unite to create a better continent,” Koya added.
Despite the stars that lend their voices to the songs on the successful album, Koya admits there were a few struggles while making it. “Iba was recorded and released independently, therefore, a lot has gone out budget-wise, but the joy is the message that has been sent across, not forgetting that music is a weapon.”
He’s not holding back. This year, Koya will perform an Afrobeat tribute to Fela Kuti at the Orbit Jazz Club in Braamfontein. He’s also got another album up his sleeve, so this won’t be the last we will hear from this talented musician.
Details: www.femikoya.com; @Femikoya_
