Spotlight – Kofi | Hidden Beats

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Spotlight - Kofi: A Journey Through Music and Resilience

In this edition of Spotlight – Kofi, we sit down with the multi-talented Kofi, an artist who’s making waves with his genre-blending sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Known for his unique fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeat influences, Kofi brings a fresh perspective to the music scene, combining rich storytelling with infectious beats. In this interview, Kofi opens up about his musical journey, the experiences that have shaped his artistry, and the messages he hopes to convey through his work. Join us as we explore the mind and music of Spotlight – Kofi, a voice that’s as impactful as it is memorable.

What got you started in music?

My whole life I’ve been around music. I started off playing piano very young and that is where I learned to read and write. In high school, I got a MacBook and my first instinct was to download GarageBand. From there, I started making beats, and recording other artists. Eventually I just decided that I should do more than produce and engineer so I started singing myself.

Who are some of the early influences you brought into your music?

My biggest influences sonically are probably Akon, Drake, and Tory Lanez, but I also listen to and take things I like from every genre of music.

In what ways does your Ghanaian heritage influence the storytelling aspect of your music? Are there particular cultural themes or values that find their way into your lyrics?

I wouldn’t say lyrically as much as musicality. I was raised around Ghanaian highlife and west African music, so my ear gravitates towards those sounds.

We hear you have a new album set to drop, Pettyboy. Can you give us a little insight behind the creation of this one?

I made this album after a breakup as a list of words I wish I had said, and things I wish I did. I’m not petty by nature, but I had to let it all out on this project.

Do you have any out of the box things in your creation process not many know about?

I’m a control freak. Because of my background in starting as an engineer, then venturing into producing, I have a hard time not doing everything on the song from start to finish by myself.

How do you think your music has evolved if we go back and look at some earlier work like “Came Up” from 2019?

I think the best way to sum it up is more refined. Even listening to my earliest songs,I think that there’s something there, but my newer stuff is definitely on another level.

What is the most interesting thing you've learned about yourself in your musical journey?

I’ve grown to be very grateful. It’s amazing to be able to call being a musician your job, and every day my life is filled with gratitude for that.

How do you approach balancing upbeat rhythms with serious, introspective lyrics, as seen in songs like “Babygirl”?

The juxtaposition of sonics and lyrics is something I love to play with. It’s one of the core themes of the album. “Say I Won’t” sounds like it should be a ballad, but it’s the furthest thing from it. I think the contrast creates more emotional depth, and on this album pettiness.

What’s the biggest misconception about being an independent artist, especially one producing for others while building a solo career?

I think a common misconception is that it’s not a lot of work. It’s fun work, and some of the most rewarding work, but work nonetheless.

If you could score a movie about your life up to this point, what would the soundtrack sound like? Which artists or instruments would feature prominently?

The soundtrack for a movie about my life would be all over the place musically.All the way from classical to hip-hop to r&b and afrobeats.

What is one thing you think should be asked more in an interview that isn't asked enough?

I’d like to know what artist’s goals in life are outside of their career as a musician.

Being part of the Hip Hop community, who is your personal starting lineup?

Drake
Akon
J.Cole
Jay-Z
A Boogie.

If you had to introduce your music to a new fan for the first time what song is the best introduction?

I’d say “Say I Won’t”. It’s an old timey R&B song with a barber shop quartet vibe, but the lyrics are diabolical.

What do you hope people take away from your music?

I just hope they enjoy it. This album is for people to enjoy listening to. For lovers of music who appreciate the art form in its entirety

What are some of your next milestones after the album drop?

Once I drop this album, I’m just going to keep dropping. It’s about to be a really good time to be a Kofi fan.

Spotlight – Kofi is a wrap. Big thanks to Kofi for taking the time to chat!

Check out Pettyboy and the rest of the music here

Keep up with Kofi and all the things coming up

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